February 4, 2023
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Construction

CountBricks: cost to remove bathtub and install shower

James Miller
Head of Sales

Understanding the Real Cost to Remove a Bathtub and Install a Shower

Homeowners search for the “cost to remove bathtub and install shower” because they want clarity before committing to a bathroom remodel. CountBricks delivers that clarity by combining live, AI-driven cost data, voice-guided estimating, and blueprint takeoffs. This article breaks down every factor so you can budget with confidence and see exactly how CountBricks keeps your project on track and on budget.

Typical Price Range in Residential Construction

Across most U.S. metro areas, CountBricks projects show the following ballpark ranges:

• Basic acrylic shower insert replacing a standard alcove tub: $2,800 – $4,500

• Mid-grade fiberglass pan with tile walls and upgraded fixtures: $4,800 – $7,200

• Custom tile pan, frameless glass, premium plumbing, and niche storage: $7,500 – $12,000+

Variations come from demolition complexity, plumbing relocation, finish materials, and local labor rates. CountBricks pulls real-time pricing from our construction cost engine, ensuring your estimate reflects current market conditions, not last year’s averages.

Core Cost Components

• Demolition & debris haul-off

• Rough plumbing adjustments

• Waterproofing membrane and shower pan

• Wall finishes (tile, solid surface, panels)

• Glass enclosure or curtain system

• Fixtures, valves, trim, and accessories

• Labor, project management, and permits

Hidden Costs Homeowners Often Miss

• Mold remediation once the old tub is removed

• Upgrading a ½-inch drain line to 2 inches for code compliance

• Subfloor repair if previous water damage exists

• Repainting adjacent walls after tile work

• Temporary water shut-offs or after-hours work charges

CountBricks AI prompts you about these items during the voice interview so nothing slips through the cracks.

How CountBricks Calculates Costs in Minutes, Not Days

Traditional estimates require site visits, manual takeoffs, and multiple supplier phone calls. CountBricks replaces that delay with:

• Voice-guided scope definition in under 10 minutes

• Instant measurements pulled from uploaded blueprints or smartphone scans

• Live material pricing from regional vendors

• Labor rates matched to your ZIP code and trade mix

The result is a line-item estimate you can edit, approve, and convert into a formal quote document—all inside the CountBricks platform.

Step-by-Step CountBricks Workflow

1. Start a project on CountBricks.com/services and choose Bathroom Remodel.

2. Speak naturally while our AI captures square footage, existing tub type, and desired shower style.

3. Upload floor plans or let CountBricks take off dimensions from photos.

4. Review the auto-generated cost breakdown, complete with tasks, materials, and timeline.

5. Adjust finishes or fixture brands and watch the total update in real time.

6. Click “Generate Quote” to receive a polished PDF ready for homeowner approval.

Cost-Saving Strategies Without Cutting Corners

• Reuse existing drain location whenever possible to avoid slab trenching

• Specify large-format tiles to reduce grout lines and labor hours

• Opt for semi-frameless glass instead of fully frameless to save 15-20%

• Schedule demolition and installation consecutively to minimize downtime

• Bundle other small bathroom upgrades (vanity, lighting) for volume pricing within the same mobilization

When DIY Makes Sense—And When It Doesn’t

A confident DIYer can handle surface demolition or painting, but plumbing relocation and waterproofing demand professional expertise. CountBricks users can toggle DIY labor lines off the estimate to see potential savings, then decide which tasks to self-perform and which to subcontract.

Return on Investment

Real estate data in CountBricks projects shows that a tub-to-shower conversion recoups 55-65% of its cost at resale, and even higher when accessibility is a selling feature. Beyond ROI, homeowners gain daily convenience, reduced water usage, and a modern aesthetic.

Why Contractors Choose CountBricks for Bathroom Conversions

• Precise takeoffs eliminate material overruns

• Instant change-order pricing keeps margins intact

• Branded quote documents close jobs faster

• Field-ready task lists sync to project management apps

Visit CountBricks.com/portfolio to see recent bathroom projects delivered on schedule and budget.

Final Thoughts

The true cost to remove a bathtub and install a shower depends on dozens of variables, but estimating shouldn’t feel like guesswork. With CountBricks, you get transparent pricing, streamlined workflows, and the confidence to promise—and deliver—exceptional results for every homeowner.

Are you a construction professional? Use AI to build and edit full estimates, quotes and bids.

Case Study: Houston Tub-to-Shower Conversion Powered by CountBricks

Mary and John S. owned a 1980s ranch home in Houston with a 5-foot alcove tub that never got used. Their goals were a modern, low-maintenance shower and better accessibility for aging family members. Here’s how CountBricks delivered:

Project Snapshot

• Scope: Remove steel tub, relocate shower valve, install custom tile pan with sliding glass door

• Bathroom size: 62 sq ft

• Timeline: 8 working days

• Final contract value: $8,450

How CountBricks Added Value

1. Voice Estimate: In a single 9-minute call, the homeowner described finishes, fixture preferences, and mobility needs. CountBricks produced a live estimate within seconds.

2. Blueprint Takeoff: The contractor uploaded the original floor plan. CountBricks auto-detected wall lengths and calculated exact tile square footage, avoiding the typical 10% over-order of materials.

3. Instant Revisions: When Mary upgraded to a frameless glass door, CountBricks updated labor, hardware, and lead time instantly, adding $640 to the quote and preserving profit.

Outcome and Savings

• Material waste reduced by 12% thanks to precision takeoffs

• Contractor saved an estimated six hours of manual estimating

• Homeowners received a clear, itemized quote the same day—speed that secured the job before competing bids arrived

Lessons for Your Next Project

• Use the CountBricks change-order tool to price finish upgrades on the fly; homeowners love seeing transparent cost impacts in real time.

• Always scan or photograph the existing layout; the AI finds hidden length and area that manual tape measures miss.

• Build a branded quote library inside CountBricks.com/services so every bathroom package looks polished and consistent.

No matter the size of your bathroom conversion, CountBricks equips you with accurate numbers, professional documentation, and the speed to win more residential work.