The shower base—also called a shower pan—is the unsung hero of every bathroom remodel. When it begins to crack, leak, or simply look dated, replacement becomes inevitable. Homeowners understandably ask one question first: “What will a shower base replacement cost?” At CountBricks, we answer that question with precise, AI-powered numbers pulled from live material databases and local labor rates. Below, our residential construction experts break down everything you need to know before you demo a single tile.
Across the metro areas we serve, CountBricks projects show typical shower base replacement cost landing between $1,200 and $3,800 for standard alcove showers. Custom curbless or stone pans can exceed $6,000. Why the spread? Because every bathroom differs in size, prep work, plumbing complexity, and finish grade. Instead of guessing, CountBricks.com/services lets you create a voice-driven estimate that updates instantly as you talk through options.
1. Pan Type
• Off-the-shelf acrylic pans are budget-friendly but limited in size
• Fiberglass units balance cost and durability for most homes
• Solid surface, cultured marble, or tile-ready bases add premium aesthetics—and dollars
2. Site Conditions
• Subfloor damage or mold remediation can add hundreds
• Second-floor bathrooms usually require additional waterproofing time
3. Plumbing Adjustments
• Relocating the drain even a few inches triggers carpentry, new P-traps, and inspections
4. Labor Rates
• Urban centers pay higher licensed-trade rates than suburban zones
• Weekend or rush-order work increases project premiums
Based on real-time supplier feeds inside CountBricks, here is a current snapshot:
• Acrylic shower base (60" x 32"): $230 – $420
• Tile-ready composite pan: $480 – $950
• Linear drain kit: $180 – $300
• Waterproofing membranes & sealants: $85 – $160
• Fasteners, shims, sundries: $30 – $55
Because these prices fluctuate daily, our AI estimator refreshes numbers each time you open the project file, ensuring your quote never goes stale.
CountBricks organizes tasks into standardized cost codes:
• Demolition & haul-away: 2-4 labor hours
• Subfloor repair & leveling: 1-3 labor hours
• Base installation & drain connection: 3-5 labor hours
• Waterproofing inspection & testing: 1 labor hour
Multiply those hours by local trade rates ($65–$125 per hour in many residential zones) to understand why labor often equals or exceeds material cost.
1. On-site voice walk-through with the CountBricks mobile app
2. Real-time AI takeoff of existing dimensions & material notes
3. Demolition and moisture assessment
4. Subfloor reinforcement if needed
5. New pan setting, leveling, and drain connection
6. Waterproof membrane or flanges installed
7. Final inspection, flood test, and client sign-off
DIY Route
• Savings: Up to 40% on labor
• Risk: Improper slope or missed waterproofing can lead to hidden leaks costing thousands later
Professional Installation
• Benefit: Warranty on both materials and workmanship through CountBricks-verified contractors
• Added Value: Faster turnaround and compliance with municipal codes
• AI-driven purchasing compares supplier inventories in seconds
• Automated schedule coordination limits downtime between trades
• Voice-to-estimate technology slashes administrative overhead, savings we pass on to clients
• Choose standard drain locations to avoid plumbing moves
• Bundle shower base replacement with wall tile refresh to leverage economies of scale
• Select durable mid-range materials that offer long warranties without sky-high price tags
A recent CountBricks bathroom upgrade in Woodland Hills replaced a cracked fiberglass pan with a tile-ready composite base. Using our AI estimator, the client locked in a $2,450 turnkey price, 18% below the regional average. The project finished two days early thanks to real-time task sequencing from CountBricks.com/portfolio.
How fast can I get an estimate? With CountBricks voice capture, expect a ready-to-share PDF in under 10 minutes.
Do you offer financing? Yes, fixed-rate options are available. Ask during your CountBricks.com/consultation.
Will my old tile match the new base? Our design team sources complementary trim pieces or recommends full wall upgrades when matching proves difficult.
Ready to pinpoint your exact shower base replacement cost? Start a live conversation with CountBricks AI and watch your estimate build itself—no spreadsheets, no guesswork. Visit CountBricks.com/services or schedule a free consultation now.
Numbers alone don’t tell the whole story. Below are two recent Los Angeles-area shower pan projects that illustrate how CountBricks technology transforms budgets and timelines.
• Original client budget: $3,500 based on online averages
• CountBricks AI estimate: $2,960 after live material scan
• Savings lever: Switching from custom quartz threshold to stock acrylic curb
• Timeline: 3 working days, one inspector visit
Outcome: Client redirected the $540 saved into low-iron glass doors, boosting property value.
• Initial contractor quote: $7,100 with five-day labor schedule
• CountBricks revised estimate: $6,250 by optimizing crew sequencing
• Savings lever: Real-time bid request sent to three approved tile suppliers, dropping tile-ready pan cost 12%
• Timeline: Completed in four working days
Outcome: Homeowner secured ADA compliance without compromising style or blowing the budget.
1. Automated Takeoffs: Our blueprint parser eliminates manual hour-long measurements, producing exact square footage in seconds.
2. Dynamic Procurement: CountBricks monitors supplier stock levels and substitutes equivalents when prices spike.
3. Task Overlap Logic: The platform schedules waterproofing cures overnight, slicing a full day off multi-trade projects.
• Book demo lines during standard hours to avoid off-hour surcharges
• Approve finish selections early—late-stage changes are the fastest way to inflate shower base replacement cost
• Use CountBricks progress dashboards to spot schedule drift before it impacts labor budgets
Whether you need a quick pan swap or a full spa-like conversion, CountBricks brings clarity and control to every line item. Visit CountBricks.com/consultation to see how our AI tools can put real money back in your pocket on the very first project.
