Thinking about installing a shower? It will typically cost you between $1,140 and $5,120.

This is quite a price range, and the reason for the wide variation in costs is quite simple: you'll find a tremendous selection of showers out there. The cost to install a shower will fluctuate according to:

1. Style, such as shower-tub combo, simple stall shower, shower with framed or frameless door, etc.
2. Prefab unit vs. custom shower
3. Materials
4. Square footage
5. Quality and efficiency of fixtures
6. Whether a shower pan or a tiled floor is used
7. Any structural repair, reinforcement, or refinishing necessary

Cost to Install Shower Features

Cost Breakdown

• Materials -- Confirm with your contractor the type, amount, and quality of materials to be used, such as tile, showerhead(s), faucet(s), shower liner, etc.
• Labor -- The work to install your shower may require the services of several different professionals -- a plumber, a drywall pro if walls need to be moved or replaced, and an electrician if you have ordered an electric shower, special lighting, and so on.
• Clean-up -- For a shower replacement, your pros will need to demolish and dispose of the old shower. This may increase the labor cost.
• Permit -- You will probably need to pay for a building permit, followed by an inspection.
• Estimate -- The initial estimate, which may include an onsite inspection, is often free.

Get the Most for Your Money

Install a WaterSense showerhead, which uses 50 percent less water than a conventional one. This may be required by law in your area.

Installation of a prefab (kit) shower will save money and time, but you'll have far fewer design options. Besides, it may be difficult to impossible to actually get a prebuilt kit shower through your existing bathroom door.