What a conversion costs by approach
- Prefab acrylic / fiberglass kit — $3,500–$7,000. Tub out, new pan and wall panels in, glass door. Fastest and lowest-cost, one to three days.
- Tiled walk-in shower — $7,000–$15,000. Custom pan, waterproofing membrane, full tile walls, niche, bench, frameless or semi-frameless glass.
- Curbless / roll-in (aging-in-place) — $9,000–$18,000. The subfloor is recessed so there is no threshold; adds framing and drainage work.
What the job includes
Remove the tub and surround; adjust the plumbing — the drain moves from the tub location to the shower center and the valve is reset to shower height; frame any changes; install and flood-test the waterproofing; set the pan or build the mud bed; tile or panel the walls; hang the glass; and finish with trim, a new exhaust consideration and paint. The waterproofing step is the one that matters most and the one cut-rate jobs shortcut — a proper membrane and a 24-hour flood test are non-negotiable in a humid climate.
In the Orlando area, homeowners comparing prefab and tiled conversions can see both approaches and current pricing at https://orlandobathremodel.com.
Tub to shower conversion cost by scope (2026)
| Scope | Typical cost | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Prefab acrylic kit + glass door | $3,500 – $7,000 | 1 – 3 days |
| Custom tiled walk-in shower | $7,000 – $15,000 | 1 – 2 weeks |
| Curbless / roll-in accessible shower | $9,000 – $18,000 | 1.5 – 2.5 weeks |
| Add frameless glass enclosure | +$1,000 – $3,500 | +1 week (measured after tile) |
Includes demo, plumbing adjustment, waterproofing, base, walls and door. Moving the drain in a slab adds $800–$2,000.
The resale consideration
Converting the only tub in a house can narrow the buyer pool — families with young children often want at least one tub. The common-sense rule: if you have two or more full baths, converting the secondary or master tub to a great walk-in shower is usually a plus; if it is the single bathroom in the home, keep a tub or choose a shower-tub combo. For owners staying long-term or aging in place, daily usability outweighs the resale point.
Timeline
A prefab conversion is 1–3 days. A custom tiled walk-in is 1–2 weeks including the waterproofing cure, tile setting and grout time, plus the glass, which is measured after the tile is in and takes about a week to fabricate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cost figures are 2026 national and Florida-region averages compiled for general guidance. Get itemized quotes for your specific property before budgeting.