In Tampa Bay, a typical tub to shower conversion cost is between $4,500 – $12,000.
A budget-friendly project in a newer home might start near $3,500 to $5,000 if plumbing stays put and finishes stay simple. A higher-end build can reach $10,000 to $18,000+ when you upgrade waterproofing, move valves, add premium tile or choose custom glass. Your price depends on the shower conversion cost drivers that matter most here: the condition behind the walls, the materials you choose, the type of shower base and whether your layout needs plumbing changes.
Cost Ranges
Most shower conversions in Tampa Bay fall into a few realistic lanes. If you’re converting your tub in a condo with solid plumbing access and you choose a standard fiberglass unit, you may stay closer to the lower end. If you’re converting a tub to a shower in an older South Tampa home with aging supply lines, uneven framing or past water damage, costs rise fast because the “hidden” work becomes the real project.
A common midrange approach is a one-piece or multi-panel surround with a new pan, updated valve and a glass door. That’s often the sweet spot for homeowners who want a clean, durable bathtub to a shower upgrade without turning it into a full bathroom remodel.
What Affects the Cost?
- Plumbing changes (moving the drain, relocating the mixing valve, replacing older lines)
- Waterproofing (membranes, backer boards, proper slopes, leak testing)
- Surfaces and finishes (tile vs. panels, niches, benches, trim details)
- Glass and access (frameless shower doors, special sizes, custom cuts)
- Decor (themes such as countryside or beach decor)
*If your contractor finds rot under the tub or floor, expect added labor & replacement materials.
Pan Options
Your shower floor choice affects both price and long-term maintenance. Some homeowners use the words shower pans and shower base interchangeably, but the quote line items can vary depending on the system.
A standard acrylic or fiberglass shower base is often the most cost-controlled option and can speed up installation. A tiled floor usually costs more because it needs a properly built pan, a preslope, waterproofing layers and careful drain detailing. In Tampa Bay, that extra build-out is common when homeowners want a seamless look or need a custom size to fit an older footprint.
If you’ve got a tight space, a 32-inch opening can shape your design. A 32-inch entry may work with a compact layout, but it can limit door styles and may require careful planning for clearance and comfort.
Walls And Doors
A shower wall system can be tiled, solid-surface, acrylic panels or composite materials. Tile is flexible and popular, but grout lines require upkeep. Wall panels can be faster, cleaner and easier to wipe down, which appeals to many homeowners who want a practical walk-in shower for daily use.
On the entry side, shower doors can be a major line item. A basic framed slider costs less than a custom frameless glass door, especially when glass must be cut to fit out-of-plumb openings in older homes. If you want a wide, open look, frameless glass can be worth it, but it tends to push totals upward.
Tampa Factors
Local realities influence pricing in ways online averages miss. Tampa Bay homes vary widely, from block construction ranches to elevated coastal homes to older bungalows with layered renovations. That variety affects how easy it is to open walls, level floors and update plumbing safely.
Permitting and code expectations can also affect scope. If the job triggers updates to valves, drains or ventilation, the contractor may build that into the plan. Material availability, scheduling demand and storm-season workload can influence labor pricing too, especially when good crews are booked out.
If you’re weighing the cost of a tub versus upgrading to a shower, remember that a conversion includes more than the fixture. You’re paying for demolition, waterproofing, installation and the details that prevent leaks.
Start Planning
The best way to get an accurate number is to book a home consultation so the installer can measure, check plumbing access and look for any moisture damage. That visit usually clarifies whether you’re doing a simple bathtub to a shower swap or drifting toward a broader bathroom remodel.
Ask for a written scope that includes removal and disposal, the specific pan or shower base system, wall materials and the door type. Clear scope is what protects your budget and your timeline.
When you’re ready to start planning, focus on high quality components where they matter most: waterproofing, a properly installed pan and durable wall surfaces. Those choices can keep your new shower looking great and performing well through Tampa Bay heat, humidity and heavy daily use.
Ready to Trade Your Tub for a Shower?
Whether you’re aiming for a sleek, low-maintenance upgrade or a custom shower oasis, the right tub-to-shower conversion isn’t just about cost. It’s about confidence. At CMK Construction, we help Tampa Bay homeowners turn outdated tubs into safe, beautiful showers built to last. Our team will walk you through every choice, from waterproofing to glass doors, so you feel informed and in control. Let’s take the guesswork out of your remodel.
Schedule your free in-home consultation today and get a clear, personalized quote you can trust.
