Tub to Shower Conversion Cost in Illinois (2024 Guide)

If you're tired of climbing over a tub wall or you're thinking ahead to aging in place, converting a tub to a walk-in shower is one of the most popular bathroom upgrades we're asked about across Burr Ridge, Hinsdale, Western Springs, and the surrounding suburbs. The question we hear most often is simple: how much is this actually going to cost? The honest answer is "it depends," but we can give you a realistic framework for thinking about it.

The General Ballpark

For a straightforward tub-to-shower conversion — removing the tub, reworking the plumbing, and installing a new shower base, walls, and fixtures — many Chicagoland homeowners should expect a project in the low-to-mid five-figure range. Costs climb from there depending on the materials you choose, the condition of what's behind your existing walls, and whether anything unexpected turns up once demolition starts.

That range can shift significantly based on a few things:

• Shower base and wall material. A fiberglass or acrylic shower surround sits at the lower end. Custom tile work, natural stone, or a frameless glass enclosure will push the cost up.
• Plumbing changes. If your new shower location requires moving the drain, supply lines, or showerhead height, that adds labor and sometimes requires opening up more of the wall or floor than a simple swap would.
• Fixtures and accessories. A basic shower valve and fixed head cost less than a thermostatic valve, rain shower head, handheld sprayer, built-in niches, or a bench.
• Structural and code surprises. Many homes in this area — especially the older housing stock in Western Springs, Clarendon Hills, and parts of Hinsdale — have outdated plumbing, galvanized pipes, or subfloor damage from years of slow leaks around the tub. These aren't always visible until the tub is out.
• Accessibility features. If you're converting to a curbless or low-threshold shower for easier access, that typically involves more floor framing or slab work than a standard conversion, which affects both cost and timeline.

Every one of these variables can move the number meaningfully, which is why we're hesitant to quote a single "typical" price without seeing the bathroom in person. A quick walk-through lets us account for your home's age, the layout, and what you actually want the finished space to look like — and that's the only way to give you a number you can actually plan around.

What's Usually Included

A full tub-to-shower conversion generally covers:

• Demo and disposal of the old tub and surround
• Any necessary plumbing adjustments
• Waterproofing (this matters a lot in our climate — more on that below)
• New shower base or pan
• Wall surround or tile
• Glass door or shower curtain setup
• Fixtures: valve, showerhead, drain, and trim

Some homeowners also use the opportunity to update the vanity, lighting, or flooring at the same time, which can be more cost-effective than doing it as a separate project later, since you're already paying for labor mobilization and permitting.

Why Waterproofing Matters in Chicagoland Homes

Chicago-area humidity swings and the freeze-thaw cycle we deal with every winter put real stress on bathroom assemblies over time. A shower that isn't properly waterproofed behind the surround — especially in older homes with plaster walls or original 1950s-60s plumbing — can lead to hidden moisture damage within a few years. This is one area where it genuinely doesn't pay to cut corners. A well-built waterproofing system (proper membrane, correctly sloped pan, sealed seams) costs more upfront but protects the investment and the surrounding structure, including subfloors and adjacent walls.

Permits and Timing

Most municipalities in the west and southwest suburbs require a permit for work that involves plumbing changes, even for a conversion that seems cosmetic on the surface. Permit requirements and inspection timelines vary by town — Burr Ridge, Oak Brook, Indian Head Park, and Palos Park each have their own process and turnaround times. A licensed, local contractor will know how to navigate this for your specific municipality so you're not stuck guessing or risking a failed inspection down the line.

As for timing, we often suggest scheduling bathroom conversions in late fall through early spring. Not because the work itself is weather-dependent — it's mostly indoor work — but because contractor schedules tend to be busier in spring and summer when homeowners are also tackling kitchens, additions, and exterior projects. Booking during a quieter season can sometimes mean a faster start date.

Getting an Accurate Number

Because so much depends on what's behind your walls and under your tub, the only reliable way to get an accurate cost is an in-person assessment. We walk through the space, talk through what you're hoping to achieve — easier access, a more modern look, better resale value — and give you a clear, itemized quote before any work begins. We'd rather spend extra time upfront getting the scope right than surprise you with changes once the project is underway.

If you're also considering updates elsewhere in the house, it's worth mentioning that a tub-to-shower conversion is often just one piece of a larger bathroom remodeling project, whether that's a full gut renovation or targeted updates to fixtures, flooring, and storage. You can see examples of recent bathroom and full-home projects in our gallery if you want a sense of the range of finishes and layouts we've worked with around the suburbs.

Planning a kitchen, bathroom, or whole-home remodel in Chicagoland? Contact RRGG Construction for a free, no-obligation quote.