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How to Budget for a Tile Shower Conversion

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How to Budget for a Tile Shower Conversion

A walk-in shower is a smart upgrade, but it takes planning to manage the cost without breaking your monthly budget.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $8,000 before anything else
Across the 0% window $444.44/mo 18 months, no interest

How we got that: $8,000 spread evenly across the 18-month introductory window on the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

Trading a tub for a walk-in shower makes your bathroom feel larger and safer for the long haul. Most contractors finish this work in about a week, but the real benefit is the daily ease of getting in and out without a high ledge to clear.

January is the best time to book your project. Contractors are often looking for work after the holidays, so you might get a better price or a quicker start date than you would during the busy spring season.

The 18-month window is a tool for spreading out your costs, not free money. If you have a remaining balance after the 18 months are up, the interest charges will hit your account, so stick to your payment schedule.

The steps

  1. 01

    Get three quotes

    Never go with the first price you hear. Get three written estimates from local contractors to see what the market rate really is. Compare the materials they list to make sure you are comparing apples to apples.

  2. 02

    Build your payment plan

    You can use the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card to manage the $8000 cost. It offers 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening. This lets you break that cost into $444.44 monthly payments.

  3. 03

    Check the schedule

    Ask your contractor for a firm start date during the winter months. Since they are often slower in January, you can leverage that to ensure they commit to a specific deadline for completion.

  4. 04

    Set aside extra

    Old houses almost always hide surprises behind the wall, like water damage or rot. Keep at least ten percent of your total budget in a savings account to cover these inevitable extras.

  5. 05

    Automate the payments

    Set up an auto-pay through your bank for $445 each month. This ensures you pay off the project before the intro window expires and prevents you from missing a payment.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

    Every figure we publish for the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card carries the date a person verified it against Citi and a link to where they checked. Intro windows and APRs change without notice, so confirm the current terms before applying.

    See Citi Simplicity® Credit Card terms →

Common questions

Should I buy the tile myself?

Often, contractors get better rates at suppliers than you will. Ask them if they are willing to install tile you pick out, but let them handle the purchase to avoid issues with shipping or broken boxes.

How long does a shower remodel take?

A standard tub-to-shower conversion usually takes five to seven working days. Expect the bathroom to be out of commission for at least a week while the plumbing is moved and the waterproofing dries.

What happens if the contractor finds mold?

This is exactly why you need an emergency fund. Mold or water-damaged wood is a common surprise, and you will need to pay for the professional remediation before the new shower can be built.

Is the cheapest quote always best?

Not usually. A quote that is significantly lower than the others often means the contractor is cutting corners on waterproofing or sub-par labor. Go for the middle quote from someone with a solid reputation.