How Much Does a Shower Installation Cost in Washington, D.C.? [2025 Data]

A new shower can elevate the luxury of your Washington, DC bathroom, creating a sleek and functional space. On average, shower installation in the nation’s capital costs $6,298, though most homeowners spend between $1,965 and $10,693 depending on shower type, size, design, and labor. This guide will outline the key factors behind your shower installation cost in Washington, D.C.

Shower Installation Cost Factors 

Shower installation costs in Washington, D.C. depend on shower size, type, materials, and labor requirements. Here are the main factors to consider when planning your budget.

Size

The larger the shower, the more you’ll pay. If you use a prefabricated shower without a door, you can expect to pay around $1,125, which is about $158 per square foot. 

The average cost to install a tub-shower combo is about $2,260. For the standard 30-by-60-inch size, that’s around $181 per square foot.

You also have the option of adding a shower to an existing bathtub. The simplest way is to install a diverter shower, which includes a valve that directs water to your tub’s spout, a handheld shower, or a showerhead. If that’s not possible, you’ll have to invest in the cost of replacing the bathtub and install a model that supports a shower.

Shower Design

The design of your shower can dramatically impact the price of installation. A tiled walk-in shower can cost anywhere from $1,580 to $13,215. Prefabricated showers, which are plastic, can save you some money. The shower insert—which comes as a part of a kit—costs as little as $230.

Materials

High-end materials will increase the overall shower installation cost in Washington, D.C. If you opt for a fiberglass or acrylic insert, you’ll spend anywhere from $301 to $1,507.

Shower Installation Cost by Type

Some people only want to invest in the cost of a walk-in shower, some want a tub-shower combo, and others might want a full-on steam shower that doubles as a home sauna. However you prefer to get clean, here’s what you can expect to pay.

Additional Features

A shower installation is an opportunity to add new features to your scrub routine. Budget for these costs, too.

• Replace showerhead: $100–$450

• Custom steam shower: $2,800–$7,100

• Replace shower drain: $500–$1,020

Demolition and Prep 

If you’re replacing your existing shower, you’ll need to remove your old shower. Removal costs about $35 to $75, but it could cost more if you need to demolish walls and remove and replace pipes. You’ll also have to spend around $190 for cleanup, which involves hauling away the construction debris.

Pro Bathroom Remodeler Costs

A local bathroom remodeler in Washington, DC will charge about 20% of the bathroom remodel cost, while combined labor from plumbers and electricians can drive total labor costs to 40% to 60% of the project budget. A shower installer is best suited for quick updates or prefab replacements, but if your remodel involves a custom shower build, moving walls, rerouting plumbing, or upgrading lighting, you’ll want a bathroom remodeler to oversee the job. 

Keep in mind that DIY installation of prefab showers can be risky. Manufacturers often require professional installation for warranty coverage, or they may deny coverage if the failure resulted from improper DIY installation, so errors could leave you footing the repair bill if anything goes wrong.

Pro Plumber Costs

Some shower installations don’t require significant plumbing work. In other cases, you’ll need to hire a licensed plumber near you to add a new fixture or move pipes around. 

Adding a new plumbing fixture for your shower costs $450 to $1,300, and most plumbers charge $35 to $160 per hour, depending on their experience level. 

Additional Pros to Consider Hiring 

Shower installation can be very straightforward, especially if you’re installing a prefab model. That said, there are some instances where you may need to call pros beyond your installer and plumber. Here are some additional pros and their associated costs:

• Interior designer: $40–$160 per hour

• Electrician: $40–$100 per hour

• Interior painter: $20–$40 per hour

• Handyperson: $40–$120 per hour

Does a Shower Installation Increase Home Value?

In Washington, D.C., where buyers often look for homes that balance historic character with modern amenities, installing a walk-in shower can be a smart investment. With an ROI of about 55%, this upgrade adds value as long as another bathroom in the home still includes a tub, or if you’re installing a bathtub/shower combo, since families and pet owners often consider that essential. 

Many older rowhouses and condos in the D.C. area have bathrooms that feel outdated or inefficient, and a stylish, updated shower can make a big difference. A refreshed bathroom not only improves your daily comfort and luxury, but also helps your property stand out in the competitive real estate market.

How Angi Gets Its Cost Data

Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We survey real Angi customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects. 

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