How Much Does a Shower Remodel Cost in Washington, D.C.? [2026 Data]

The average shower remodel costs $7,623 in Washington, D.C., with most homeowners spending $2,178 to $9,801. A new shower can give an old bathroom a spa-like level of luxury. Though the city has higher labor costs than other areas, it also offers a mix of housing, from modern condos to older row houses. This can impact the cost, since older homes may require additional repairs or upgrades to meet modern code requirements. Here’s how the costs break down so you can start a budget.

Shower Remodel Cost Factors

The cost of a shower remodel depends mostly on the materials you choose and the scope of the project. Labor comes at a premium in Washington, D.C. As a result, costs will rise with shower remodel ideas that take more work, whether you’re making extensive repairs on an older home or installing intricate tile in a new home.

Project Scope

The scope of the remodel will dictate the amount of work needed and the cost to do it. Different project costs include:

Shower Size

The cost to purchase the shower largely depends on the shower dimensions, though materials also play a large part. Here’s a breakdown of what a shower may cost by size:

Materials

Materials have a significant impact on the final cost of a shower remodel. When considering different bathroom remodel ideas, you can choose between prefabricated options that come as one unit or you can choose custom tile. The following table breaks down the average cost for prefabricated shower materials:

The following table breaks down the cost per square foot for custom shower materials:

Shower Type

Many professional shower installers purchase preassembled kits from trusted brands. Kits may include a fiberglass or acrylic stall, a shower door, faucets, a showerhead, and the shower pan.

Walk-in showers or tub-and-shower combos take a different approach. Tub-shower combos are among the most common in Washington, D.C., since they maximize space in smaller historic homes and older apartments. That said, if you choose a walk-in shower, the design is a lot more versatile. There are different kinds of shower enclosures depending on your preference.

Here are the main shower styles to consider:

Bathroom Condition

The initial condition of the bathroom can also impact your bathroom remodel costs. If the bathroom is in good shape and you’ll just be remodeling the shower, the total cost will be lower than if there are other significant issues to address.

Replacing drywall costs between $1.30 and $3.85 per square foot, including materials and labor. New plumbing costs between $1,625 and $3,130 for a bathtub and between $1,625 and $3,780 for a shower.

Shower Remodel Pro Costs

Labor is typically the largest expense in a shower remodel, accounting for 40% to 60% of total project costs. This specific job has several moving parts, including pulling permits, hiring specialized licensed contractors, sourcing materials, addressing any underlying issues, and performing the actual installation. A bathroom remodeler in Washington, D.C., will help you oversee the whole job.

Keep in mind that labor costs in Washington, D.C., are higher than in other areas due to the city's higher cost of living. Though you may be tempted to save on professional labor, a bathroom remodel can take weeks and require specific knowledge and permits. Handy homeowners may be able to swap out a showerhead on their own, but a remodel is best left to a pro.

Additional Pros to Consider Hiring

Not every shower remodel will require specialized work, but if you do install new plumbing, make plumbing repairs, or add lighting and other electrical components, you’ll need to hire licensed contractors. Costs include:

• Licensed plumber: $45–$200 per hour

• Licensed electrician: $45–$90 per hour

Does a Shower Remodel Increase Home Value?

Renovating your bathroom, especially for homeowners in older homes in Washington, D.C., can absolutely add value. The average ROI on a bathroom remodel ranges from 55% to 60%, while the average tub-to-shower conversion ROI is around 75%. However, if you only have one bathtub, you may actually lose value if you remove it and replace it with a walk-in shower. This can turn off potential buyers who have children and pets (or just like to take baths).

Additionally, you’ll see the most bang for your buck with minor cosmetic upgrades, such as painting your bathroom, updating your hardware, regrouting discolored or crumbling grout, and replacing cracked or damaged tile.

As much as we all want to feel like we’re showering in a high-end spa, upscale remodels have the least ROI. This, of course, depends heavily on the property. If you live in an upscale neighborhood where homes typically come with high-end amenities and luxury finishes, an upscale remodel will have more value.

How Angi Gets Its Local Cost Data 

To help homeowners plan their next project, Angi provides readers with carefully researched cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We start with national average project costs, which we collect by analyzing competitor information, retailer material costs, and input from professional contractors. We then apply local price index data to calculate location-specific estimates that reflect what homeowners typically pay in their local area. To do that, we use data from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), including its Regional Price Parities (RPPs), which measure price differences across cities. This helps us account for differences in labor, materials, and overall cost of living, so estimates in higher- or lower-cost areas better reflect real-world local pricing.

Every estimate undergoes a thorough editorial review to verify accuracy, consistency, and alignment with observed market conditions.

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