How Much Does a Shower Remodel Cost in Sacramento? (2026 Guide)

Average Shower Remodel Costs in Sacramento

If you are researching how much a shower remodel costs in Sacramento, here is the bottom line: Sacramento homeowners spend an average of $8,500 to $13,000 on a complete shower renovation in 2026. However, your actual shower remodel cost could range from as low as $3,000 for a basic prefab replacement to well over $25,000 for a luxury custom shower build with premium tile, frameless glass, and multi-head shower systems.

Shower remodeling is one of the most popular bathroom improvement projects in the Sacramento region, and for good reason. The shower is the most-used fixture in your bathroom, and an outdated, damaged, or poorly designed shower drags down the entire room. Whether you are dealing with cracked grout, a leaking shower pan, mildewed caulk, a dated fiberglass insert, or simply an ugly tub-shower combo you have always wanted to replace, a shower renovation delivers both daily comfort and real home value.

Sacramento sits in a mid-to-upper cost range for shower remodeling compared to the rest of California. Shower renovation costs here run about 5-10% below San Francisco and the Bay Area but roughly 10-12% above the Central Valley average. That positioning reflects local labor rates, permitting requirements, and the competitive contractor market driven by Sacramento's sustained housing growth and demand for shower installation services.

Cost by Project Tier: Budget, Mid-Range, and Luxury

Shower remodels fall into three general pricing tiers, each defined by material quality, scope of work, and level of customization. Here is what Sacramento homeowners can expect at each level for a shower renovation:

Budget Tier ($3,000-$7,000)

A budget-tier shower remodel works well for guest bathrooms, rental properties, or homeowners who need a functional update without premium finishes. At this price point in Sacramento, you will typically get a clean, fresh-looking shower with standard materials. The scope usually includes removing the old surround or tile, installing a new prefabricated acrylic or fiberglass shower pan and wall surround (or basic ceramic tile), a new shower valve and trim kit, a basic shower head, and a framed glass door or shower curtain rod. You keep the existing shower footprint and all plumbing in its current position.

For Sacramento homeowners on a tight budget, a prefab shower surround system from brands like Sterling, American Standard, or Kohler Choreograph offers a clean modern look at a fraction of the cost of custom tile. Material costs for a quality prefab surround run $500-$1,500, with installation adding $1,500-$3,000 in labor. The trade-off is that prefab surrounds lack the custom look of tiled showers and have a shorter lifespan (15-20 years versus 25-40+ years for properly installed tile).

Mid-Range Tier ($7,000-$15,000)

The mid-range tier is where most Sacramento homeowners land when investing in a shower renovation. This level delivers a noticeably higher-quality result: large-format porcelain tile (12x24 or larger) on shower walls and floor, a proper waterproofing membrane system (Schluter Kerdi, Laticrete Hydro Ban, or RedGard), a built-in tile niche for shampoo and soap, a semi-frameless or frameless glass enclosure, an upgraded pressure-balanced or thermostatic shower valve, a quality rain shower head (often with a separate handheld on a slide bar), and proper drainage with correct slope to the drain.

At the mid-range level, Sacramento shower remodeling companies like Oakwood Remodeling Group focus heavily on waterproofing integrity and long-term durability. This is the tier where you transition from surface-level updates to a truly rebuilt shower with modern materials and systems that will last 25-40 years. Minor plumbing adjustments, such as moving the shower valve height or adding a second shower head outlet, are feasible within this range.

Luxury Tier ($15,000-$25,000+)

Luxury shower remodels create spa-caliber shower experiences with premium everything. Expect natural stone tile (marble, travertine, or slate) or designer-series large-format porcelain, full Schluter or Laticrete waterproofing system, a curbless or zero-threshold entry, a linear drain, multiple built-in niches with accent tile or LED niche lighting, a built-in bench seat, a custom frameless glass enclosure, a thermostatic valve with diverter controlling a ceiling-mounted rain head, a wall- mounted handheld, and two to four body spray jets. Some luxury Sacramento shower renovations also include steam shower systems ($2,000-$4,000 added), integrated Bluetooth speakers, or chromotherapy lighting. Plumbing relocation, shower expansion, and structural modifications are common at this level.

Cost by Shower Type

The type of shower you are building or remodeling significantly affects total cost. Here is how Sacramento shower installation and renovation pricing breaks down by shower configuration:

Shower stalls are the most straightforward remodeling projects. These compact, stand-alone showers are common in guest bathrooms and half-bath additions throughout Sacramento. Replacing an old fiberglass stall with new tile, a glass door, and upgraded fixtures is one of the most cost-effective shower improvements you can make, typically running $5,000-$8,000 for a mid-range finish.

Walk-in showers are the most popular shower renovation choice among Sacramento homeowners in 2026. Walk-in designs offer a more spacious feel, easier accessibility, and a modern aesthetic that resonates strongly in the Sacramento real estate market. A standard walk-in shower with quality porcelain tile, a built-in niche, and a frameless glass panel or enclosure typically costs $8,000-$14,000 installed.

Curbless or zero-threshold showers are gaining popularity in Sacramento for both aesthetic and accessibility reasons. These showers eliminate the traditional step-over curb, creating a seamless transition from the bathroom floor into the shower. Curbless designs cost more because they require precise floor slope engineering, a linear drain system, and often involve modifying the subfloor structure. Plan on $10,000-$22,000 for a quality curbless shower installation in Sacramento, depending on size and finish level.

Quality tile selection and professional installation are the foundation of every lasting shower renovation in Sacramento

Line-Item Cost Breakdown

Understanding where your money goes in a shower remodel is essential for making smart trade-offs and comparing contractor bids. Here is a detailed line-item breakdown for a typical mid-range Sacramento shower renovation (approximately $8,500-$13,000 total):

Labor is the largest cost driver in any shower remodel, typically accounting for 40-50% of the total project. Shower tile installation is labor-intensive work that requires precise layout, waterproofing expertise, and skilled craftsmanship. Cutting corners on labor is the single most common reason showers fail within a few years. Poorly installed waterproofing, incorrect slope, and amateur tile work lead to leaks, mold, and the need for a complete tear-out and redo at double the original cost.

Tile and glass together make up the bulk of material costs. For a mid-range shower remodel in Sacramento, expect to spend $2,000-$4,500 combined on tile (material plus installation) and $1,200-$2,500 on a glass enclosure. These two elements have the biggest visual impact and are where strategic spending delivers the best results.

Shower Tile Costs: Material and Installation

Tile is the defining design element of any shower remodel, and it is also where Sacramento homeowners have the widest range of options and pricing. Understanding tile costs helps you make informed selections that balance aesthetics, durability, and budget.

For a standard 60x36-inch walk-in shower in Sacramento, you will need approximately 80-110 square feet of wall tile (depending on ceiling height and how high you tile) plus 15-18 square feet of floor tile. At mid-range porcelain pricing ($13-$18 per sq ft installed), that translates to roughly $1,250-$2,300 in total tile costs. Adding a mosaic accent strip or feature wall increases the total by $300-$1,000 depending on the accent tile selected.

Tile installation labor in the Sacramento market runs $6-$12 per square foot for standard formats and $10-$18 per square foot for large-format or natural stone tile that requires more precision and specialized tools. Large-format tiles (12x24 and larger) create a modern, clean look with fewer grout lines, but they require a perfectly flat substrate and skilled installation to avoid lippage (uneven edges between tiles).

Sacramento homeowners have excellent local access to tile through distributors like Floor & Decor, MSI, Dal-Tile, and local specialty showrooms. Shopping locally allows you to see and feel tile samples before committing, and it eliminates shipping costs that can add 10-20% to online tile purchases.

Glass Enclosures and Shower Doors

The glass enclosure or shower door is the second most impactful design element in a shower remodel, and it represents a significant portion of the total shower renovation cost. Here is what Sacramento homeowners can expect to pay for different glass options:

Frameless glass is the clear preference among Sacramento homeowners remodeling their showers in 2026. Frameless enclosures use thicker tempered glass (3/8-inch or 1/2-inch) with minimal hardware, creating a clean, contemporary look that showcases your tile work and makes the shower feel larger. The higher cost of frameless glass is offset by its durability (thicker glass resists chipping and cracking), easier cleaning (no metal channels where mold and soap scum accumulate), and strong resale appeal.

For walk-in showers, a single fixed frameless glass panel ($800-$1,800 installed) is an increasingly popular option in Sacramento. This design uses one large panel of glass to contain water spray while leaving one end of the shower open for easy entry. No door means no hardware to maintain, no track to clean, and a spa-like open feel. The key to making a fixed panel work is proper shower engineering to ensure water drains efficiently without escaping through the open side.

Fixtures, Valves, and Hardware

Shower fixtures encompass the shower valve (the mixing mechanism inside the wall), the trim kit (the visible handle and plate), the shower head, handheld spray, and any body sprays or accessories. Here is how fixture costs break down for Sacramento shower remodels:

• Pressure-balanced valve + trim: $150-$400 installed. The standard choice for most showers. Prevents temperature spikes when other fixtures are used (toilet flush, dishwasher). Required by code for all new shower installations in Sacramento.
• Thermostatic valve + trim: $350-$900 installed. Maintains exact water temperature regardless of pressure changes. Required for multi-head shower systems and recommended for luxury builds. Brands like Delta, Kohler, and Moen offer reliable mid-range options; Hansgrohe and Brizo are popular at the luxury tier.
• Rain shower head (ceiling or wall mount): $80-$600 depending on size and brand. A 10-12 inch rain head from Delta or Kohler runs $100-$250 and delivers excellent performance. Luxury options from Hansgrohe (Raindance) or Brizo run $300-$600+.
• Handheld shower on slide bar: $50-$300. Extremely practical for daily use, cleaning the shower, and accommodating different heights. A quality handheld from Kohler or Moen costs $80-$150.
• Body spray jets (each): $100-$400 per jet, plus $200-$500 per jet for rough-in plumbing. Typically installed in sets of 2-4. Adding four body sprays to a Sacramento shower remodel costs $1,200-$3,600 total including plumbing and installation.
• Diverter valve (for multi-head systems): $200-$600 installed. Required when running multiple shower outlets from a single valve.

Quality fixtures and proper valve selection ensure reliable performance and a premium shower experience

Sacramento-Specific Cost Factors

Several factors unique to the Sacramento region affect what you will pay for a shower remodel compared to national averages:

• Permit requirements: Sacramento County and the City of Sacramento require building permits for shower remodels that involve plumbing changes, valve replacement, or structural modifications. Permit fees typically run $300-$900 depending on scope. Placer County (Rocklin, Roseville, Lincoln) has slightly different fee schedules. Cosmetic-only updates like replacing a shower head or re-grouting generally do not require permits. Your contractor handles all permit applications and inspections as part of the project.
• Labor rates: Sacramento's construction labor market is competitive. Skilled tile installers command $55-$85 per hour, while licensed plumbers charge $85-$130 per hour in the Sacramento market. Rates are highest during the busy spring and summer building season (March through October). Shower tile installation is particularly labor-intensive, with a skilled installer averaging 30-50 square feet of wall tile per day depending on tile size and pattern complexity.
• Housing age: Many Sacramento and Rocklin homes were built between the 1960s and 1990s with original shower installations that are now 30-60 years old. Demolition in older homes frequently reveals problems: deteriorated shower pans requiring full replacement ($800-$2,000), water damage to wall studs or subfloor ($500-$3,000 to repair), outdated galvanized plumbing that should be replaced with copper or PEX ($800-$2,500), and asbestos-containing materials in some pre-1980 homes ($500-$2,000 for testing and abatement).
• Water efficiency requirements: California's strict water conservation codes require all new shower heads to flow at 1.8 GPM or less (lower than the federal 2.5 GPM standard). WaterSense-certified fixtures are standard at all price points. Modern low- flow shower heads from quality brands deliver excellent pressure and coverage despite the lower flow rate, so this requirement does not compromise the shower experience.
• Climate impact on materials: Sacramento's hot, dry summers (routinely 95-105 degrees) and mild winters make porcelain and natural stone tile excellent year-round choices. Proper ventilation is critical in Sacramento bathrooms because the region's temperature swings create condensation issues. Always pair a shower remodel with an adequate exhaust fan (minimum 50 CFM, ideally 80-110 CFM for showers).
• Seasonal pricing: Sacramento contractors are busiest from March through October. Scheduling your shower renovation during the slower November-February period may yield slightly better pricing and faster start dates. However, the difference is modest (5-10% at most) and should not override your personal timeline needs.

Smart Ways to Save on Your Shower Remodel

You do not have to sacrifice quality to stay within budget on your shower renovation. These strategies can save Sacramento homeowners thousands without cutting corners on craftsmanship or waterproofing:

• Keep the existing footprint: Moving the shower drain or relocating the shower valve to a different wall requires rerouting drain lines and supply pipes, adding $1,500-$4,000 to the project. If your current shower location works, keep plumbing in place and focus your budget on finishes.
• Choose porcelain over natural stone: Modern large-format porcelain tiles convincingly replicate marble, travertine, and concrete at 30-50% lower cost. Porcelain is also harder, more stain- resistant, and does not require sealing. A porcelain marble-look tile delivers a luxury aesthetic at a mid-range price point.
• Use accent tile strategically: Rather than tiling every wall in expensive mosaic or designer tile, use a premium tile for one accent feature: a niche surround, a single vertical stripe, or a shower floor. Pair it with a complementary field tile at a fraction of the cost. This creates visual impact without the expense of wall-to-wall premium tile.
• Choose a fixed glass panel over an enclosure: A single frameless glass panel ($800-$1,800 installed) costs significantly less than a full frameless enclosure with a door ($1,200-$3,000+). For walk-in showers sized 48 inches or larger, a fixed panel provides excellent water containment and a cleaner aesthetic.
• Select mid-tier fixtures: Kohler, Delta, and Moen mid-range shower fixtures offer excellent quality and warranty coverage at 40-60% less than luxury brands like Hansgrohe and Brizo. A Kohler pressure-balanced valve with a quality rain shower head and handheld costs $250-$500 versus $800-$1,500 for equivalent luxury fixtures.
• Skip the body sprays: Body spray jets are a popular luxury add-on, but they increase plumbing complexity, require a larger water heater capacity, and cost $1,200-$3,600 to install. If you are watching your budget, a quality rain head plus handheld combo delivers an excellent shower experience at a fraction of the cost.
• Bundle with a full bathroom remodel: If you are also updating the vanity, flooring, and toilet, bundling everything into one project reduces mobilization costs, material delivery fees, and per-item labor overhead compared to doing the shower separately. Ask your contractor about complete bathroom remodel pricing versus shower-only pricing.

ROI and Home Value Impact

A shower remodel is one of the highest-impact improvements you can make to your bathroom's value and functionality. Here is what the data shows for the Sacramento market:

Tub-to-shower conversions deliver the highest ROI among shower-focused projects because they align with strong buyer preferences. Sacramento home buyers in 2026 overwhelmingly prefer modern walk-in showers over dated tub-shower combos, particularly in master bathrooms. Removing an unused bathtub and replacing it with a spacious walk-in shower with quality tile and frameless glass is one of the smartest investments a Sacramento homeowner can make.

Beyond direct dollar-for-dollar return, an updated shower delivers critical indirect benefits. Sacramento homes with modern, well-designed showers sell faster than comparable properties with dated showers. Real estate agents consistently report that buyers walk into a bathroom, look at the shower first, and form an immediate impression that influences their perception of the entire home.

The best ROI comes from mid-range shower renovations that deliver quality materials and professional craftsmanship without over-improving for the neighborhood. A $10,000 shower remodel in a $450,000 Sacramento home delivers better percentage returns than a $22,000 luxury build in the same home. Match your shower renovation investment to your property value and neighborhood standards. For more information on overall bathroom remodel costs and ROI, see our complete bathroom remodel cost guide.

Tub-to-Shower Conversion Costs

One of the most popular shower-related projects in Sacramento is converting an existing bathtub into a walk-in shower. A tub-to-shower conversion involves removing the bathtub, modifying the plumbing (rerouting the drain position, adjusting the valve location), building a new shower pan, waterproofing, tiling, and installing glass. Here is how conversion costs break down in the Sacramento market:

• Budget tub-to-shower conversion: $6,000-$9,000. Includes tub removal, basic plumbing modifications, a prefab or simple tile shower base, standard ceramic or porcelain wall tile, a basic glass door, and new valve and trim. Keeps the opening size of the original tub alcove (typically 60x30 inches).
• Mid-range conversion: $9,000-$14,000. Includes tub removal, plumbing rework, custom mud-set or Schluter shower pan, quality porcelain tile on walls and floor, built-in niche, semi-frameless or frameless glass enclosure, upgraded valve and fixtures, and proper waterproofing throughout. May include widening the shower opening by removing part of the pony wall.
• Luxury conversion: $14,000-$20,000+. Full custom build with premium tile, linear drain, bench seat, multiple niches, custom frameless glass, thermostatic valve with rain head and handheld, and potentially expanding the shower footprint beyond the original tub dimensions. Often includes structural modifications and subfloor reconstruction.

The additional cost of a tub-to-shower conversion versus a standard shower remodel comes primarily from the plumbing modifications. A shower drain sits in a different location than a tub drain, and the shower valve height and position may need adjustment. Expect $1,000-$2,500 in additional plumbing work for a typical conversion. If the tub was set on a raised platform or the floor structure needs modification to accommodate the new shower pan, add another $500-$1,500.

Important consideration: If your home has only one bathtub, think carefully before converting it to a shower. Sacramento real estate agents recommend keeping at least one bathtub in the home for resale value, especially in family-oriented neighborhoods. If you have a second bathroom with a tub, converting the master bath tub to a walk-in shower is usually a strong move. If the master bath tub is your only tub, consider keeping it or installing a freestanding tub elsewhere in the bathroom before proceeding with the conversion. Read more about this decision in our bathroom remodel planning guide.

Hiring the Right Sacramento Shower Remodeling Contractor

Your choice of contractor has more impact on the final result of your shower renovation than any other single decision. Shower remodeling requires specialized skills that not every general contractor possesses: waterproofing expertise, precision tile installation, plumbing knowledge, and experience with glass enclosure installation. Here is what to look for when hiring a shower remodeling contractor in Sacramento:

• Active California contractor's license: Verify license status, classification (B-General Building or C-36 Plumbing), and insurance through the CSLB website. Shower remodeling companies operating in Sacramento, Rocklin, Roseville, and surrounding areas must hold a valid state license. Never hire unlicensed workers for shower work involving plumbing, waterproofing, or structural modifications.
• Shower-specific experience: Ask to see completed shower projects, not just general bathroom work. Quality shower tile work requires different skills than floor tile or backsplash installation. Look for consistent grout lines, flat tile surfaces without lippage, clean inside corners, properly finished edges, and waterproofing details that demonstrate expertise.
• Detailed written estimates: Quality shower renovation companies provide itemized proposals breaking down demolition, waterproofing, tile (material and labor separately), glass, plumbing, fixtures, and permits. Lump-sum bids make it impossible to compare quotes accurately or understand where costs can be adjusted.
• Waterproofing methodology: Ask your contractor specifically about their waterproofing system. Quality contractors use proven membrane systems (Schluter Kerdi, Laticrete Hydro Ban, or equivalent) and can explain their process in detail. Avoid contractors who are vague about waterproofing or rely solely on cement board without a membrane layer.
• Warranty coverage: Reputable shower remodeling contractors stand behind their work with written labor warranties (typically 2-5 years for waterproofing and tile work) in addition to manufacturer warranties on materials and fixtures.

Common Shower Remodel Mistakes to Avoid

These common mistakes consistently drive up shower renovation costs or lead to failures that require costly repairs. Avoid them to protect your investment:

• Skipping waterproofing: This is the number one shower remodel mistake. Every tiled shower needs a continuous waterproofing membrane behind the tile and under the shower floor. Cement board alone is NOT waterproof. Proper waterproofing costs $600-$1,200 but prevents $5,000-$15,000 in water damage repairs to framing, subfloor, and adjacent rooms. Insist on seeing the waterproofing installation before tile goes up.
• Choosing the cheapest bid: Exceptionally low bids for shower remodeling almost always mean corners will be cut on waterproofing, substrate preparation, or tile installation quality. A poorly installed shower fails within 3-5 years, requiring a complete tear-out and rebuild that costs 1.5-2x the original project. Invest in quality installation the first time.
• Incorrect shower floor slope: The shower floor must slope a minimum of 1/4 inch per foot toward the drain. Improper slope causes water to pool, creates standing water that breeds mold, and leads to premature grout deterioration. This is a construction skill that separates experienced shower builders from general handymen.
• Ignoring ventilation: A shower remodel without adequate exhaust ventilation leads to moisture problems, mold growth on grout and ceiling, and peeling paint. Install a properly sized exhaust fan (minimum 50 CFM, ideally 80+ CFM for shower areas) vented to the exterior of the home, not into the attic.
• Undersized glass panels: Water escaping from an undersized glass enclosure is a common complaint. Work with an experienced glass installer who can assess your shower configuration, water spray patterns, and shower head placement to specify the correct glass panel size and position.
• Making changes mid-project: Every change order during shower construction adds cost and delay. Finalize all tile selections, glass configuration, fixture choices, and niche placement before demolition begins. Visit a tile showroom, get glass quotes, and confirm every detail in writing before your contractor starts work.

Get an Accurate Quote for Your Sacramento Shower Remodel

Every shower is different, and online cost guides can only take you so far. The most reliable way to understand what your specific shower renovation will cost is a detailed, in-home consultation where a licensed contractor evaluates your existing shower, checks the plumbing and waterproofing condition, discusses your design goals and material preferences, and provides a written, itemized estimate specific to your project.

At Oakwood Remodeling Group, we provide free in-home consultations for shower remodeling throughout the Sacramento region, including Sacramento, Roseville, Rocklin, Folsom, Elk Grove, Rancho Cordova, Citrus Heights, and surrounding communities. Our estimates are transparent and itemized so you know exactly where every dollar goes. We specialize exclusively in bathroom remodeling, which means every project benefits from focused expertise in shower construction, waterproofing, tile installation, and glass enclosure fitting.