Once you’ve decided to replace your shower, understanding the costs involved can be daunting. The average cost to replace a shower stall in San Jose varies, depending on whether you’re putting in a prefab unit or getting a custom job. What really matters is getting the shower replacement that is best suited to your needs and budget.
The average figures presented in this post are based on our research at the time of writing. The actual costs may change. The information presented here is for educational purposes to give you an idea of the costs involved.
What’s the Average Cost to Replace a Shower in San Jose?
The average cost to replace a shower stall in San Jose starts at $2,000 and can go up to over $9,000. For a custom job, you can expect to pay up to $20,000 or more. A prefab unit fitting the style and dimensions of the existing shower will save you money, but costs will vary, depending on size, features, type of shower, and location.
What Affects the Cost of a Shower Remodel in San Jose?
There are some key issues when remodeling a shower, depending on the type of shower, materials used, and whether the plumbing needs to be repaired or replaced outright.
Type of Shower (Prefab vs Custom Tile)
Your choice of whether to go with a prefabricated shower or pay more for a custom tile project will depend on a number of factors.
One key issue is the size of a prefab shower and whether it is one piece or more. Does the one-piece unit fit through your doors?
Multi-piece prefab units can be relatively easy to assemble.
Another thing to keep in mind is that prefab units can be limited in availability, and any special features or design you may want will most likely need to be special-ordered. Custom-built showers are installed on-site from scratch by professionals.
Material Choices (Fiberglass, Acrylic, Tile, Stone)
The materials you use will make a big difference when pricing shower remodels in San Jose. For prefab units, they are generally fibreglass or acrylic. They are durable, but if there’s damage or regular wear over the years, you will generally have to replace the whole unit.
Spot repair kits are available for fibreglass and acrylic units, but the repairs may be noticeable.
There is certainly more flexibility with custom work, but there is a cost. For tiling a shower, including labor and materials, the average cost in San Jose for shower remodeling is $6 to $32 per square foot.
Plumbing Modifications or Repairs
Once again, flexibility is the key point here. Prefab showers generally have fewer options when it comes to plumbing modifications. Repairing the unit itself is possible, but not seamless. Likewise, prefab units will show wear over time from use and cleaning.
For custom work, repairing individual tiles is relatively easy if the tile is still available. Make sure you have extra for replacing cracked tiles. Major repairs will generally involve dismantling much of the shower and removing tiles, particularly for plumbing work. Again, plan for major issues that invariably come up.
The durability of custom work cannot be overstated. When properly installed and maintained, a tile shower can last over 20 years and add great value to your house.
The plumbing setup is much more flexible in a custom job, with the plumbing done to the design specifications. If you want multiple showerheads, that can be done. A licensed plumber is needed for this kind of work.
Permit and Inspection Requirements in San Jose
In San Jose, any major configuration to the existing plumbing requires a permit. This includes:
Work involving adding or changing existing plumbing. This includes shower heads, drains, and supply lines.
The time and cost of obtaining permits will need to be factored into the pricing of a shower remodel in San Jose. For licensing:
For inspections:
Schedule an inspection on the City of San José’s Permits page or call 408-535-3555 for help.
Failure to obtain permits or schedule inspections in San Jose can result in fines, delays, or forced demolition and rebuilding up to code.
How Much Does Labor Cost for Shower Installation in San Jose?
Labor costs are a crucial part of the job. You need to be prepared for the going rates, and whether you will go with a full-service or independent service.
Average Hourly Rates for Contractors & Plumbers
It depends on the contractor or plumber whether they charge by the hour or a fixed fee. The average monthly cost of plumbers in San Jose is $125 to $250+. For contractors, expect to pay an average hourly rate of $15-$30+ per sq. ft. for tile setters.
Full-Service Remodelers vs Independent Installers
The main distinction you can make between full-service remodelers and independents is project management. The big firms can handle many projects at once, with a larger staff, so things can run more smoothly. The downside is higher prices because of overhead, other fees associated with larger projects, and subcontracting things like design.
For an independent installer, you’re usually dealing directly with the owner, and the labor costs would be lower. However, if you need other specialists, that may cost you more in the end.
For full-service remodelers:
For independent installers:
The costs become a trade-off:
The average cost to replace a shower stall in San Jose for basic swap-out jobs is between $3,000 – $7,000 and up. For mid-range jobs, such as tiling, it is $7,000 to $15,000 and over.
San Jose’s labor rates are high due to the cost of living. Trades will be priced at a premium.
Basic material costs are reasonable, but once you get into custom stone and other luxury materials, the costs will be higher.
Hidden or Additional Costs to Watch Out For
Mold Remediation or Subfloor Repairs
The costs for mold remediation in San Jose can be around $10 – $25 per sq. ft. Flat rate averages for small areas run between $500-$1,250.
Factors to consider in those costs include the size of the space, the type of mold, and where it is located. Awkward spaces, such as inside the walls or ceiling, will cost more.
The costs for subfloor repairs will run from $10 to $25 per sq. ft. for replacements, while a small area tends to average $100 to $300, and up to $1200 for a room. Expect labor to add around $1-$5 per sq. ft, demolition jobs with skilled trades coming in at $100-$200 and over per hour.
Upgrading Fixtures or Moving Drain Lines
For straightforward jobs, upgrading fixtures in San Jose costs about $450 to $1,800 per fixture. Moving a drain line is a bigger job. You can expect to pay at least $1, 000, but probably closer to $7,000 or more, depending on the type of work involved.
After-Hours or Rush Job Charges
It is always best to avoid rushing the job or bringing trades in for after-hours and weekend work. In San Jose, plumbers tend to charge 11/2 to 3 times higher when working at night and on weekends. For holidays, it may be even more.
Budget vs Luxury Shower Renovation: Price Comparison
A great deal will depend on your budget, but a price comparison can help you to decide on a luxury shower installation or something more economical.
Entry-Level Replacements ($2,000–$5,000)
With prefab units in fibreglass or acrylic, you can keep costs low. A simple design may be all you need. You can also do some work yourself, especially if you’re refinishing or refacing the existing walls of your shower.
Mid-Range Remodels ($6,000–$10,000)
Here you are looking at using higher-quality materials for a basic custom remodelling. You could also consider expanding the space of the shower, keeping in mind the costs associated with it for plumbing and electrical changes.
High-End Custom Showers ($12,000+)
The sky may be the limit here. Using premium materials such as stone and vintage tiles, waterproofing, the skilled labor costs, and working with larger firms will definitely cost more. Having a unique luxury shower may be what you want, and if you can do it, why not?
Tips for Saving on a Shower Remodel in San Jose
To save money on a shower renovation in San Jose, you may want to consider a few options.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re looking to upgrade your existing shower with a prefabrication unit or you are investing in some big structural changes with a custom project, you have lots of work to do before you get started. Once you’ve set your budget, try to avoid too many upgrades, because that will potentially disrupt your schedule, and costs will keep adding up.
Only you can know what you want and what you need. No matter what you do, it’s a smart way to increase the value of your home and improve the quality of life for your family.
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Related Article: 10 Gorgeous Shower Designs for Your Bathroom