Short answer: RenoQuotes, a Canadian renovation marketplace, reports $5,000 to $12,000 for most tub-to-shower conversions, and $12,000 and up for a fully tiled walk-in shower with upgraded plumbing (updated May 12, 2026). The biggest price drivers are the type of shower base, the walls, the glass, and what is found under the old tub. These are third-party figures, not NextWave Renos prices.
Published cost ranges
| Type of conversion | Reported cost |
|---|---|
| Acrylic base with prefabricated wall panels | $5,000 to $7,500 |
| Acrylic base, tiled walls and glass door | $7,500 to $11,000 |
| Tiled base, premium tile and upgraded plumbing (walk-in) | $12,000 and up |
RenoQuotes also notes that a standard conversion generally takes 5 to 10 business days.
What changes the price
Shower base. A one-piece acrylic base is the simplest. A tiled base, including curbless designs, needs a sloped mortar bed or pre-formed tray, a waterproofing membrane and careful tile work.
Drain and plumbing. A tub drain usually sits at one end; a shower drain may need to move, and the valve and shower head usually change height. Older homes may also need supply lines or drains updated.
Waterproofing. Tile and grout are not waterproof. A tiled shower needs a waterproofing system behind and under the tile. Our bathroom renovation page explains why this matters.
What is under the tub. Rot, mould or a damaged subfloor only appear once the tub comes out. Ask how your contractor prices hidden damage before you sign.
Glass. A fixed glass panel, sliding door or frameless enclosure all price differently, and custom glass is usually measured only after tile is done.
Do you need a permit in Brampton?
The City of Brampton's Home Improvement brochure lists installing new or altering existing plumbing as work that needs a building permit. Moving a drain or adding plumbing for a shower can fall into that category, while swapping fixtures in the same location typically does not. Confirm your project with the Building Division, and note that electrical work, such as new lighting or a fan circuit, has separate Electrical Safety Authority requirements.
Is a walk-in shower right for your home?
- Space: the shower needs room for a door or open entry and clearances around fixtures.
- Resale: some buyers want at least one bathtub in the house. If this is your only bathroom, think about keeping a tub elsewhere.
- Accessibility: a low or curbless entry helps with mobility, but needs careful drainage design.
Questions to ask before you hire
- What base, wall system and waterproofing will you use?
- Does the drain move, and is a permit needed?
- How are hidden subfloor problems priced?
- Who orders and measures the glass, and when?
Want to know what your conversion would involve? We measure your bathroom, check the space and drainage, and give you a written estimate with a clearly defined scope.
REQUEST A FREE ESTIMATERelated: what a bathroom renovation costs in Brampton and how to compare contractor quotes.
Sources: RenoQuotes: Replacing a bathtub with a shower in Canada · City of Brampton: Home Improvement brochure (PDF) · Electrical Safety Authority: Notifications and inspections