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Before
AfterHow Much Does Tub-to-Shower Conversion Cost in Fort Lauderdale?
A tub-to-shower conversion in Fort Lauderdale typically costs between $3,500 and $10,000, with most homeowners landing somewhere in the $5,000-$7,500 range depending on the shower footprint, tile selection, and what the demo reveals behind the walls. That range holds across most neighborhoods we work in – Las Olas Isles, Victoria Park, Coral Ridge – though homes built before 1990 sometimes carry extra prep costs tied to older substrate conditions. Under Clause 1 of the Haven Standard, you receive a flat written price with a defined scope before any work begins; there is no “we’ll know when we open the wall” pricing here.
Tub-to-Shower Conversion Cost Breakdown (2026)
A tub-to-shower conversion in Fort Lauderdale involves more moving parts than most homeowners expect. The bathtub removal is only the beginning. Below is how costs typically stack, based on the projects we price in this market.
| Cost Item | Typical Range (Fort Lauderdale, 2026) |
|---|---|
| Bathtub removal and haul-away | $200-$500 |
| Shower pan or custom tile floor | $400-$1,400 |
| Waterproof membrane and backer board | $300-$700 |
| Wall tile (materials and labor) | $900-$3,200 |
| Glass enclosure or frameless shower door | $600-$2,000 |
| Plumbing adjustments (valve, drain, shower head) | $350-$1,100 |
| Niche, bench, or built-in shelving | $200-$800 |
| Drywall patch, primer, and paint | $150-$450 |
| Permit (Broward County requirement) | $150-$400 |
| Total Project Range | $3,500-$10,000 |
The lower end of that range – roughly $3,500 to $5,000 – applies to a straightforward conversion in a standard 30×60 inch tub alcove using a prefabricated shower base, ceramic wall tile in the $2-$4 per square foot range, and a basic framed shower door. Most of the work is demo, waterproofing, and tile set. The upper end – $7,500 to $10,000 – reflects a custom-tiled floor, large-format porcelain on the walls (think 12×24 or 24×48 tiles, which take more time to set correctly in a wet environment), a frameless glass enclosure, and any plumbing relocation that the original tub layout requires. In Fort Lauderdale homes with cast-iron tubs – which show up frequently in older Riverside and Tarpon River properties – demo and haul-away alone can cost more than people expect, because those tubs often need to be cut in sections to clear doorways.
One cost factor specific to South Florida: moisture. Fort Lauderdale’s climate is humid year-round, and when we open a tub surround that has been leaking even slightly, we regularly find deteriorated cement board, soft framing, or mold in the cavity. Addressing that substrate damage adds $300-$900 to the project, but it has to happen before tile goes up. We document what we find with photos on every visit, so you see the condition before we write the change order – and no remediation work proceeds until that change order is signed.
What Affects Tub-to-Shower Conversion Pricing in Fort Lauderdale
- Tile selection: Standard ceramic at $2-$5 per square foot is the most budget-efficient wall option. Large-format porcelain or natural stone can run $8-$18 per square foot in materials alone, and the labor rate rises with the tile size because larger tiles require a flatter substrate and more precise setting. Rowan sources tile through fifty-plus vetted suppliers, which gives the written quote realistic material numbers rather than padded ones.
- Shower pan versus custom tile floor: A prefabricated acrylic or fiberglass base costs $150-$400 and installs quickly. A custom-tiled floor – with a mortar bed sloped to drain, waterproof membrane underneath, and small-format mosaic tile on top – adds $400-$900 to labor and is the right call when the space is irregular or when the homeowner wants the floor to match the wall tile. In Fort Lauderdale’s humidity, the membrane spec matters: we use systems rated for continuous wet exposure, not standard interior waterproofing.
- Plumbing relocation: If the existing tub drain and valve land where the new shower needs them, the plumbing adjustment is minor – a new drain body, a replacement valve, and a shower arm. If the new layout shifts the drain even 12 inches, a licensed plumber needs to open the slab or subfloor to reroute, which adds $500-$1,500 to the project depending on access. Broward County requires a plumbing permit for any drain relocation, and we include permit coordination in the written scope.
- Glass enclosure type: A basic framed aluminum door runs $300-$700 installed. Semi-frameless units are $600-$1,100. A full frameless glass enclosure with 3/8-inch or 1/2-inch tempered glass and a clean hardware line – the most common request in newer Fort Lauderdale construction and in renovated condos in Flagler Village – ranges from $900 to $2,000 installed. The frameless option looks clean but it requires a well-set tile edge for the glass to mount against, so sequencing matters.
- Built-in features: A single recessed niche in the wall adds roughly $200-$400. A built-in tile bench adds $300-$700. A second showerhead or handheld wand involves a rough plumbing line split and a diverter valve, adding $150-$500 depending on where it lands. None of these are required, but they come up often in Fort Lauderdale projects where the primary bathroom doubles as the only shower after the tub is removed.
- Substrate and structural condition: This is the variable most pricing guides skip. Fort Lauderdale homes built between 1960 and 1990 frequently have original cement board or even green drywall behind the tub surround. When that material has absorbed years of humidity, it needs full replacement before tile can go up – not just in the wet zone, but sometimes 6-12 inches beyond it. We write the base scope around the typical condition for the home’s age; if we find something worse, the change order is in writing before a single additional hour is billed.
Before
AfterHow to Save on a Tub-to-Shower Conversion in Fort Lauderdale
Keep the drain where it is
If your new shower can be laid out so the drain stays within 6 inches of the existing tub drain location, you avoid slab work entirely. That single decision often saves $500-$1,200 on a Fort Lauderdale project. We design the shower floor slope around the existing drain position whenever the layout allows it, and we tell you upfront when it does not.
Choose tile that works with the layout
Large-format tile is not always the right call for a tub alcove conversion. A standard 60-inch alcove often results in significant cut tiles on the end walls when 24×48 slabs are used, which wastes material and adds labor time. A 12×24 or 4×12 subway format typically yields less waste in that footprint and costs less to set per square foot. We walk through this in the quote, with actual material calculations, not approximations.
Use a prefabricated shower base
A pre-formed acrylic base in the right dimensions (30×60 is the most common tub replacement size) is structurally solid, easier to waterproof around, and costs $400-$900 less than a custom mud bed with mosaic tile. The tradeoff is that it will not look like a custom floor, but for a secondary bathroom or a project with a tighter budget, it performs well. Kohler and similar manufacturers make bases that hold up in South Florida’s humidity without cracking or staining.
Batch your bathroom work
If the vanity or toilet also need attention, combining that work with the conversion reduces your overall mobilization cost. The plumber, tile setter, and finisher are already on-site; adding a vanity swap or faucet replacement during the same visit is almost always cheaper than scheduling a separate project. Our Tub-to-Shower Conversion in Fort Lauderdale service is scoped to cover the full bathroom scope when that makes sense, and the written quote reflects exactly what is and is not included.
Get a second opinion on any estimate you already have
Rowan’s Free Second Opinion offer is a standing policy – bring any written estimate and we will go through it line by line at no charge. Fort Lauderdale has no shortage of contractors, and the price difference between a well-scoped estimate and a vague one can be $2,000-$4,000 on a project like this. A number without a defined scope is not a real quote; it is a placeholder. Call (754) 254-7676 to schedule a free estimate or to bring in a competitor’s quote for a review.
Understand what the permit covers
Broward County requires permits for structural work, plumbing rerouting, and electrical additions (like a GFCI outlet or a ventilation fan upgrade). Skipping the permit to save $200 creates problems at resale – inspectors flag unpermitted bathroom work during disclosure, and the buyer’s lender sometimes requires remediation before closing. We handle permit applications as part of the written scope; the cost is in the quote, not added later.
FAQs – Tub-to-Shower Conversion Cost in Fort Lauderdale
How much does a tub-to-shower conversion cost in Fort Lauderdale?
Most tub-to-shower conversions in Fort Lauderdale cost between $3,500 and $10,000, with the typical project landing in the $5,000-$7,500 range. A basic conversion in a standard alcove with a prefab base and ceramic tile is toward the lower end; a custom-tiled floor, frameless glass, and premium fixtures move the number up. Every Rowan project starts with a flat written price so you know the number before anyone picks up a tool. Call (754) 254-7676 for a free estimate specific to your bathroom layout.
How long does a tub-to-shower conversion take in Fort Lauderdale?
Most conversions in Fort Lauderdale take 3 to 7 business days from demo through final inspection. A straightforward alcove conversion with a prefab base and standard tile can be done in 3-4 days. A custom-tiled floor, large-format wall tile, and frameless glass typically runs 5-7 days because the mortar bed and adhesive both need cure time before the glass can be set. If substrate repairs are needed – which Fort Lauderdale’s humidity makes more common than in drier climates – add 1-2 days. We schedule the inspection before the project closes so the permit record is clean when you need it.
Do I need a permit for a tub-to-shower conversion in Fort Lauderdale?
Yes, in most cases. Broward County requires a permit when the conversion involves any plumbing modification – which includes changing the drain location, replacing the valve, or adding a shower connection where the tub spout was. If the work is purely cosmetic (tile over existing tile with no plumbing changes), a permit may not be required, but that scenario is rare in a true tub-removal conversion. Rowan handles permit applications as a standard part of the project scope; the permit fee ($150-$400 depending on scope) appears as a line item in the written quote, not as a surprise at the end.
Is a tub-to-shower conversion worth it in Fort Lauderdale?
For most Fort Lauderdale homeowners who rarely use the tub, yes. The conversion frees up floor space, tends to be easier to clean, and is generally preferred by buyers in the 35-60 age range who are shopping in this market. The caveat: if your home has only one bathroom, or if you have young children, keeping at least one tub somewhere in the house is a practical consideration. Real estate brokers in Fort Lauderdale and Broward County generally advise keeping one tub if the home has only one or two bathrooms; in a three-bathroom home, converting a secondary tub is rarely a liability. A $5,000-$7,500 conversion that adds daily usability is typically recouped in market value in this price range.
What is the difference between a tub-to-shower conversion and a shower replacement?
A tub-to-shower conversion starts with a bathtub in place and ends with a walk-in shower; demo, drain work, and framing adjustments are part of the scope. A shower replacement – which runs $3,000-$8,500 in Fort Lauderdale – removes an existing shower and installs a new one in the same footprint, usually with minimal plumbing changes. The conversion is generally more involved and costs more because you are reconfiguring the space, not just refreshing it. If you already have a shower and want to update it, the home page walks through all seven trades we cover and links to the relevant service pages. For a full bathroom overhaul, the budget range is $9,000-$28,000, which covers demo, tile, fixtures, vanity, and permit across all trades involved.
Can I convert my tub to a walk-in shower in a Fort Lauderdale condo?
Yes, but condo conversions carry an extra step. Most Fort Lauderdale condo associations require HOA approval before any plumbing or tile work begins, and some associations require a licensed contractor’s insurance certificate and scope letter before they issue access for demo. Broward County still requires the plumbing permit regardless of HOA approval. We have completed conversions in mid-rise and high-rise buildings across Fort Lauderdale Beach and Flagler Village; the process is manageable when the documentation is in order before the crew arrives. Call (754) 254-7676 early in your planning – we can tell you what the association will typically need from a contractor before you submit for approval.
What the Project Actually Looks Like, Step by Step
A lot of homeowners in Fort Lauderdale ask us what they should expect from the project timeline – not just the price, but what happens on each day. Here is a plain description of a typical tub-to-shower conversion, so there are no surprises when the crew shows up.
Day 1: Demo and substrate assessment
The tub is disconnected from the plumbing, the surround tile or panel is removed, and the tub is pulled from the alcove. Cast-iron tubs – common in older Fort Lauderdale homes in Riverside Park and Edgewood – are cut in sections with an angle grinder because they will not fit through doorways whole. Once the tub is out, the crew photographs the substrate condition: the backer board, the framing, the condition of the subfloor around the drain. That photo record goes to the homeowner the same day. If the substrate is sound, the project continues on the written scope. If there is moisture damage or mold, a change order is written before any additional work begins.
Day 2: Plumbing and waterproofing
The plumber adjusts the drain body and valve position for the new shower configuration. The tile setter installs cement backer board on the walls and applies a liquid waterproof membrane to the pan area and up the lower 12 inches of the walls – the wet zone spec for a shower in South Florida’s humidity. This membrane needs 24 hours to cure before tile can be set on top of it.
Day 3-4: Tile installation
Wall tile is set from the bottom up, with the first course level-checked against the shower pan or mortar bed. A recessed niche, if included in the scope, is framed and waterproofed before tile goes into it. Grout follows after the adhesive cures – typically the next day for large-format tile. The tile setter documents the layout and any field cuts with photos as part of the standard visit record.
Day 5-6: Glass enclosure and fixtures
The shower door or frameless glass enclosure is measured and installed after tile is grouted and dry. Kohler or comparable-spec fixtures – shower valve trim, shower arm, hand wand if included – are set at this stage. Caulk lines are sealed with a color-matched siliconized caulk along all transitions: floor-to-wall, wall corner, and door frame perimeter.
Day 7 (if applicable): Inspection and close-out
Broward County’s inspector verifies the plumbing permit items. We schedule the inspection; the homeowner does not need to coordinate with the county directly. After the inspection sign-off, the crew does a final walk-through, the photo record is compiled, and the written warranty is delivered. The 365-Day Done Right Promise starts on that date: if anything covered in the scope is not right, Rowan makes it right – that commitment is in the Haven Standard, not a verbal assurance.
Comparing Tub-to-Shower Conversion to Related Projects in Fort Lauderdale
It helps to see how a conversion prices out relative to adjacent projects, especially if the bathroom needs more than one update.
- Tub-to-shower conversion: $3,500-$10,000
- Walk-in shower installation (new location): $4,500-$12,000
- Shower replacement (existing shower): $3,000-$8,500
- Full bathroom remodel (all trades): $9,000-$28,000
- Small bathroom remodel: $5,000-$12,000
- Bathroom vanity installation only: $800-$3,000
If the bathroom needs a new vanity, updated lighting, and a shower conversion, batching those into one written scope is almost always less expensive than three separate project mobilizations. The written quote shows each line item, so you can decide which elements to include and which to defer – the scope is yours to adjust before anyone signs anything.
Why Fort Lauderdale Homes Have Specific Conversion Considerations
Fort Lauderdale’s housing stock is genuinely different from inland Florida markets, and that difference shows up in bathroom projects. Homes in Coral Ridge, Wilton Manors, and Rio Vista were largely built between 1950 and 1980; they often have original cast-iron plumbing in the walls and subfloor, thinner framing cavities than current code requires, and tile work that was set directly over drywall rather than cement backer board. When we demo a tub surround in those homes, finding original greenboard behind 1970s tile is not unusual – it is actually the norm in that vintage.
The humidity factor is real. Fort Lauderdale averages roughly 75% relative humidity year-round, and a bathroom that has had even a minor grout failure for a season can have significantly more moisture in the wall cavity than a homeowner would expect. We scope projects conservatively on substrate replacement for this reason: it is cheaper to replace backer board in the written scope than to add it as an emergency change order mid-project. The photo documentation we provide after demo gives you a clear picture of what is actually there – not a verbal description.
Condo buildings along Fort Lauderdale Beach and in Flagler Village add the HOA approval layer. We have found that most associations in Fort Lauderdale accept a licensed contractor’s scope letter, certificate of insurance, and Broward County permit number as the complete submission package. We provide all three as a standard deliverable when the project is in a managed building.
Key Takeaways
- Tub-to-shower conversions in Fort Lauderdale cost $3,500-$10,000, with most projects landing at $5,000-$7,500.
- The main cost drivers are tile selection, custom versus prefab shower pan, glass enclosure type, and substrate condition revealed after demo.
- Fort Lauderdale’s humidity makes substrate inspection and quality waterproofing more important here than in drier markets – budget for it.
- Broward County requires plumbing permits for most conversions; skipping the permit creates problems at resale.
- Rowan provides a flat written price and defined scope before any work starts, a documented photo record after every visit, and a 365-Day Done Right Promise on every project – under the Haven Standard, not a handshake.
- A Free Second Opinion on any written estimate is a standing offer – bring a competitor’s quote and we will review it line by line at no charge.
- Grant Rowan and the Rowan Construction Group team have been delivering documented bathroom projects in Fort Lauderdale since 2007, with more than 4,000 projects completed with a written price before any work started.
Get a Written Price for Your Fort Lauderdale Conversion
If you are ready to replace a tub you do not use with a shower that actually fits how you live, call Rowan Construction Group Fort Lauderdale at (754) 254-7676. Grant Rowan’s team delivers a flat written price with a full written scope before any crew is scheduled – no “we’ll know when we open the wall” estimates, no verbal promises. The estimate is free, the price is in writing, and no work proceeds until you have signed off on exactly what is included. That is Clause 1 of the Haven Standard, and it has been the standard at Rowan since 2007.
Pricing reflects the Fort Lauderdale market as of 2026. Rowan Construction Group Fort Lauderdale offers free estimates – call (754) 254-7676.
Written by Grant Rowan, Owner at Rowan Construction Group, serving Fort Lauderdale since 2007.
What Our Customers Say
"Final invoice was within two percent of the contract. Every change was priced and signed before anyone picked up a tool."
- Malcolm T."Talked us out of the larger scope we came in asking for, because it would not have added the value we thought."
- Emil R."Driveway replaced properly with a base that will actually last. They explained why the cheaper quote was cheaper."
- Reggie O.