What is the average cost to convert a bathtub to a walk-in shower in NB?

A tub-to-shower conversion in New Brunswick typically costs $8,000-$15,000 for a quality mid-range result, or $15,000-$25,000+ if you're upgrading to a fully tiled custom shower with premium fixtures, a niche, built-in bench, and premium shower system. The final number depends heavily on whether you keep the existing drain location, how much tile work is involved, and the quality of the fixtures you choose.

The conversion process involves removing the existing tub, framing out the new shower footprint (which often expands the shower area into the tub alcove space), waterproofing the shower pan and walls, tiling, installing a new drain, and connecting the new shower valve and fixtures. If you can keep the drain close to the existing location, plumbing costs stay modest — $1,500-$3,000 for a licensed plumber to reposition the drain, install a new shower rough-in valve, and connect fixtures. If you want to completely relocate the drain or add multiple body jets and a thermostatic system, plumbing costs climb to $4,000-$7,000 and the project requires careful planning.

Waterproofing is the most important investment in any tub-to-shower conversion, and it's where homeowners often try to cut corners. The shower pan (the floor and lower walls) needs a properly sloped tile bed or a prefabricated shower base, plus a sheet-applied or liquid waterproofing membrane over cement board substrate. Schluter KERDI, RedGard, or Wedi systems are the current standard — they cost more than just laying tile over standard drywall, but they're what prevents water from working its way behind the tile and rotting the framing. In NB's humid Maritime climate, a shower that isn't properly waterproofed will develop mould inside the wall cavity within a few years, requiring complete tearout.

For tile, porcelain is the right choice in a NB shower — low absorption, durable, and mould-resistant with properly applied epoxy grout. A custom-tiled shower walls and floor typically runs $3,000-$6,000 for materials and labour depending on tile selection and complexity. Large-format tiles reduce grout lines; mosaic inserts on the floor add grip and visual interest. If budget is a constraint, a quality acrylic or solid-surface prefabricated shower surround (like those from Mirolin or Maax) installed over a prefabricated shower base can deliver a watertight result for $2,000-$4,000 in materials — easier to keep clean than tile and fully watertight if properly caulked and maintained.

All shower work involving plumbing or electrical must be permitted and inspected under TSANB regulations. A new shower valve, drain relocation, or exhaust fan upgrade all require licensed trades and inspections — no exceptions in NB. A building permit is also required if you're making plumbing changes. Your contractor should be pulling these permits; if they suggest skipping it, walk away.

NB homeowners converting a tub because of accessibility needs should plan for a curbless (zero-threshold) shower design that allows barrier-free access. This requires careful waterproofing engineering since the traditional curb is part of what contains water — but curbless showers can be done right with a proper linear drain and appropriately sloped floor tile. Add $1,000-$2,500 for the additional waterproofing and linear drain work over a standard curbless installation.

Plan for 2-3 weeks of work from demolition through grouting and final installation for a standard conversion. The first week is typically demolition, rough-in plumbing, and substrate prep; week two is waterproofing and tile installation; the final days are fixtures, grouting, caulking, and cleanup. Budget a 15% contingency — it's common to discover that the subfloor under the tub needs replacement, or that the framing behind the old tile has some moisture damage that needs remediation before the new shower goes in.

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Looking for experienced contractors? The New Brunswick Construction Network connects homeowners with qualified professionals:

• Thirty Four Renovations
• Gionetterenovations