How Much Does a Shower Enclosure Cost?

Shower Your Bathroom Remodel with Savings: Enclosure Costs Uncovered

Ever wondered if upgrading your shower could transform your entire bathroom?

Or questioned how much luxury that sleek, frameless glass enclosure will really cost you?

You’re not alone!

In this post, we’ll break down the true shower enclosure cost in Atlanta, from basic models to fully custom designs.

By the end, you’ll know exactly how to budget for your bathroom remodeling project and where you can save.

Ready to shower your space with smart decisions?

Let’s dive in!

How Much Does A Shower Enclosure Cost In Atlanta?

The shower enclosure cost in Atlanta can vary quite a bit.

But don’t worry – we’re here to guide you through all the nitty-gritty details!

Factors such as shower size and type, the scope of the project, and even the age of your bathroom can impact the price.

We should also note that the cost of labor for a shower enclosure installation can vary widely based on the skill and experience of the bathroom remodeler.

Keeping those variables in mind, a bathroom shower enclosure typically starts at $4,000 and goes up from there. Premium shower enclosures can easily cost $13,500 or more.

However, this price should be considered a starting point, especially if your goal is a luxury bathroom with premium finishes and materials.

Since a shower enclosure installation is usually part of a larger bathroom remodeling project, it may also be useful to look at the typical cost of an overall bathroom remodel.

According to Remodeling Magazine’s Cost vs. Value Report, upscale bathroom remodels in the Atlanta area average $78K+.

If you’re interested in getting a luxury bathroom remodel, be sure to check out our guide to budgeting for bathroom remodeling.

Factors in Calculating Shower Enclosure Cost

Shower Size And Type

The size of your shower area has a big impact on your cost, as well as the types of features you select.

Larger shower enclosures, such as custom walk-ins, and ones with special features like frameless shower doors, custom zero entry doors, or hinged shower doors, typically cost more than a standard prefabricated shower with a basic framed shower door.

Project Scope

If you’re just replacing a glass panel or door pulls on your shower door, the cost will be much lower than if you’re doing a complete overhaul of your shower enclosure.

Bathroom Age And Condition

In older bathrooms in areas like Roswell or Brookhaven, more extensive work may be needed.

This might involve plumbing work, mold remediation, or layout changes, which will add to the cost.

Material Quality

From the low-iron glass for your custom frameless shower doors to the type of tile you select for your surround, the quality of the materials you choose can greatly affect the price of your shower enclosure.

Labor

Don’t forget to factor in labor costs, including the price of shower door installation.

Geographic Location

Prices can vary depending on where you live.

The cost to install a new shower enclosure in Atlanta might be slightly higher than prices in other areas of Georgia.

Additional Costs And Considerations

Conversion Costs

Changing from a tub to a shower enclosure will add to your costs.

Similarly, the cost of installing a new shower door on a bath-shower combo might differ.

Permits

You may need a permit for extensive remodeling work. Always check with local regulations.

Repairs

Addressing unexpected repairs, or necessary plumbing work can add unexpected costs. 

Sometimes older bathrooms must be brought up to code before the remodeling process can even begin.

Tiling

The cost of new tiling for your shower enclosure can vary, depending on the material and design you choose.

You can learn more about the costs of different types of bathroom tiles here.

Fixtures

If you are renovating your shower area, you are probably going to want to get new fixtures!

This includes shower faucets, as well as a new shower head.

Rainfall shower heads, body spray options, and dual-head systems are just a few of the many options you have when it comes to shower fixtures.

Generally speaking, the more complex the shower fixture, the higher the cost.

Shower Door

The type of shower door you choose will greatly influence the cost.

Framed shower doors are typically less expensive than semi-frameless shower doors or frameless glass shower doors.

Old Shower Removal

The cost of removing and disposing of your old shower enclosure will need to be considered.

Hidden Water Damage And Mold Remediation

If hidden water damage or mold is discovered during your remodeling project, this could increase the cost.

This is why we recommend you set aside 5-10% of your overall bathroom remodeling budget for hidden damages contingencies. 

Plumbing Work

Major changes may require alterations to the existing plumbing system, increasing the cost.

Layout Changes

Altering the layout of your bathroom to accommodate your new shower enclosure can add to the total cost.

Upgrades/Customizations

Custom shower doors and upgrades, like a mitered glass door or special door pulls, can also influence the cost.

Shower Enclosure Costs By Type Of Shower

Custom Walk-In Shower

Let’s start with the more luxurious option.

Custom walk-in showers offer limitless options in terms of design, materials, and fixtures.

You can choose everything from the type of glass used, such as standard or low-iron, to the style of door pulls that best match your decor.

Custom walk-in showers tend to cost more than prefabricated units due to their tailored nature and the higher quality materials typically used.

The labor required for installation also tends to be more intensive, adding to the overall cost.

However, the benefits of going with a custom walk-in shower are numerous.

You have the ability to fully personalize your shower to meet your specific needs and style preferences.

For example, you can choose a zero entry shower enclosure (as opposed to a curbed shower) for improved accessibility for those with limited mobility.

Additionally, a custom walk-in shower can greatly increase the value of your home, especially in sought-after areas like Atlanta, Roswell, and Brookhaven.

It’s important to note that premium remodelers, like Ranney Blair, specialize in custom walk-in showers.

We don’t handle prefabricated shower installations, focusing instead on providing high-quality, personalized solutions for our clients.

You can view more details about our bathroom remodeling tiers and pricing here.

Prefabricated Showers

Prefabricated showers are generally cheaper to install than custom walk-in showers and are typically made with cheaper materials, such as fiberglass or acrylic.

A prefabricated shower offers less flexibility in terms of design and features but also comes with a much lower price tag.

Shower Enclosure Cost By Type Of Glass

Standard shower glass is the most affordable option, whereas ultra-clear or low-iron shower glass, which offers a premium look and feel, costs a bit more.

Standard Shower Glass

Standard shower glass has a green hue that becomes more noticeable the thicker it is.

So if you get standard shower glass, you will see a greenish tint.

Ultra Clear (Low-Iron) Shower Glass

Also known as Starphire, Optiwhite, Clearvision, and Krystal Klear, low iron glass delivers maximum clarity and color neutrality by reducing the amount of iron present in standard glass.

Selecting the ultra clear shower glass option can add $1,000+ to the cost of a shower enclosure.

Other Shower Glass Considerations

Rain-X Glass Treatment

Some glass shower enclosures feature a factory-applied Rain-X treatment that prevents water spots and makes cleaning easier. This is an added cost to consider.

Upgrading to Rain-X-treated glass typically adds an additional $500-$1,000 to the shower enclosure cost.

Shower Glass Thickness

Thicker glass panels offer more stability and a higher-end look but come at a higher cost. Standard shower glass is 3/8″ thick, but you can upgrade this to 1/2″ thick.

Upgrading to thicker shower glass can add $1,000+ to the cost of a shower enclosure.

Mitered Glass Door

A mitered glass door can provide a seamless look for corner showers, but this customization will add to your total cost.

The practical advantage of a mitered edge on your glass shower door is that it helps create a tighter seal when the door is shut to prevent water from getting out of the shower.

Selecting a mitered edge glass door typically adds $500+ to the cost of a shower enclosure.

Custom Shower Enclosure Height

Adjusting the height of your shower enclosure to suit your needs can also impact the final price.

If you want your shower enclosure to be higher than 80″, then you may need to go with a thicker shower glass, which can add $1,000+ to your total.

You’ll also need to make allowances for the cost of additional materials needed to increase the overall height of your shower enclosure.

Clips Vs. U-Channel Supports

When you decide to install a frameless glass shower door in your bathroom, there’s more to think about than just the glass and door pulls.

How you secure the glass to the wall is a crucial consideration, and it primarily comes down to two options: clips or U-channel supports.

Glass clips, or clamps, are metal brackets that hold the glass panels in place.

They give your shower enclosure a truly frameless look, as they only secure a small part of the glass, leaving most of the edges exposed.

This clean, modern aesthetic is favored by many homeowners for its minimalist appeal.

U-channel supports are metal tracks that run along the bottom, top, or sides of the glass panels.

They offer a bit more structural support than clips and can be a good choice for larger or taller pieces of glass.

The U-channel gives a slightly different look compared to clips, as it covers more of the glass edges.

Some homeowners prefer this style, as it can provide a sleek, streamlined look to the shower enclosure.

The cost difference between clips and U-channel supports is pretty minimal.

You may save a few hundred dollars by selecting U-channel supports, depending on the specific installation requirements.

FAQs: Shower Enclosure Costs and Considerations

1. What is the average cost of installing a glass shower enclosure?

• The average cost of installing a glass shower enclosure ranges from $4,000 for a basic framed model, while frameless enclosures can cost anywhere between $5,000 and $13,500 depending on the size and customizations.

2. How much does a shower glass door installation cost in Atlanta?

• In Atlanta, you should budget around $1,500 for a professional shower glass door installation. A frameless shower door cost will likely be more than a framed shower door cost.

3. What factors affect the cost of a shower enclosure?

• Key factors include the type of glass (e.g., standard vs. low-iron), the thickness of the glass (3/8″ vs. 1/2″), the size of the shower, labor costs, and any additional custom features like frameless designs, decorative handles, or U-channel supports.

4. Are frameless shower enclosures more expensive than framed ones?

• Yes, frameless shower enclosures are more expensive because they require thicker glass (usually 3/8″ or 1/2″) and special mounting hardware. The cost difference can range from $5,000 for a basic frameless enclosure to $13,500 or more for larger, custom designs.

5. What is low-iron glass, and is it worth the extra cost?

• Low-iron glass, often called ultra-clear or Starphire glass, eliminates the green tint found in standard glass, offering clearer visibility. It’s a popular choice for bathrooms with white or light-colored tile. While it can add $1,000+ to the cost, it enhances the aesthetic for homeowners focused on design.

6. How much does it cost to add a water spot prevention treatment?

• Water spot prevention treatments, such as Rain-X, typically cost between $500 and $1,000. This coating makes cleaning easier and helps prevent staining.

7. Can I save money by using U-channel supports instead of clips?

• Yes, U-channel supports are generally less expensive than clips, as they require less precision in cutting the glass. Choosing U-channels can save you $100 to $200, depending on the project.

8. What are some hidden costs I should be aware of?

• Hidden costs can include old shower removal, plumbing updates, mold remediation, permit fees, and unexpected repairs like water damage. It’s wise to set aside an additional 5-10% of your budget for these contingencies.

9. How long does it take to install a glass shower enclosure?

• Professional installation typically takes 2 to 4 hours for a standard enclosure, but custom installations may take longer due to the complexity of the design and size.

10. Does a glass shower enclosure increase home resale value?

• Yes, upgrading to a glass shower enclosure can enhance your bathroom’s aesthetic appeal and improve your home’s resale value, especially if it’s part of a larger bathroom remodel.

11. Can I install a glass shower enclosure myself?

• While it’s possible to install a glass shower enclosure yourself, it’s not recommended unless you have experience with glasswork. Improper installation can lead to leaks and may end up costing more in repairs.

Ranney Blair Weidmann Remodeling Are Your Local Bathroom Remodeling Experts

From a simple frameless door to an elegant glass enclosure with door pulls that match your style, we’ve got you covered.

We’ve got the knowledge, experience, and skills to bring your vision to life, all while keeping your budget in mind.

Think about how a new shower enclosure could transform your bathroom.

Imagine starting your day in a shower with a beautiful glass door that reflects your personal style and adds a touch of luxury to your routine.

And remember, investing in your home’s bathroom not only enhances your daily life but can also add value to your property!

Ready to take the plunge and remodel your bathroom?

At Ranney Blair Weidmann Remodeling, we’re experts in crafting high-quality shower enclosures, and we’d love to help make your dream bathroom a reality.

Whether you’re in Atlanta, Roswell, or Brookhaven, fill out our contact form today or give us a call.

Your perfect shower awaits!