When Mia bought her mid-century fixer-upper, the bathrooms were stuck in the 1980s—almond fixtures, pastel tile, and a shower that barely trickled. She had a vision for clean lines, natural textures, and a little brass sparkle. But like many of us, she had to balance that dream with a real budget.

So the big question: go full DIY or hire pros for the big stuff?

In Mia’s case, the focus was on the shower. Not just for style—but function, resale, and everyday use. Let’s walk through what she discovered—and compare the real numbers behind shower replacement cost, labor, and design.

DIY Shower Projects: Where Creativity Meets Constraint

Mia started with some easy DIY bathroom projects that gave her momentum:

  • Replacing old caulk and cleaning grout = $30 and 2 hours
  • Swapping in a new rain showerhead = $75, no plumber needed
  • Installing a teak bench and matte black shelving = $120, easy upgrades

These small changes added up—visually and functionally. But when it came to tearing out the fiberglass enclosure? Things got tricky.

bathroom upgrades

Pro Replacement: The Numbers and the Nuance

Hiring a licensed contractor to replace her old shower came with a serious boost:

  • Frameless glass enclosure: $1,800–$2,500
  • Large-format tile install with waterproof membrane: $2,200–$3,500
  • Custom niche and bench construction: $600–$1,000
  • Labor (demolition + install): $2,000–$3,000

Total shower replacement cost for her space: approximately $7,500—at the high end of mid-range, but worth every penny.

Why? Waterproofing was flawless. Tile edges were laser-precise. The glass doors opened like butter.

Comparing the Outcome

Element DIY Approach Pro Install
Cost $$ $$$$
Time Long weekends 5–10 days
Visual Finish Casual Showroom-worthy
Resale Impact Minimal Significant

Mia realized that DIY was perfect for aesthetic tweaks, but big-impact bathroom upgrades—like a full shower replacement—deserved the detail and durability that only pros could provide.

Final Word

You don’t have to choose all-or-nothing. Blend your talents with expert craftsmanship. Let DIY projects personalize the space, and trust professionals with the bones.

Because smart upgrades don’t just make your bathroom prettier—they make it perform. Just like Mia’s new shower: the perfect mix of heart and precision.