Shower replacements in Wauwatosa cover three eras of homes: 1920s tudors near Hoyt Park, 1950s ranches near Mayfair, and newer subdivisions west of 124th. Each requires a slightly different approach but the work itself is consistent — tear out old, fix what’s broken, build a new shower correctly.
We’ve replaced over 200 showers across Wauwatosa. Most projects run $7k-$13k for tiled showers, $5k-$9k for acrylic. Tosa older homes can add 1-2 days for plumbing modernization.
Wauwatosa Shower Replacement Approaches by Home Era
- 1920s tudor (near Hoyt Park, Washington Highlands): Replace galvanized supply lines, swap old drain assembly, tile with period-appropriate finish. 5-7 days, $9k-$13k.
- 1950s ranch (near Mayfair, west Tosa): Standard shower swap, copper plumbing usually fine, modernize valve. 4-5 days, $7k-$11k.
- Newer subdivision (west of 124th): Modern plumbing in good shape, faster work. 4-5 days, $7k-$12k.
What’s Included in Tosa Shower Replacement
- Demolition of existing shower (tub or stand-alone)
- Plumbing inspection and modernization where needed
- New pressure-balanced or thermostatic shower valve
- Schluter Kerdi or RedGard waterproofing membrane
- Pre-formed pan or fully tiled custom floor
- Tile, large-format porcelain, or solid acrylic walls (your choice)
- Frameless or semi-frameless glass enclosure
- New showerhead, handheld, and trim
- Final caulk and seal
Wauwatosa Shower Replacement Pricing
Timeline
- Acrylic surround: 2-3 days
- Tiled with glass: 4-5 days
- Custom frameless: 5-7 days plus 1-2 weeks lead time on glass measurement
- Older Tosa homes: Add 1-2 days for plumbing modernization
Why Tosa Homeowners Pick Us Over the National Chains
Big national shower companies basically only sell acrylic. We do tile, large-format porcelain, frameless glass, and custom builds. Same crew start to finish, real licensed plumber on staff, and 5-year written warranty on workmanship instead of fine-print 1-year limited warranties.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Wauwatosa shower replacement cost?
Acrylic surround swaps run $5k-$9k. Tiled showers with glass door (most popular) run $8k-$13k. Custom frameless builds run $13k-$18k. Older Tosa homes add $1k-$1.5k for plumbing modernization.
How long does the work take?
Acrylic surround: 2-3 days. Tiled with glass: 4-5 days. Custom frameless: 5-7 days plus 1-2 weeks lead time on glass. Older Tosa homes can add 1-2 days for plumbing work.
Do older Tosa homes need plumbing replaced?
1920s tudors near Hoyt Park typically have galvanized supply lines that we recommend replacing during the shower swap. 1950s ranches usually have copper plumbing in good shape. We assess during free consultation.
Can I shower elsewhere during the work?
Yes if you have a second bathroom — we only tear out the shower, not the toilet or sink. If this is your only shower, plan to use a friend or family member for 4-5 days.
Do I need a permit for a shower replacement in Wauwatosa?
Yes if moving plumbing or changing valve location. No for like-for-like swaps. We pull every permit needed through City of Wauwatosa Inspection Services. Permit costs ($110-$200) show on line-item quote.
Should I do tile or acrylic?
Tile looks higher-end and adds resale value in Tosa. Acrylic is faster, cheaper, easier to clean. For Tosa primary baths in $300k+ homes, tile wins. For rentals or low-maintenance, acrylic wins.
Can you reuse my existing shower base?
Almost never. Old shower pans are the most leak-prone part — if it’s 15+ years old, replacing it now saves a flood later. We don’t cut corners that flood basements.
Are you licensed in Wauwatosa?
Yes — State of Wisconsin DSPS licensed, $2M general liability insurance, full workers comp. Proof handed over before any work starts.
Related Services & Locations
Related Services
Service Areas
We serve every major Milwaukee neighborhood and surrounding suburb. Pick yours below for a location-specific overview.