Shower replacement in Whitefish Bay is usually about ripping out a 30-50 year old tile or fiberglass enclosure that’s leaking, mildewed, or just dated, and replacing it with a proper tile-and-glass walk-in. Most Whitefish Bay shower replacements are scoped tighter than full remodels — we touch only the shower area, not the vanity, floor, or toilet.
We’ve completed over 90 shower replacements in Whitefish Bay since 2019. Pricing typically runs $9k-$16k, timeline 5-7 days. Most clients live in the home during the work since we’re only touching one fixture.
What Makes Whitefish Bay Shower Replacements Different
Whitefish Bay’s housing stock is mostly 1920s-1940s tudors and colonials, which changes the job:
- Original tile demolition — mortar bed (not cement board) means heavier demo. We use protective floor coverings and HEPA dust containment.
- Galvanized supply lines — we usually replace the shower’s supply lines while the wall is open ($300-$700 add). Worth it. Galvanized lines are 90+ years old and corroding.
- Plaster patching — if the shower wall borders a plaster wall, we patch with proper plaster compound, not just drywall mud, so the texture matches.
Whitefish Bay Shower Replacement Pricing
Timeline
- Day 1: Demo, plumbing prep
- Day 2: Plumbing rough-in, electrical updates if needed
- Day 3: Schluter waterproofing membrane install, inspection
- Day 4-5: Tile installation
- Day 6: Grouting, fixture install
- Day 7: Glass measurement (glass installs separately 7-10 days later)
You can use other bathrooms in the home during work. Glass typically installs as a separate visit once tile is fully cured.
Period-Appropriate Design for Tudors
A modern spa-style shower can look out of place in a 1920s Whitefish Bay tudor. Period-appropriate alternatives that still feel modern: white subway tile with dark grout (timeless), hex marble mosaic floor, brass or unlacquered brass fixtures, recessed niche with brass trim, marble curb or threshold. We help you choose materials that fit the home’s era during free consultation.
What’s Covered
Demo and disposal, plumbing rough-in (with optional supply line modernization), Schluter membrane waterproofing, mortar bed or cement board, all tile work, grouting, fixture install, glass measurement coordination. Whitefish Bay plumbing permit ($120-$200) handled by us. 5-year written warranty on workmanship.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a shower replacement cost in Whitefish Bay?
Standard tile replacement runs $8.5k-$11k. Premium tile with frameless glass (most popular) runs $11k-$16k. Custom designer showers run $16k-$22k. Pricing reflects Whitefish Bay home values and finish expectations.
How long does shower replacement take?
Tile work takes 5-7 days on site. Glass installs as a separate visit 7-10 days after tile is grouted (custom-cut to fit). Total project: about 2.5 weeks from demo to glass install.
Will I lose my only shower?
Only if your home has one bathroom. Most Whitefish Bay homes have 1.5+ baths so you can use another shower during the work. We seal off the work area with plastic for dust containment.
Do you do glass enclosures yourself?
We coordinate with our preferred glass partner who measures, fabricates, and installs custom frameless glass. Lead time is 7-10 days after tile cures. Cost is built into our line-item quote, never marked up.
Can you replace just the tub/shower combo?
Yes — we can replace just the wet area. Total replacement of tub + tile surround typically runs $7k-$11k. We can also convert tub-shower to walk-in shower as a related project.
What about old plumbing in 1920s Whitefish Bay homes?
We typically replace the shower’s galvanized supply lines while the wall is open ($300-$700 add). Worth it — eliminates surprise leaks for 20+ years. We don’t push the upgrade if existing plumbing is solid.
Do you handle Whitefish Bay permits?
Yes — we pull plumbing permits ($120-$200) through Village of Whitefish Bay Building Department. Most shower replacements need plumbing permit, no electrical unless we’re adding a fan or light. Permits never marked up.
What’s your shower warranty?
5 years on workmanship: tile, grout, plumbing connections, fixture installation, waterproofing membrane. Manufacturer warranties cover product defects (typically 1-10 years depending on item).
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