Shower Remodeling in Northwest Boise / Collister
Walk-in shower conversions, family-focused design, premium tile, Schluter Kerdi waterproofing — for 1960s-80s Northwest Boise ranches and split-levels.
Shower remodeling in Northwest Boise / Collister is dominated by walk-in shower conversions from original tub-shower combos. Most 1960s-80s Northwest Boise primary baths had built-in cast iron tubs with shower above — a configuration that owners now want converted to walk-in shower for modern primary suite aesthetic. Iron Crest's Northwest Boise shower work emphasizes Schluter Kerdi waterproofing on every shower (no exceptions, lifetime warranty), curbless walk-in formats where space allows, frameless glass enclosures, premium tile (large-format porcelain in marble look or designer ceramic), heated floor systems for primary baths, family-focused design including bench seating and grab bar reinforcement for aging-in-place, EPA RRP for pre-1978 Collister homes, and pragmatic finish-tier specifications appropriate to typical Northwest Boise property values.
Shower strategy in Northwest Boise depends on era and primary vs. secondary status.
1955–1975 Collister and Northwest Pointe
Original primary showers typical 3'×5' tile-over-cement-board with built-in tub-shower combo. Failed waterproofing common. Modern scope: full demolition with Schluter Kerdi retrofit, walk-in conversion.
1975–1985 expanded subdivisions
Larger primary showers, sometimes separate from tub. Original waterproofing approaching end-of-life. Scope: full demolition, walk-in conversion or upgrade.
1985–1995 Plantation Country Club
Often premium showers from era — sometimes already walk-in with proper waterproofing. Scope often refresh with fixture upgrade and glass replacement.
1995–present infill
Modern construction with current waterproofing. Scope typically aesthetic refresh.
Northwest Boise shower projects cluster into recognizable shapes.
1. The Walk-In Shower Conversion
Conversion of original tub-shower combo to walk-in shower. Schluter Kerdi waterproofing retrofit. Premium tile. Frameless glass enclosure. Most common Northwest Boise shower scope.
Target homes: 1960s-80s Northwest Boise homes with original tub-shower combos. Permit: standard plumbing/electrical permits.
2. The Premium Primary Walk-In
Larger 4'×6' or 4'×7' walk-in shower in primary suite. Curbless entry with linear drain. Frameless low-iron glass enclosure. Premium tile. Multi-function shower system. Heated bench and floor.
Target homes: Northwest Boise primary suites at premium tier. Permit: standard plumbing/electrical.
3. The Family-Focused Shower
Walk-in shower optimized for family use — durable porcelain tile, bench seating for kids, grab bar reinforcement for aging-in-place readiness, frameless glass with appropriate framing for active family.
Target homes: Northwest Boise primary baths used by family with kids and/or aging-in-place planning. Permit: standard plumbing/electrical.
4. The Plantation Country Club Spa
Premium primary spa shower on Plantation Country Club area home. Premium tile, multi-function fixtures, heated bench and floor, sometimes integrated steam capability.
Target homes: Plantation Country Club area primary baths. Permit: standard plumbing/electrical.
5. The Secondary Bath Shower
Secondary bath shower renovation. Walk-in shower with Schluter Kerdi, premium tile, frameless glass, mid-premium fixtures.
Target homes: Northwest Boise secondary baths. Permit: standard plumbing/electrical.
The Northwest Boise / Collister spans roughly two square miles with distinct sub-neighborhoods, each with its own remodeling personality.
Collister
The historic Collister neighborhood centered along Collister Drive, with development primarily 1955–1975. Mix of ranch homes (1,400–2,200 sq ft), split-levels, and tri-levels on lots typically 0.20–0.35 acre. Mature street trees give the neighborhood its distinctive character. Strong family-focused community feel. Home values $475K–$925K.
Northwest Pointe
The neighborhood west of Glenwood Street and north of State Street, with development 1965–1985. Larger ranch homes (1,800–2,800 sq ft) on slightly larger lots (0.25–0.45 acre). Many homes back to the irrigation canal corridor that defines the neighborhood. Home values $525K–$985K.
Pierce Park / State Street corridor
The streets surrounding Pierce Park and the State Street commercial corridor. Mix of 1960s ranches, 1970s split-levels, and some 1980s contemporary homes. Lots vary from 0.15–0.30 acre. Sometimes commercial-residential transitional zones. Home values $425K–$685K.
Plantation Country Club area
The neighborhoods adjacent to Plantation Country Club golf course off State Street. Premium tier — golf course frontage homes, larger lots (0.30–0.65 acre), 1970s-90s construction. Some homes have golf course views and golf cart access. Home values $685K–$1.65M.
Veterans Memorial Parkway corridor
The neighborhoods between Veterans Memorial Parkway and the Boise River corridor. Mix of 1960s-80s homes with some newer infill. Some homes have river or canal frontage. Family-focused community character. Home values $485K–$885K.
Glenwood / 36th Street area
The transitional zone between Northwest Boise and the Garden City municipality boundary. Mix of older 1950s homes and 1970s-80s subdivisions. Sometimes more affordable entry-point housing. Home values $385K–$625K.
Northwest Boise shower pricing reflects pragmatic finish-tier specification, Schluter Kerdi waterproofing, and EPA RRP for pre-1978 homes.
Northwest Boise / Collister shower remodeling ranges
Secondary bath shower (Walk-in with Schluter, premium tile, mid-premium fixtures): $22,000–$32,000 / 3–5 weeks
Family-focused shower (Walk-in optimized for family use with bench and grab bars): $28,000–$40,000 / 4–6 weeks
Walk-in shower conversion (Convert original tub-shower combo to walk-in): $28,000–$42,000 / 4–6 weeks
Premium primary walk-in (Larger walk-in with multi-function fixtures): $35,000–$48,000 / 5–7 weeks
Plantation Country Club spa (Premium spa shower with steam capability optional): $40,000–$48,000 / 6–8 weeks
Pricing assumes Iron Crest's standard scope: full City of Boise plumbing and electrical permits, Schluter Kerdi waterproofing system, heated floor where applicable, premium tile selection, premium plumbing fixtures, frameless glass enclosure, and a 5-year workmanship warranty + manufacturer materials warranties.
Northwest Boise / Collister is not within any City of Boise Historic District. There is no Historic Preservation Commission review for these neighborhoods. Some Northwest Boise subdivisions have HOA architectural review for exterior modifications, but most are lighter than Hidden Springs or Harris Ranch HOA review. Many older Northwest Boise neighborhoods have no HOA at all.
City of Boise standard permits apply for electrical, plumbing, structural, and mechanical work. Permit timelines are typically 2–4 weeks for over-the-counter scopes and 3–5 weeks for full plan review with structural drawings.
EPA Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Program applies to any work involving paint disturbance in pre-1978 homes — common in Collister and parts of Pierce Park / State Street. Iron Crest carries RRP certification.
Asbestos testing required for pre-1980 demolition work. Common in popcorn ceilings, vinyl asbestos floor tile, sheet flooring mastic, pipe insulation, and sometimes cement asbestos siding products on pre-1980 homes.
Northwest Boise lot dimensions are typically generous (0.20–0.45 acre with 70'–100' frontage). Setback compliance rarely a constraint. Major additions, ADUs, and detached structures have substantial site flexibility.
Some Northwest Boise lots back to irrigation canals (Farmers Union Canal, others) — irrigation rights, easements, and access requirements may affect deck or ADU siting near canal frontage. Iron Crest verifies canal-related constraints during pre-construction.
Plantation Country Club homes sometimes have HOA architectural review specific to golf course-frontage properties. ARC review timelines: 1–4 weeks. Verification at consultation stage essential.
Northwest Boise shower materials emphasize durable Schluter waterproofing, family-friendly aesthetic, and modern finishes.
Waterproofing — Schluter Kerdi system on every shower
Schluter Kerdi sheet membrane on all shower walls, floors, and curbs. Lifetime warranty. Iron Crest is Schluter-certified.
Tile — large-format porcelain or designer ceramic
Large-format porcelain (24×48) in marble or stone look for durability. Designer ceramic from Daltile, Pratt & Larson, or Fireclay for accent. Subway tile for classic shower walls.
Plumbing fixtures — pro-grade or premium
Kohler Memoirs, Moen Genta, Brizo Litze, Hansgrohe Talis for typical scope. Brizo Charlotte, House of Rohl for Plantation premium.
Glass — frameless tempered
Frameless tempered glass with premium hardware. Hinged door or sliding bypass.
Heated floor — radiant electric
Schluter Ditra-Heat or NuHeat electric radiant. Programmable thermostat.
Multi-function for premium primary
Rain head, handheld, body sprays. Pressure-balanced thermostatic valve.
Family-focused features
Bench seating in shower. Grab bar reinforcement during framing for future aging-in-place. Slip-resistant tile for safety.
Drain — linear or central
Linear drain for curbless layouts. Central drain for traditional curb formats.
Northwest Boise shower remodeling surfaces specific issues during demolition.
- •Pre-1978 lead-paint at adjacent surfaces. Cost addition: $1,500–$4,500.
- •Asbestos in pre-1980 mastic or substrate. Testing $300–$700. Abatement: $2,500–$6,500.
- •Failed waterproofing or hidden mold. Universal in pre-1990 showers. Mold remediation: $1,500–$5,500.
- •Cast iron drains and galvanized supply lines. Some pre-1980 homes. Replacement: $1,800–$5,500.
- •Aluminum branch wiring at bathroom circuits. Some 1960s-70s homes. Bath rewire: $2,500–$5,500.
- •Inadequate framing or substrate. Reinforcement: $1,200–$3,500.
- •Inadequate ventilation. Older bathrooms often have undersized fans. New high-CFM humidity-sensing: $850–$1,800.
- •Outdated electrical (no GFCI). Code requires GFCI. Bathroom rewire: $1,800–$4,500.
Discovery and design (Weeks 1–2)
On-site walkthrough. Lead and asbestos pre-screen. Material direction.
Design finalization and ordering (Weeks 2–4)
Detailed layout drawings. Tile and fixture orders.
Permitting (Weeks 3–5)
Plumbing and electrical permits.
Demolition (Days 1–3 of work)
EPA RRP and asbestos containment as needed. Demolition.
Plumbing and electrical rough-in (Days 3–7)
Plumbing rough-in for new fixture locations. Electrical rough-in.
Substrate and waterproofing (Days 7–14)
Cement board substrate. Schluter Kerdi membrane install. Heated floor.
Tile install (Days 14–25)
Floor tile, wall tile, bench tile. Grout. Caulk.
Glass templating and fabrication (Days 25–35)
Glass templated after tile. Fabrication 5–10 business days.
Fixtures and glass install (Days 35–45)
Plumbing fixture install. Glass install. Lighting trim.
Walkthrough (Days 45–55)
Final inspections. 5-year workmanship warranty begins.
Northwest Boise shower remodeling requires Schluter-certified waterproofing, walk-in conversion expertise, EPA RRP for pre-1978 homes, and family-focused design.
- City of Boise Planning & Development Services — Building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical permits.
- EPA Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Program — Required certification for pre-1978 paint disturbance work.
- Idaho Power Energy Efficiency Programs — Rebates and incentives for insulation, window replacement, HVAC upgrades. Strong ROI for energy retrofits on 1960s-80s Northwest Boise homes.
- Idaho DEQ Air Quality (Asbestos) — Testing and abatement guidance for pre-1980 homes.
- Idaho Division of Building Safety — Contractor Search — Verify contractor RCE license, bonding, and insurance through the official Idaho database.
How much does a Northwest Boise shower remodel cost?
$22,000–$32,000 for secondary bath; $28,000–$40,000 for family-focused shower; $28,000–$42,000 for walk-in conversion; $35,000–$48,000 for premium primary; $40,000–$48,000 for Plantation premium spa.
How long does it take?
3–5 weeks for secondary; 4–6 weeks for walk-in conversion or family-focused; 5–7 weeks for premium primary; 6–8 weeks for Plantation premium.
Will Schluter Kerdi waterproofing be used?
Yes, on every shower without exception. Iron Crest is Schluter-certified.
Can the walk-in be curbless?
Yes — strongly recommended for premium primary showers. Requires linear drain, proper substrate slope, and Kerdi-Shower-T or equivalent waterproofing.
What about aging-in-place readiness?
Common Northwest Boise priority. Iron Crest builds grab bar reinforcement into wall framing during demolition (low cost addition) so future grab bar installation is straightforward when needed. Bench seating, slip-resistant tile, low-threshold or curbless entry are aging-in-place-ready features.
What if hidden mold is discovered?
Common in pre-1990 showers. Iron Crest assesses and remediates: $1,500–$5,500.
Should I keep the existing tub or do walk-in?
Primary showers typically benefit from walk-in conversion. Secondary baths used by kids may benefit from retaining tub for younger children.
What's the warranty?
5-year workmanship warranty on Iron Crest's installation. Schluter Kerdi waterproofing carries manufacturer lifetime warranty.
Ready to start your Northwest Boise / Collister shower remodeling project?
Free in-home consultation, honest contingency-based budgeting, and the experience these older Boise homes require. Iron Crest Remodel — Idaho RCE #6681702, EPA RRP lead-safe certified, $2M general liability, 5-year workmanship warranty.
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