Shower Remodel in Boise, ID
From tub-to-shower conversions to luxury walk-in designs with frameless glass, rain showerheads, and built-in niches — we handle every detail from waterproofing to finish hardware.
Boise homeowners are transforming their bathrooms at a remarkable rate, and the driver is almost always the same: the original bathtub-centric bathroom that came standard in 1950s through 1990s construction no longer reflects how Boise families actually live. Walk-in showers with large-format tile, frameless glass enclosures, and built-in niches are replacing tub surrounds across every neighborhood — from Craftsman bungalows in the North End to ranch homes on the Bench to Harris Ranch contemporaries. Iron Crest Remodel brings the full technical stack to Boise shower remodels: Schluter Systems waterproofing, precision tile installation, and frameless glass fabrication, all executed with the attention to detail that protects your investment in a city where a quality bathroom remodel consistently adds $15,000–$25,000 to resale value.
Design and build the shower you have always wanted — from custom tile work to barrier-free walk-ins.
Certified waterproofing installation using industry-standard membrane systemsLicensed plumber for all valve, drain, and supply line workPrecision tile installation with layout planning and material-specific techniquesLeak testing of every shower pan before tile installation begins
A shower remodel transforms one of the most-used spaces in your home — from a basic, builder-grade enclosure into a custom-designed space that fits your daily routine, aesthetic preferences, and long-term needs. Shower remodeling involves demolition of the existing shower or tub, plumbing rough-in for new drain and supply locations, structural preparation, waterproofing membrane installation, tile or panel application, glass enclosure installation, and fixture mounting. In the Treasure Valley, many homes built in the 1990s and 2000s have small, dark, builder-grade showers with fiberglass surrounds, poor drainage, and inadequate waterproofing that leads to hidden water damage over time. A properly planned shower remodel addresses all of these issues while creating a space that is both beautiful and built to last. The most critical element of any shower build is waterproofing — every surface that receives water must be properly membraned, sealed, and sloped to prevent moisture from reaching the framing and subfloor behind the finished surface.
The shower remodeling market in Boise has been shaped by two converging forces: an aging housing stock whose original bathrooms were built to a standard that no longer meets modern expectations, and a real estate market where updated bathrooms are among the most powerful drivers of buyer preference and sale price. Understanding both helps explain why shower remodels are one of the most requested projects in Iron Crest's Boise service area.
The housing stock dimension is straightforward. Boise's North End, Bench, and south-side neighborhoods contain thousands of homes built between the 1930s and 1970s whose bathrooms have never been substantively updated. Original tile — typically 4-by-4-inch white ceramic in a three-wall tub surround configuration — was durable enough to last 60-plus years with routine maintenance, but it carries the aesthetic weight of its era and the functional limitation of a design built around bathing rather than showering. By the time homeowners in these neighborhoods call us, the grout has darkened, the caulk has failed at the tub-to-tile junction (often for the second or third time), and the original tub itself is chipped, stained, or simply undersized relative to contemporary expectations. The entire system has reached the end of its functional and aesthetic life simultaneously.
The waterproofing dimension adds urgency that many homeowners underestimate. Original tub-surround installations in Boise homes from the 1940s through the 1970s used mud-bed (mortar bed) tile setting over metal lath — a system that was structurally durable but relied on the tile and grout as the primary water management layer. After decades of thermal cycling and use, grout joints crack, caulk at the tub perimeter fails, and water finds its way into the mortar bed. A waterlogged mortar bed is a slow-motion disaster: the water sits against the framing behind the wall, the subfloor under the tub, and the bottom plates of the wall framing, initiating rot and mold that can persist for years before becoming visible. We routinely open walls during Boise shower remodels and find framing damage that has been developing silently for a decade or more. Modern waterproofing systems — specifically the Schluter KERDI membrane system — eliminate this failure mode by creating a true waterproof barrier behind the tile surface rather than relying on tile and grout to manage water.
Boise's semi-arid climate creates a specific dynamic in bathrooms that differs from humid-climate markets. The ambient humidity in Boise is significantly lower than in Pacific Northwest cities — Boise's average relative humidity runs 40–60% in most seasons, compared to 70–85% in Seattle or Portland. This lower ambient humidity means that shower steam dissipates more quickly, which is a comfort benefit, but it also masks the moisture damage accumulating in walls and subfloors from tile and grout failures. Homeowners in Boise are accustomed to low ambient humidity and may not notice the signs of chronic bathroom moisture infiltration — soft spots in the subfloor near the tub, slight flex in the tile surround, musty odor in the vanity cabinet — that would be more immediately apparent in a humid climate. By the time the problem is visible, the framing damage is often significant.
The walk-in shower trend is also meeting genuine functional demand in Boise's aging homeowner population. Ada County's median homeowner age has been rising as the population that bought homes in the 1970s and 1980s ages in place. Walk-in showers with zero-threshold entries, built-in bench seating, and handheld showerheads are accessible design features that serve homeowners across their full lifetime — a consideration that is genuinely relevant for Boise's population distribution and that adds long-term value by keeping the home marketable to a wide buyer pool at resale.
Boise homeowners pursue shower remodeling for a variety of reasons. Here are the most common situations we see:
- ✓Homeowners who want to convert an unused bathtub into a spacious walk-in shower
- ✓Families who need a larger, more functional shower with better water pressure, storage, and lighting
- ✓Aging-in-place homeowners who need a barrier-free, zero-threshold shower with grab bars and bench seating
- ✓Anyone with a dated or failing shower that has grout problems, leaks, mold, or inadequate waterproofing
- ✓Homeowners who want a spa-like shower experience with rain showerheads, body sprays, and custom tile design
Not every shower remodel project is the same. Here are the most common project types we complete in Boise:
Tub-to-Shower Conversion
Remove an existing bathtub and replace it with a custom walk-in shower. Includes new drain placement, curb or zero-threshold entry construction, waterproofing, tile installation, glass enclosure, and updated fixtures.
Walk-In Shower Remodel
Redesign and rebuild an existing shower with new tile, fixtures, glass enclosure, niches, and lighting. May include expanding the shower footprint, adding a bench, or changing the layout.
Barrier-Free / ADA Accessible Shower
Design and build a zero-threshold shower with curbless entry, linear drain, anti-slip tile flooring, grab bars, fold-down bench seating, and handheld showerhead for accessible daily use.
Luxury Shower Upgrade
High-end shower build with premium tile, rain showerhead, body sprays, thermostatic valve system, LED lighting, large-format niches, and frameless glass enclosure. Designed for a spa-like daily experience.
Shower Panel or Solid Surface Installation
Install grout-free solid surface shower panels for a clean, low-maintenance alternative to tile. Ideal for homeowners who want a fresh shower without the upkeep of grout cleaning and sealing.
Boise has over a century of residential construction, from 1900s Craftsman homes in the North End to 2020s new construction in West Boise and Southeast Boise. This diversity means remodeling contractors encounter a wide range of structural systems, plumbing types, electrical standards, and finish materials.
Pre-1940 (North End, Downtown)
Craftsman bungalows, Tudor revivals, and foursquare homes with plaster walls, old-growth fir floors, knob-and-tube wiring (in some), galvanized plumbing, and brick or stone foundations. Remodeling these homes requires sensitivity to historic character while updating systems.
1940s–1960s (Bench, Central Boise)
Post-war ranch homes and split-levels with hardwood floors, original tile bathrooms, copper plumbing, and 100-amp electrical panels. These homes often need kitchen and bathroom updates, electrical upgrades, and insulation improvements.
1970s–1990s (West Boise, South Boise)
Subdivision homes with drywall, builder-grade cabinets, laminate countertops, carpet throughout, and basic builder fixtures. Most plumbing is copper or early PEX. These are the most common candidates for kitchen and bathroom remodels.
2000s–present (SE Boise, Harris Ranch, West Boise)
Modern construction with PEX plumbing, 200-amp panels, energy-efficient windows, and open floor plans. Remodeling in these homes typically focuses on upgrading builder-grade finishes rather than updating systems.
Common issues in Boise homes
- •Galvanized plumbing in pre-1970 homes causing low water pressure and corrosion
- •Insufficient electrical capacity (100-amp panels) for modern kitchen and bathroom demands
- •Poor or missing bathroom ventilation leading to moisture and mold issues
- •Closed-off floor plans in 1970s-1990s homes that homeowners want opened up
- •Cracked or settling foundations in some older Bench and North End homes
- •Builder-grade materials reaching end of life in 1990s-2000s subdivision homes
Material selection affects the look, durability, and cost of your shower remodel. Here are the most popular options we install in Boise:
Porcelain Tile (Walls and Floor)
$8–$25 per sq ft installedThe most popular shower surface material. Dense, water-resistant, available in hundreds of styles including large-format, wood-look, stone-look, and mosaic options. Large-format tiles (12x24 and up) create a modern, seamless look.
Best for: Shower walls, floors, niches, and accent features
Natural Stone Tile (Marble, Travertine)
$15–$50+ per sq ft installedPremium tile option that delivers a luxurious, one-of-a-kind look. Marble hexagon floors, marble slab walls, and travertine accents create a spa-like atmosphere. Requires sealing and careful maintenance.
Best for: Feature walls, luxury shower floors, accent strips, and niche interiors
Waterproofing Membrane (Schluter Kerdi / Laticrete)
$1,500–$3,500 per shower (material and labor)Bonded waterproofing membrane system applied to every shower surface. Available as sheet membrane, liquid-applied membrane, or foam board panels. The single most critical material in any shower build — it prevents water from reaching the structure.
Best for: Every shower floor, wall, curb, niche, and bench surface — no exceptions
Frameless Glass Enclosure
$1,200–$3,500 installedCustom-measured and fabricated clear tempered glass panels and door with minimal hardware for a clean, modern look. Available in 3/8-inch and 1/2-inch glass thicknesses with various hardware finishes.
Best for: Walk-in showers where visual openness and modern design are priorities
Shower Valve and Fixture Set
$300–$1,500 per setPressure-balancing or thermostatic shower valve with trim, showerhead, and optional handheld sprayer. Quality fixtures from Moen, Delta, Kohler, or Grohe provide reliable temperature control and water delivery.
Best for: Every shower — the valve is the functional heart of the shower system
Shower remodel material selection in Boise intersects with the city's specific humidity profile, housing vintage, and design culture in ways that make a locally-informed specification different from a national default recommendation.
Schluter KERDI Waterproofing System is the waterproofing specification we use as a standard on every Boise shower project, and the reasoning is both technical and climate-specific. KERDI is a polyethylene sheet membrane that is embedded in unmodified thinset mortar and applied to the substrate before tile is set. When properly installed — seams overlapped and bonded, corners reinforced with KERDI-BAND, pipe penetrations sealed with KERDI-SEAL — it creates an impermeable barrier between the tile assembly and the structural framing behind it. Water that penetrates grout joints (a certainty over any shower's lifetime) reaches the KERDI membrane and drains to the shower floor rather than migrating into the wall cavity. This is why Schluter's limited lifetime warranty on the membrane is meaningful and why contractors who claim it is unnecessary are, frankly, wrong about shower waterproofing. In Boise specifically, where the semi-arid climate reduces the sensory cues that alert homeowners to bathroom moisture problems (ambient humidity is low, so moisture-related odors develop more slowly), KERDI's role in keeping water out of the framing permanently is more valuable, not less. We have seen too many Boise shower demolitions reveal frame damage that was invisible from the surface to accept any waterproofing system less robust than KERDI or its direct equivalents.
Large-Format Porcelain Tile has become the dominant material in Boise shower remodels, and the size trend continues to push larger. The 12x24 format that was considered a premium specification five years ago is now the entry-level standard in most of our projects; 24x24, 24x48, and even 48x48 formats are increasingly requested for wall applications in primary suite showers. The appeal is visual — fewer grout lines create a cleaner, more spa-like appearance — but installation demands increase with format size. Large-format tile requires a substrate that meets ANSI A108.02 flatness tolerances (not more than 1/8-inch variation in 10 feet), back-buttering of each tile for maximum coverage, and lippage control during installation. Our tile installation team works to lippage standards that exceed the minimum TCNA requirements, which matters on large-format work where even slight lippage is immediately visible under raking light or when running a hand across the surface.
Rectified Porcelain specifically enables the tight grout joint widths (1/16-inch to 1/8-inch) that define the contemporary spa aesthetic. Rectified tile has been mechanically cut to precise dimensions after firing, allowing consistent tile-to-tile sizing that standard calibrated tile cannot match. The tight grout joints that result from rectified tile installation reduce the visual interruption of grout lines and, practically, reduce the total surface area of grout — the most maintenance-intensive element of any tile installation.
Marble and Natural Stone carry a premium aesthetic that appeals to a segment of Boise's Harris Ranch and North End markets, but they require more demanding installation and maintenance than porcelain. Natural stone is porous and requires sealing, both initially and periodically throughout its service life. In Boise's semi-arid environment, periodic resealing is easy to forget because the climate doesn't produce the obvious moisture-related problems (mold, efflorescence) that would serve as reminders in a humid market. Unsealed or improperly sealed marble in a shower develops iron staining, soap scum penetration, and surface etching from cleaning products that can permanently alter the stone's appearance. We install natural stone in Boise showers for clients who understand and commit to the maintenance protocol — and we provide explicit written maintenance instructions with every stone installation.
Frameless Glass Enclosures are the standard finish specification for quality shower remodels in Boise, and the market has almost entirely moved away from framed and semi-framed configurations in new installations. Frameless enclosures use 3/8-inch or 1/2-inch tempered glass panels held by minimal hardware — typically a header bar, floor clamp, and wall-mounted hinges or pivot hardware — with no metal frame surrounding the glass perimeter. The result is visually clean, easy to clean (no frame channels to trap soap scum and mildew), and architecturally subordinate to the tile work it frames. Custom fabrication is required because no two shower openings in Boise's diverse housing stock are identical in dimension. We work with local glass fabricators who template each shower on-site after tile work is complete, ensuring glass panels that fit precisely without shimming or adjustment.
Shower Niches and Built-In Benches are specified in the vast majority of our Boise remodels and have moved from upgrade features to standard expectations. A niche is a recessed shelf built into the shower wall to hold shampoo and soap bottles — practical, clean, and eliminating the awkward shower caddy that hangs from the showerhead. Construction requires cutting between wall studs (or between the shower wall and an adjacent wall cavity) and applying KERDI waterproofing to the niche interior before tiling. A built-in bench — typically 18–20 inches deep and 17 inches high — adds both function and visual weight to larger shower installations and is essentially mandatory in accessible design applications. Both features add $800–$2,500 to a project depending on size and tile detailing.
Here is how a typical shower remodel project works from first contact to final walkthrough:
1
Shower Design Consultation
We visit your bathroom, evaluate the existing shower or tub space, discuss your daily routine and wish list, and review layout options, material choices, and fixture selections. You receive a design concept and detailed estimate.
2
Design Finalization and Material Selection
We finalize the shower layout, tile design, niche locations, fixture selections, glass enclosure style, and any accessibility features. Materials are ordered and lead times are confirmed. A fixed-price contract is prepared.
3
Demolition and Plumbing Rough-In
The existing shower or tub is demolished, and we inspect the framing, subfloor, and drain condition. New plumbing rough-in is completed for the reconfigured drain location, supply lines, and valve placement. Framing modifications for niches, benches, and shower size are completed.
4
Waterproofing
This is the most critical phase. We apply a bonded waterproofing membrane system (Schluter Kerdi, Laticrete Hydro Ban, or equivalent) to every shower surface — floor, walls, curb, niches, and bench. The shower pan is sloped to the drain and tested for leak-proof integrity before tile begins.
5
Tile Installation
Floor tile is installed first with proper slope to drain, followed by wall tile, niche tile, bench tile, and any accent or feature tile. Grout is applied, cleaned, and sealed. Large-format tiles, mosaics, and accent patterns are laid out precisely per the design plan.
6
Glass, Fixtures, and Hardware Installation
The glass enclosure (frameless, semi-frameless, or framed) is measured, fabricated, and installed. Showerhead, valve trim, diverter, handheld sprayer, grab bars, towel hooks, and all hardware are mounted and tested.
7
Final Testing and Walkthrough
We run the shower for an extended test to verify drainage, water pressure, valve operation, and leak-free performance. Grout sealant is applied, and a final walkthrough ensures every detail meets expectations.
Here is what to expect for project duration when planning a shower remodel in Boise:
| Phase | Duration | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Design and Material Selection | 1–3 weeks | Consultation, design development, tile and fixture selection, and contract finalization. Material lead times for specialty tile and glass can add 2-4 weeks. |
| Demolition and Plumbing Rough-In | 2–3 days | Remove existing shower or tub, inspect framing and subfloor, complete plumbing rough-in for new drain and supply locations, and frame any niches or benches. |
| Waterproofing | 1–2 days | Apply waterproofing membrane to all shower surfaces. Test the shower pan for leak-proof performance. This phase must be completed and verified before tile begins. |
| Tile Installation | 3–6 days | Floor tile, wall tile, niche tile, and accent tile installation. Grouting and sealing. This is typically the longest phase of active construction. Complex designs take longer. |
| Glass and Fixture Installation | 1–2 days | Glass enclosure measurement, fabrication (if not pre-ordered), and installation. Showerhead, valve trim, hardware, and accessories are mounted and connected. |
| Final Testing and Walkthrough | 1 day | Extended shower test, drainage verification, grout sealing, and homeowner walkthrough to confirm quality and function. |
Boise range: $8,500 – $35,000
Most Boise projects: $17,500
Boise shower remodel costs reflect the scope complexity that the city's diverse housing stock creates. A basic tub-to-shower conversion in a Bench ranch home — removing the original tub, installing a proper waterproofed shower pan with Schluter KERDI or similar, tiling walls and floor, and installing a basic frameless or semi-frameless enclosure — typically runs $8,500–$14,000. A mid-range remodel with large-format tile (12x24 or 24x48), a recessed niche, frameless glass enclosure, built-in bench, and quality fixtures runs $14,000–$22,000. High-end projects in Harris Ranch or North End homes with premium materials — book-matched stone-look porcelain, custom frameless glass enclosures, linear drains, steam shower systems, or full bathroom gut-remodel scope — can reach $25,000–$35,000+. Substrate remediation work discovered after demolition — rot, mold, compromised framing — is quoted separately and is more common in pre-1980 Boise homes than homeowners typically anticipate.
The final cost of your shower remodel in Boise depends on several factors. Here are the biggest cost drivers:
Shower Size and Configuration
high impactA standard 3x4 foot shower costs significantly less than a 4x6 or 5x8 foot walk-in. Larger showers require more tile, more waterproofing, larger glass enclosures, and more labor.
Tile Selection and Design Complexity
high impactStandard subway tile on walls with mosaic floor tile is the most affordable option. Large-format tiles, natural stone, intricate mosaic patterns, accent bands, and niche detailing increase material and labor costs significantly.
Plumbing Modifications
medium impactKeeping the drain and supply lines in their existing locations is the most affordable approach. Moving the drain, adding supply lines for multiple showerheads, or converting from a tub configuration adds plumbing labor and material cost.
Glass Enclosure Type
medium impactA shower curtain is the least expensive enclosure. Semi-frameless glass doors run $800-1,500. Frameless glass enclosures with custom panels range from $1,200-3,500+ depending on size and configuration.
Accessibility Features
medium impactZero-threshold entries with linear drains, built-in bench seating, grab bar blocking, and anti-slip flooring add cost but provide essential function for aging-in-place planning.
Fixture Quality
low impactBuilder-grade showerheads and valves start around $150-300. Mid-range fixtures from Delta, Moen, or Kohler run $400-800. Premium thermostatic systems with rain heads and body sprays can exceed $2,000.
These are the real-world projects we see most often from Boise homeowners:
Boise Bench Ranch — Tub-to-Walk-In-Shower Conversion
The most common shower remodel in Boise is the conversion of a single-bathroom ranch home's original fiberglass tub surround or ceramic tile tub enclosure into a walk-in shower. These projects are the backbone of Iron Crest's Boise shower business and follow a well-established process: demolition of the existing tub and surround down to the wall studs and subfloor, inspection and remediation of any substrate damage discovered during demolition, installation of Schluter KERDI waterproofing membrane over the new cement board substrate, tile installation with large-format porcelain or ceramic in current trending formats (12x24 is the entry-level standard; 24x24 and 24x48 are increasingly popular on wall applications), a sloped tile shower floor or linear drain configuration, and a frameless or semi-frameless glass enclosure. Plumbing modifications to eliminate the tub supply and drain and add a shower valve, showerhead, and hand shower are included in the scope. The result is a shower that transforms the daily experience of the bathroom while addressing the underlying waterproofing failures in the original installation.
Typical cost: $10,500–$16,500Timeline: 7–12 business days
North End Historic Home — Primary Bathroom Gut Remodel
Primary bathrooms in North End homes built before 1950 present a unique combination of challenges and opportunities. These bathrooms are frequently small by contemporary standards — 35 to 50 square feet in many pre-war floor plans — and were built with cast iron tubs, hexagonal mosaic tile floors, and wainscot tile surround. Some original tile is genuinely beautiful and preservation-worthy; more often it has been repaired piecemeal over the decades with incompatible replacement tiles and poorly applied grout that has compromised the installation's integrity. Full gut remodels in these spaces require careful demolition to assess and document original conditions, creative space planning to maximize function in a constrained footprint, and tile selections that complement the home's era without being a slavish reproduction. Large-format subway tile in matte finishes, handmade-look ceramics, and architectural mosaic accents translate well in Craftsman and Foursquare homes. Space constraints often preclude a full walk-in shower, but a converted tub area with a properly waterproofed tile shower and a sleek frameless glass enclosure transforms the bathroom's functionality dramatically.
Typical cost: $18,000–$30,000Timeline: 14–21 business days
West Boise Two-Story — Primary Suite Shower Upgrade
West Boise primary suites built in the 1990s and early 2000s typically feature a fiberglass or acrylic shower module — a molded unit that was installed as new construction and has aged to the point of surface crazing, permanent staining, and in many cases cracked base components that allow water infiltration into the subfloor below. Replacement of a fiberglass module with a custom tile shower is one of the most dramatic visual upgrades available to West Boise primary suite bathrooms. The scope involves removing the module, evaluating and repairing the subfloor and framing exposed during demolition, installing Schluter KERDI over new cement board substrate, and building a custom shower with the dimensions, features, and tile selection the original module could never provide — niches, bench seating, multiple showerheads, a linear drain. Frameless glass enclosures in these larger West Boise primary suites are typically full-height single-panel or double-panel configurations that anchor the bathroom's visual design.
Typical cost: $13,500–$22,000Timeline: 9–14 business days
SE Boise / Harris Ranch — High-End Primary Shower with Steam
Harris Ranch primary bathrooms offer the canvas for Boise's most ambitious shower installations. With larger floor plans, more generous fixture allowances, and homeowner expectations shaped by high-end design publications and home tour experiences, these projects frequently include features not seen in other Boise neighborhoods: steam shower systems, ceiling rain showerheads, multi-body spray configurations, full-height large-format porcelain tile with thin-set installation to large-format tile standards (ANSI A108.02), and custom frameless glass enclosures with precise hardware specifications. Linear drainage systems — where the shower floor slopes to a single linear channel rather than a central point drain — enable continuous large-format tile across the shower floor without interruption, a detail that elevates the installation's visual sophistication. These projects require coordination between the tile installer, plumber, glass fabricator, and steam system electrician, and they demand a general contractor with the project management experience to sequence the trades correctly.
Typical cost: $22,000–$35,000+Timeline: 14–21 business days
Any Boise Home — Secondary Bathroom Shower Refresh
Not every Boise homeowner needs a complete gut remodel. Secondary bathrooms — the hall bath or kids' bath that the family uses daily but that rarely receives primary-suite-level investment — often need meaningful functional improvement without the full luxury treatment. These projects typically involve re-tiling the shower surround over a new Schluter KERDI waterproofing layer, replacing a dated or failing shower pan with a properly sloped pre-sloped mortar bed or foam shower pan system, installing a new shower valve and fixtures, and refreshing the glass enclosure. The tile selection is kept practical — 4x12 or 3x12 subway tile in a current finish runs $3–$6 per square foot and installs efficiently — while the substrate work is done to the same waterproofing standard as a luxury project. The result is a bathroom that functions reliably, looks current, and does not drain the renovation budget that the primary suite deserves.
Typical cost: $7,500–$12,500Timeline: 6–9 business days
Problem: Leaking shower with water damage behind walls and under the floor
Solution: We demolish to studs, inspect and repair all water-damaged framing and subfloor, and rebuild with a proper waterproofing membrane system that prevents future moisture intrusion.
Problem: Small, dark shower that feels cramped and uninviting
Solution: We expand the shower footprint where possible, use light-colored large-format tile to open up the space, install a frameless glass enclosure for visual openness, and add recessed LED lighting for a bright, spacious feel.
Problem: Outdated fiberglass or acrylic shower surround
Solution: We remove the old surround, inspect the substrate, install proper waterproofing, and build a custom tile shower that transforms both the look and feel of the space.
Problem: Poor water pressure and single-showerhead limitation
Solution: We evaluate your water supply capacity and install a pressure-balancing or thermostatic valve system with options for rain showerheads, handheld sprayers, and body jets — significantly improving the shower experience.
Problem: Mold and mildew in grout joints and silicone seams
Solution: We use mold-resistant grout, properly sealed tile joints, and premium silicone caulk at all change-of-plane transitions. A properly waterproofed shower with adequate ventilation prevents mold from developing behind the finished surface.
Boise has a semi-arid, four-season climate with hot, dry summers (90-105°F), cold winters (15-35°F), and low annual precipitation. This climate directly affects material choices, construction scheduling, and long-term durability of remodeling work.
Temperature Extremes (15°F to 105°F range)
Exterior materials must handle dramatic temperature swings. Windows need strong thermal performance. Interior comfort depends on insulation quality and HVAC sizing.
Low Humidity and Dry Air
Wood materials can dry, shrink, and crack. Hardwood floors may develop gaps in winter. Bathroom ventilation is still critical because bathrooms create localized high-humidity environments.
Freeze-Thaw Cycles
Exterior tile, concrete, and masonry must handle freezing and thawing without cracking. Foundation work has specific frost-depth requirements in the Boise area.
UV Exposure (300+ sunny days)
Exterior paint, siding, and stain fade faster under constant UV. South-facing and west-facing surfaces require UV-resistant materials and more frequent maintenance.
Construction Season
Foundation and exterior work is best scheduled March through November. Interior remodeling can happen year-round. Winter concrete pours require special cold-weather precautions.
North End
Boise's most historic and walkable neighborhood, with tree-lined streets, Craftsman bungalows, Tudor revivals, and mid-century homes dating from 1900 to 1960. The North End Historic District adds design review requirements for exterior work.
Common projects in North End:
- •Kitchen remodels in older homes with small, closed-off layouts
- •Bathroom updates in homes with original 1920s-1950s plumbing
- •ADU construction in larger lots for rental income
- •Home additions for growing families who love the neighborhood
Southeast Boise / Harris Ranch
A mix of established 1970s-1990s homes and newer master-planned developments like Harris Ranch. Homes range from mid-century ranch-style to modern custom builds with foothills views.
Common projects in Southeast Boise / Harris Ranch:
- •Full kitchen renovations upgrading builder-grade finishes
- •Primary suite additions in older ranch homes
- •Deck and patio construction for outdoor living
- •Whole-home remodels bringing 1970s-1980s homes to modern standards
Boise Bench
An elevated neighborhood south of downtown with a mix of post-war homes from the 1940s-1970s and newer infill construction. Known for its views and access to the Greenbelt.
Common projects in Boise Bench:
- •Bathroom remodels updating 1950s-1970s fixtures and tile
- •Kitchen updates in compact post-war floor plans
- •Basement remodels adding usable living space
- •Energy efficiency upgrades in older homes with poor insulation
West Boise
A large area with subdivisions spanning from the 1980s through the 2010s. Many homes are builder-grade with standard finishes that homeowners upgrade as the homes age.
Common projects in West Boise:
- •Kitchen and bathroom remodels replacing builder-grade finishes
- •Open-concept conversions in 1990s closed-layout homes
- •Flooring replacement throughout the home
- •Exterior painting and siding updates
Every Boise neighborhood has different housing stock, homeowner priorities, and project considerations. Here is what shower remodel looks like in each area:
North End
North End shower remodels operate in one of the most rewarding and most challenging environments in Boise's renovation landscape. The homes are architecturally rich — original tile work in some of these bathrooms has genuine historic character, and the Craftsman aesthetic of the surrounding architecture establishes a design context that excellent tile work can honor beautifully. But the structural realities of 80-to-120-year-old framing, non-standard plumbing, and decades of piecemeal repairs create discovery conditions during demolition that require an experienced team to navigate.
The most common discovery in North End bathroom demolitions is a mortar-bed (mud-bed) tile installation over metal lath that was applied directly to the wood framing — the standard technique of the era but one that has now been subjected to decades of moisture cycling. The mortar bed itself is typically still intact (it is essentially a concrete shell), but the wood framing behind it has often been affected by the moisture that has migrated through failed grout and caulk over the years. We document every framing condition discovered during demolition and present the homeowner with a remediation scope and cost before proceeding. On average, North End shower demolitions add $1,200–$2,800 in substrate remediation to the project scope — a range we communicate upfront as a typical contingency rather than a surprise.
The design dimension of North End shower remodels is where the most interesting work happens. These are homes with architectural detail — original wainscot tile profiles, hexagonal mosaic floors, clawfoot tubs in some cases — that creates a context for shower tile selection that rewards thoughtful specification. We work with clients in the North End to develop tile specifications that feel native to the Craftsman aesthetic: 3-by-6-inch subway tile in a running bond or herringbone pattern, handmade-look ceramics with slight surface variation, architectural mosaic borders as accent transitions, and matte or satin finishes rather than high-gloss. These choices honor the home's character without being a literal reproduction of original materials, and they photograph beautifully for the listing when the home eventually sells.
Space planning is a genuine challenge in many North End primary bathrooms, which were sized to 1920s standards and do not accommodate the large walk-in shower footprints that contemporary buyers expect in primary suites. We work within the constraints of these floor plans creatively — sometimes borrowing space from an adjacent closet, sometimes eliminating the separate toilet compartment to gain square footage, sometimes accepting a 32-by-36-inch shower footprint and making it as beautifully executed as possible within that dimension.
Boise Bench
Boise Bench shower remodels are the workhorse of Iron Crest's portfolio — practical projects driven by genuine need rather than luxury aspiration, with outcomes that dramatically improve daily life for homeowners who have been living with 50-to-70-year-old original bathrooms. The Bench demographic tends to be pragmatic: homeowners want a shower that works properly, looks clean and current, and does not require constant maintenance. They are less interested in the premium material specifications of Harris Ranch clients and more interested in understanding why a proper waterproofing system matters and how the tile selection affects long-term maintenance.
The single most common Bench shower condition we encounter is the original cast iron or acrylic tub in a three-wall surround configuration with failing grout, failed caulk at the tub-to-tile junction, and often visible mold in the silicone caulk bead that has been applied repeatedly over the original caulk without ever fully removing the prior application. This is not a maintenance failure on the homeowner's part — it is the inevitable result of a design that creates a structural gap between the tub rim and the tile above it, a gap that expands and contracts with the tub's thermal movement and cannot be permanently sealed with any caulk product. Converting this configuration to a walk-in shower with a properly waterproofed shower pan eliminates the structural gap problem entirely — there is no longer a seam between a moveable tub rim and fixed tile.
For Bench homeowners who want to retain a tub — either because they have young children or because they are conscious of resale marketability in a single-bathroom home — we recommend replacing the original tub and completely re-waterproofing and re-tiling the surround rather than tiling over the existing installation. Tile-over-tile applications in tub surrounds are a common budget remodel approach that we do not recommend, because the added weight of a second tile layer over an original mortar bed installation exceeds what the original setting material was designed to carry, and the underlying waterproofing failures remain unaddressed.
Bench homeowners also tend to have practical questions about the process that we address directly in our project proposals: how long will we be without a shower, can we stay in the house during the project, and what is the contingency plan if demolition reveals unexpected problems. Our standard answer is that most Bench shower remodels take 7–12 business days, the home remains occupiable throughout (the work is confined to the bathroom being remodeled), and we communicate any demolition discoveries in writing within 24 hours with a revised scope and cost for client approval before any additional work proceeds.
West Boise
West Boise's shower remodel market is driven primarily by the aging of the 1990s-era fiberglass and acrylic module installations that were standard in the production homes of that decade. These modules — one-piece or multi-piece fiberglass or acrylic assemblies that drop into a framed opening — were efficient to install during new construction but are difficult to maintain as they age. The gel coat surface crazes and loses its gloss within 15–20 years, creating a surface that is almost impossible to restore to a clean appearance regardless of how frequently it is cleaned. The base modules crack at stress points, particularly at the curb-to-floor transition and at the drain fitting, allowing water to seep into the subfloor beneath.
Removal of an aging fiberglass module in West Boise homes is almost always an exploratory process. The subfloor beneath a module that has had any base cracking or drain fitting issues for even a short period shows at minimum surface saturation, and frequently shows OSB subfloor delamination or — in the worst cases — compromised floor joist top edges. We inspect and document subfloor conditions as a standard part of the demolition phase and provide remediation costs in writing before proceeding. On a positive note, West Boise's newer framing (2x6 construction in most 1990s homes, well-maintained structural quality) means the remediation scope is typically more limited than what we find in pre-war North End and Bench homes.
The West Boise primary suite market is also the strongest in Boise for the fiberglass-module-to-custom-tile upgrade that delivers the most dramatic before-and-after visual transformation available in bathroom remodeling. Homeowners who have been looking at a crazed, yellowing fiberglass module for 25 years and then see their shower space replaced with a custom large-format porcelain tile installation with frameless glass consistently rate this as the most impactful renovation they have made to their home. The visual transformation is so complete that it resets the perception of the entire primary suite — and often leads directly to requests for vanity replacement, flooring, and lighting upgrades that extend the scope into a full primary bathroom remodel.
West Boise also has a strong retiree-in-place population in its older subdivisions, and accessible shower design — zero-threshold entries, grab bar blocking installed during the waterproofing phase for future grab bar addition, and bench seating — is a genuine priority for this demographic. We build blocking for future grab bars into every West Boise shower project as a standard included detail, at minimal additional cost, because the alternative — retrofitting blocking after tile is installed — requires opening finished walls.
SE Boise / Harris Ranch
Harris Ranch and SE Boise represent the premium end of Boise's shower remodel market, and the projects in this corridor push the boundaries of what residential shower design can accomplish. Primary suites in Harris Ranch homes are generously proportioned — 200 to 400 square feet is not uncommon — and they attract homeowners who have the design vision and budget to realize the spa-quality shower experience that defines high-end residential bathroom design nationally.
The defining characteristics of Harris Ranch shower remodels are material specification and execution quality. Large-format tile in 24x48 or larger formats, book-matched vein-match installations across walls using rectified porcelain with stone-look veining, linear drain systems with tile-insert covers that allow continuous large-format tile across the shower floor without interruption, and multi-function shower systems with ceiling rain heads, wall-mounted body sprays, and handheld wands on thermostatic valve systems are the specification vocabulary of this market. Each of these elements requires coordination, expertise, and attention to execution detail that meaningfully exceeds the standard of a basic tub-to-shower conversion.
The linear drain installation deserves specific attention because it is both a premium specification and a technically demanding one. A linear drain requires a shower floor that slopes uniformly in a single plane toward the drain channel — as opposed to the four-way slope of a center-drain shower floor — which requires either a specialized sloped mortar bed fabricated to precise pitch or a pre-sloped foam system designed for linear drain use. When large-format tile is being installed on the floor and the installation must achieve near-zero lippage at each tile joint, the slope of the substrate must be absolutely consistent — variation in slope creates lippage variation in large tiles. Our tile installation team uses precision laser levels during sloped substrate installation to achieve the tolerances that large-format linear-drain floors demand.
Steam shower systems are an increasingly common Harris Ranch specification, and they require coordination across trades that is the general contractor's responsibility to manage. The steam generator (typically mounted in the adjacent vanity cabinet or in a mechanical space) requires a dedicated 240V circuit, a water supply, and a condensate drain. The shower enclosure must be fully enclosed — steam cannot escape the shower without defeating the purpose of the system — which affects glass panel design, door sealing, and any ceiling openings. The shower ceiling should be sloped to prevent steam condensation dripping onto bathers. All of these details are resolved in the design phase, not discovered mid-installation, which is why Harris Ranch steam shower projects require the most thorough pre-construction planning of any shower scope we execute.
Permit authority: City of Boise Planning and Development Services
Online portal: https://pds.cityofboise.org
- ✓Residential remodeling permits are required for plumbing, electrical, structural, and mechanical changes
- ✓The North End Historic District requires design review for exterior modifications
- ✓ADU permits follow specific zoning criteria — lot size, setbacks, parking, and owner-occupancy rules apply
- ✓Online permit portal allows digital submission and tracking
- ✓Inspections can be scheduled online with 24-hour advance notice
- ✓Typical permit processing is 1-2 weeks for standard residential remodels
- ●Niche placement and sizing — position shower niches at a usable height (typically 48-60 inches from the floor), sized to fit standard product bottles, with tile that complements or contrasts the main wall tile
- ●Showerhead height and placement — rain showerheads should be at least 80 inches high; handheld brackets should be reachable while seated on a bench if applicable
- ●Tile layout planning — dry-lay tile patterns before installation to center patterns, plan cut tiles at edges, and verify grout line alignment across walls and floors
- ●Drain location and type — center drains work for standard showers; linear drains allow large-format floor tile and enable curbless entries for accessible design
- ●Lighting — recessed LED downlights rated for wet locations provide essential illumination; consider a lighted niche or accent lighting for a premium touch
- ●Ventilation — ensure your exhaust fan is rated for the bathroom's cubic footage; inadequate ventilation is the primary cause of mold and moisture damage in showers
Here are the design trends we see most often in Boise shower remodel projects:
- →Modern farmhouse and transitional styles blending clean lines with warm textures
- →Open-concept kitchen conversions removing walls between kitchen and living areas
- →Walk-in showers replacing bathtubs in primary bathrooms
- →Matte black and brushed gold fixture finishes replacing brushed nickel
- →Large-format tile (12x24+) in bathrooms for a modern, minimal-grout look
- →Quartz countertops overtaking granite as the primary kitchen surface
- →LVP (luxury vinyl plank) replacing carpet throughout main living areas
- →Smart home integration — lighting, thermostats, and security systems
Boise's housing market has appreciated significantly over the past decade, with median home values rising from approximately $180,000 in 2015 to over $450,000 in recent years. This appreciation makes remodeling an increasingly attractive investment — homeowners can invest $30,000-80,000 in a kitchen or bathroom remodel and see it reflected in their property value. The competitive market also means that updated, well-maintained homes sell faster and for higher prices than comparable homes with outdated finishes.
✓Certified waterproofing installation using industry-standard membrane systems
✓Licensed plumber for all valve, drain, and supply line work
✓Precision tile installation with layout planning and material-specific techniques
✓Leak testing of every shower pan before tile installation begins
✓Premium fixtures from trusted brands: Moen, Delta, Kohler, Grohe
✓Post-project warranty covering waterproofing, tile, and workmanship
Boise's shower remodel market is differentiated from other Treasure Valley cities by the combination of an older and more architecturally varied housing stock, a client base that has moved from tub-focused to shower-focused living preferences at a rapid rate, and a real estate market where bathroom quality is a primary driver of buyer preference in a competitive resale environment.
The pre-war housing stock in the North End and on the Bench creates remodel conditions that simply do not exist in Meridian or Nampa to the same degree. Mud-bed tile installations from the 1930s and 1940s, non-standard bathroom footprints, cast iron tubs that have been in place for 70 years, and plumbing rough-ins from before modern plumbing codes require a level of experience and adaptability that production-oriented remodelers — who primarily work in Meridian's and Eagle's newer housing stock — may not bring to these older Boise projects. This is a genuine differentiator in the local market: the ability to handle the discovery conditions and design challenges of Boise's older homes separates experienced local contractors from those primarily practiced in new-construction-style production remodeling.
Boise's real estate market has also been notably more competitive than many Treasure Valley submarkets, and the premium that buyers assign to updated bathrooms is more pronounced in Boise's urban neighborhoods than in outer-ring suburban communities. A North End home with a beautifully executed tile shower is priced differently than an otherwise comparable home with a 1950s original tub surround — and that pricing differential is large enough to justify the remodel investment for many homeowners preparing for eventual sale.
Shower remodeling in Boise involves a specific set of regulatory, technical, and climate-driven considerations that affect both the scope and the execution approach for every project.
City of Boise building permits are required for shower remodels that involve plumbing modifications — specifically, any work that adds, moves, or significantly modifies drain lines, supply lines, or shower valve rough-in locations. A tub-to-shower conversion always involves plumbing modification: the tub drain must be capped or re-routed, the shower drain installed in the new shower floor location, and the shower valve rough-in adjusted for the new configuration. These plumbing modifications require a City of Boise plumbing permit, and the work must be inspected and approved before the shower floor can be tiled (which conceals the drain installation). We manage permit applications and inspection scheduling as part of every shower remodel project that includes plumbing work. Homeowners who receive proposals that do not include mention of permits for plumbing-scope projects should ask why — unpermitted plumbing work creates both safety risk and disclosure obligations at resale.
Ventilation requirements are technically mandated by the International Residential Code as adopted by Idaho: bathrooms with showers must have either a window that opens or a mechanical exhaust fan. Many older Boise homes — particularly on the Bench and in the North End — have bathrooms with inadequate ventilation that has been functioning below code since original construction. When we demolish a shower surround and open the wall cavity, we frequently document evidence that inadequate bathroom ventilation has been a contributing factor to the moisture conditions we find. Shower remodel projects are an ideal opportunity to upgrade bathroom ventilation to a proper specification — a 110 CFM or larger exhaust fan with adequate duct routing to a true exterior termination (not into the attic, which is unfortunately common in older Boise homes). We include this conversation in every shower project pre-construction meeting and provide ventilation upgrade options as part of the project scope.
Boise's semi-arid climate creates a specific grout maintenance context that differs from humid markets. The lower ambient humidity means grout surfaces dry more thoroughly after each use — which slows mold colonization relative to a humid climate. This is a genuine advantage. However, it also means that the moisture cycling in the grout (water introduction during showering, rapid drying between uses) is more extreme than in a humid climate, which accelerates the micro-cracking that eventually allows water to penetrate below the grout surface. Epoxy grout — which is essentially impermeable to water — is the highest-durability specification for Boise shower floor joints, where traffic abrasion and moisture cycling are both at their maximum. We recommend epoxy grout for shower floors in all Boise projects and urethane-modified grout for wall applications as a balance between durability and ease of installation.
Subfloor assessment is a standard part of every Boise shower demolition because the most expensive surprise in any shower remodel is discovering framing damage after the project contract is signed and the shower is already demolished. We build a written contingency protocol into every shower contract: we will notify the client in writing within one business day of demolition completion with documentation of any substrate conditions requiring repair beyond the base scope, provide a repair cost estimate, and wait for client approval before proceeding with any additional work. This protocol eliminates the situation where a homeowner discovers mid-project that the scope has expanded dramatically without their knowledge or consent.
Shower remodeling in Boise occupies the upper tier of bathroom renovation return on investment, with the combination of functional improvement, aesthetic transformation, and property value impact creating a compelling case for homeowners across the ownership-duration spectrum.
Nationally, bathroom remodels return approximately 60–70% of their investment at resale according to Remodeling Magazine's Cost vs. Value report. In Boise's specific market, where buyer competition for well-maintained, updated properties has been elevated and where bathroom quality is a primary differentiator between listings, the effective return for quality shower remodels in move-in-ready homes trends toward the upper end of that range. Real estate professionals consistently report that primary-suite bathroom quality — specifically the shower — is among the top three features buyers evaluate in Boise homes in the $400,000–$700,000 price range.
The functional-improvement dimension of shower remodels is often the strongest component of the investment case for homeowners who are not selling in the near term. A homeowner living with a 1960s tub-surround configuration — grout that cannot be cleaned to a satisfactory appearance, an original tub that has been refinished twice and is again showing wear, inadequate shower pressure from a 50-year-old valve — is enduring a daily quality-of-life deficit that the remodel eliminates completely. The value of using a beautifully executed, properly functioning shower every day for the next 10–15 years is real even if it does not appear in a financial return-on-investment calculation.
The moisture damage avoidance argument also belongs in the investment context. Failing shower waterproofing in Boise homes — the slow migration of water into wall framing and subfloor through failing grout and caulk — accumulates silently and, when discovered, generates remediation costs that dwarf the cost of the shower remodel that would have prevented it. The most dramatic substrate conditions we encounter during shower demolitions in older Boise homes — joist damage, bottom plate rot, subfloor delamination — carry remediation costs of $3,000–$8,000 on top of the remodel cost, costs that would not have been incurred if the shower had been properly waterproofed earlier. Framing this as a preventive investment rather than a cosmetic upgrade is the most accurate way to evaluate the financial case for Boise shower remodeling.
Avoid these common pitfalls Boise homeowners encounter with shower remodel projects:
Mistake: Tiling over the existing shower surround without addressing the waterproofing failure underneath
Better approach: Tile-over-tile installations in shower surrounds do not address the fundamental cause of the problem — failed waterproofing that has allowed moisture to enter the wall cavity. The new tile layer adds weight to an already compromised installation, traps the existing moisture conditions behind it, and provides only a temporary cosmetic improvement. The additional tile weight can cause the original mortar bed to delaminate from the framing, leading to a catastrophic tile failure that is more disruptive and expensive to address than the original problem. Always remove existing tile to the substrate, inspect and remediate the substrate, install proper waterproofing, and tile fresh.
Mistake: Skipping grab bar blocking during the waterproofing phase to save cost
Better approach: Grab bar blocking — installing solid wood or metal backing between studs during the waterproofing phase — costs $200–$400 to add to a shower project while the walls are open. Retrofitting grab bar support after tile is installed requires opening finished tile walls, which costs $800–$2,000 and leaves repair seams in the tile. Since the need for grab bars often emerges gradually as homeowners age or following an injury, it is always more economical to install blocking proactively. We include grab bar blocking at standard heights (transfer bar height of 33–36 inches, secondary bar at 48 inches) as a standard detail in every Boise shower project.
Mistake: Selecting large-format tile without verifying the substrate meets flatness requirements
Better approach: Large-format tile — particularly 24x48 and larger formats — will display lippage (uneven edges between adjacent tiles) if the substrate is not flat to within 1/8 inch over 10 feet. In older Boise homes where the subfloor has deflection or where the stud framing has settled unevenly, achieving this flatness requires additional substrate preparation — floor leveling compound, furring of wall framing, or additional cement board layers. This is not a reason to avoid large-format tile, but it is a reason to have the substrate assessment conversation explicitly before locking in a tile selection. Your contractor should identify flatness issues during the design phase, not discover them mid-installation.
Mistake: Routing bathroom exhaust fans into the attic instead of to an exterior termination
Better approach: A disturbingly common condition in Boise homes is a bathroom exhaust fan that terminates in the attic rather than through the roof or an exterior wall. This condition — which violates building code — deposits warm, moist shower air directly into the attic cavity where it condenses on roof sheathing and framing, causing mold growth and structural damage over time. Shower remodels are the ideal opportunity to correct this condition. Proper exterior duct routing adds $300–$600 to the project scope and permanently eliminates an ongoing moisture risk to the attic structure.
Mistake: Using unsanded grout on shower floors or sanded grout at very narrow joints
Better approach: Grout selection for shower applications must match the joint width and surface durability requirements. Unsanded grout is specified for joints under 1/8 inch but is too soft for shower floor applications where foot traffic creates abrasion. Sanded grout is appropriate for joints 1/8 inch and wider and handles foot traffic well. For the narrowest joints achievable with rectified tile (1/16 inch), epoxy grout is the most durable specification and is essentially impermeable to water — a significant advantage in any shower application. Discuss grout type selection with your contractor in the context of your specific tile format and joint width to ensure the specification matches the application.
As Idaho's capital and largest city, Boise has a residential landscape that spans from early 1900s Craftsman bungalows in the North End to modern custom homes in the Southeast Boise foothills. The city's rapid growth over the past decade has increased property values substantially, making home remodeling an increasingly smart investment. Boise homeowners remodel for a mix of reasons: updating outdated finishes in 1980s and 1990s homes, expanding square footage for growing families, improving energy efficiency in older homes, and increasing property value in a competitive market. The city's four-season climate, with hot dry summers and cold winters, creates specific material and design considerations for both interior and exterior projects. Boise's building department is well-organized and responsive, but permit requirements are thorough — especially for structural work, plumbing changes, and ADU construction. The North End Historic District has additional design review requirements for exterior modifications.
Most popular remodeling projects in Boise
- ✓Kitchen remodels with open-concept conversion
- ✓Primary bathroom remodels with walk-in shower
- ✓ADU construction for rental income
- ✓Whole-home remodels in 1980s-1990s homes
- ✓Home additions for primary suites
- ✓Basement finishing and remodeling
- ✓Deck and outdoor living construction
- ✓Energy efficiency upgrades (windows, insulation, HVAC)
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Why does my shower grout keep failing near the tub even after repeated caulking?
The cause is structural, not cosmetic. A cast iron or acrylic tub sits on the subfloor and flexes slightly with the weight of a bather — a movement that is imperceptible to the eye but is enough to crack any sealant applied in the joint between the tub rim and the tile above it. No caulk product, applied to the existing installation, will permanently resolve this problem because the movement that breaks the sealant continues. The only permanent solution is to eliminate the tub-to-tile junction entirely — by converting the space to a walk-in shower with a properly waterproofed tile shower pan — or to remove and reinstall the tub with a genuine structural sealant system that accommodates the movement. In most Boise homes where this problem has been occurring for years, the more cost-effective and functionally superior solution is the walk-in shower conversion, which also addresses the underlying moisture damage that has typically accumulated behind the failing joint.
What is Schluter KERDI and why do you use it on every Boise shower project?
Schluter KERDI is a polyethylene sheet membrane waterproofing system that is applied to the shower substrate before tile is installed. Unlike the older approach of relying on cement board and tile grout to manage water, KERDI creates a genuinely impermeable barrier between the tile assembly and the wall framing. When properly installed — with lapped and bonded seams, corner reinforcement, and sealed pipe penetrations — water that penetrates through grout joints reaches the KERDI membrane and drains down to the shower floor rather than migrating into the wall cavity. In Boise specifically, we use KERDI on every shower because the discovery conditions we encounter during shower demolitions — framing damage from years of moisture infiltration through failing tile and grout — demonstrate clearly that alternative approaches are inadequate over the lifespan of a Boise shower. The system carries a limited lifetime warranty and is the industry standard for bonded waterproofing in residential shower applications.
Will removing my bathtub hurt my home's resale value?
In a single-bathroom home, yes — retaining at least one bathtub is strongly recommended for resale purposes, as a significant portion of home buyers (particularly those with young children and many first-time buyers) require a tub. In a two-or-more-bathroom home, the resale impact of converting one bathroom's tub to a walk-in shower is generally neutral to positive in Boise's current market, provided the shower is a quality installation rather than a budget product. The National Association of Realtors and most Boise-area real estate professionals report that a beautifully executed walk-in shower in the primary suite — large-format tile, frameless glass, quality fixtures — is more positively received by buyers than a retained original tub in that same space. If you have only one bathroom, we would strongly recommend retaining a tub or specifying a freestanding soaking tub as part of a remodel that also adds a separate walk-in shower.
How do I choose the right tile size for my Boise shower remodel?
The right tile size depends on the shower's physical dimensions, the visual effect you want, and the complexity and cost you're prepared for. In smaller showers — under 36 inches in any dimension — large-format tile (24x48 or larger) can look proportionally overwhelming and is technically challenging to install with proper lippage control in a tight space. 12x24 or 4x12 subway formats work well in modest-sized showers and install efficiently. In larger primary suite showers — 42 inches or wider — large-format tile creates a clean, spa-like appearance with fewer visible grout lines. For shower floors, smaller format tile (2x2, penny tile, hexagon) allows the floor to slope properly to the drain without significant lippage at tile joints; large-format floor tile requires exceptional substrate flatness and is typically reserved for linear-drain installations where the floor slopes in a single plane. We discuss size, format, and substrate requirements in every design consultation and can show you installed examples of different formats in Boise homes to help inform your decision.
How long will we be without a shower during the remodel?
For most Boise shower remodels, the shower is out of service for 7–12 business days from demolition start to glass installation. The schedule breaks down roughly as: 1–2 days for demolition and substrate inspection, 1–2 days for any substrate remediation required, 1–2 days for waterproofing membrane installation, 2–3 days for tile installation (waiting for thinset cure between floor and wall sequences), 1 day for grouting, 1–2 days for glass installation after tile is complete. First water-on cannot happen until the shower is 100% complete including all glass, hardware, and fixture installation. For homes with multiple bathrooms, the out-of-service period is a practical inconvenience. For single-bathroom homes, we coordinate with the homeowner to explore temporary shower solutions — gym memberships, family stays, portable shower units — during the project window. We confirm the expected out-of-service schedule in writing before the project begins.
How much does a shower remodel cost in Boise?
A shower remodel in the Boise area typically costs $6,000-12,000 for a standard tub-to-shower conversion with tile, $10,000-18,000 for a mid-range custom walk-in shower, and $18,000-30,000+ for a luxury shower with premium tile, frameless glass, and multi-head fixtures.
How long does a shower remodel take?
A typical shower remodel takes 2-3 weeks from demolition to completion. Simple tub-to-shower conversions with panel systems can be faster. Complex custom tile showers with specialty glass take longer. Design and material ordering before construction adds 2-4 weeks.
Is a walk-in shower better than a bathtub?
Walk-in showers are preferred for daily use, accessibility, and modern design. However, having at least one bathtub in the home is recommended for families with young children and for resale value. Many homeowners convert a secondary tub to a shower while keeping one tub elsewhere.
What is the most important part of a shower remodel?
Waterproofing. Every square inch of the shower — floor, walls, curb, niches, and bench — must be properly membraned to prevent water from reaching the framing and subfloor. Proper waterproofing prevents leaks, mold, rot, and structural damage that are extremely costly to repair.
Can you make a shower accessible without it looking institutional?
Absolutely. Modern accessible shower design uses curbless entries with linear drains, decorative grab bars in matching finishes, teak fold-down benches, and the same premium tile and glass as any custom shower. The result is a beautiful shower that happens to be accessible.
What tile is best for shower floors?
Small mosaic tiles (2x2 or penny rounds) are the traditional choice because they conform to the shower pan slope and provide grip with many grout lines. Large-format tiles with linear drains are increasingly popular for a modern, seamless look but require precise slope and installation.
Do you handle the plumbing for a shower remodel?
Yes. We coordinate all plumbing work through licensed plumbers. This includes drain relocation, supply line modifications, valve installation, and fixture connections. All plumbing work is permitted and inspected per local code requirements.
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