Shower Remodeling in South Boise / Vista
Walk-in shower conversions, family-focused design, Schluter Kerdi waterproofing — for 1945-1970 South Boise post-war homes.
Quick answer
$18,000-$28,000 for secondary bath; $22,000-$32,000 for Boise State investor shower; $22,000-$35,000 for family-focused shower; $22,000-$38,000 for walk-in conversion; $28,000-$42,000 for premium primary walk-in.
Shower remodeling in South Boise / Vista is dominated by walk-in shower conversions from original built-in cast iron tubs. Most 1945-1970 South Boise primary baths had cast iron tubs with shower above — a configuration that owners now want converted to walk-in shower for modern aesthetic and easier maintenance. Iron Crest's South Boise shower work emphasizes Schluter Kerdi waterproofing on every shower (lifetime warranty), cast iron tub demolition and removal, walk-in shower with frameless glass enclosure, premium tile (subway and large-format porcelain), heated floor systems for primary baths, family-focused design with bench seating and grab-bar reinforcement for aging-in-place readiness, EPA RRP for pre-1978 work, and value-tier finish appropriate to typical South Boise property values.
Shower strategy in South Boise depends on era and primary vs. secondary status.
1945-1965 immediate post-war
Original primary showers were cast iron tub-shower combos. Failed waterproofing common (felt-paper-only behind tile board). Modern scope: tub demolition, walk-in shower conversion with Schluter Kerdi waterproofing.
1965-1975 ranch construction
Larger primary showers, sometimes separate from tub. Modern scope: full demolition, walk-in conversion with premium fixtures.
1920s-40s pre-war (Boise State area)
Earlier construction, sometimes plaster-and-lath walls. Original 5'x7' bathrooms. Walk-in conversion typical.
South Boise shower projects cluster into recognizable shapes.
1. The Walk-In Shower Conversion
Conversion of original cast iron tub-shower combo to walk-in shower. Schluter Kerdi waterproofing retrofit. Premium tile. Frameless glass enclosure. Most common South Boise shower scope.
Target homes: 1945-1970 South Boise homes with original cast iron tub-shower combos. Permit: standard plumbing/electrical permits.
2. The Premium Primary Walk-In
Larger 4'×6' walk-in shower in primary suite. Curbless entry with linear drain. Frameless low-iron glass. Multi-function shower system. Heated bench and floor.
Target homes: South Boise primary suites at premium tier.
3. The Family-Focused Shower
Walk-in shower optimized for family use — durable porcelain tile, bench seating for kids and aging-in-place readiness, grab bar reinforcement during framing.
Target homes: South Boise primary baths used by family.
4. The Boise State Investor Shower
Shower optimized for owner-occupant + rental viability. Durable porcelain tile, frameless glass, easy-maintenance fixtures. Premium aesthetic at value-tier pricing.
Target homes: Boise State / University area homes.
5. The Secondary Bath Shower
Secondary bath shower with walk-in conversion, Schluter Kerdi, premium tile, mid-premium fixtures.
Target homes: South Boise secondary baths.
The South Boise / Vista is made up of distinct sub-neighborhoods, each with its own remodeling personality.
Vista Avenue corridor
The principal commercial-residential corridor along Vista Avenue running south from Boise Bench toward Boise State University. Mix of 1945-1965 post-war single-family homes (1,100-1,800 sq ft) and small commercial buildings. Sometimes called "Old Vista" by long-time residents. Lots typically 50' × 110' to 60' × 130'. Strong walkability to Vista Avenue restaurants and small businesses.
Depot Bench
The bench-top neighborhood around the Boise Depot, on the northern rim of the Bench overlooking downtown. 1940s-60s post-war housing on slightly larger lots (60' × 120' typical). Mature tree canopy along streets. Quieter than Vista corridor.
Boise State / University area
The neighborhoods immediately surrounding Boise State University, including Lusk Street, University Drive, and adjacent residential streets. Mix of 1920s-50s single-family homes (some now student rentals) and newer infill construction. Walking distance to campus, downtown bridges, and Greenbelt. Demographic mix includes faculty, professionals, and families plus some student rental conversions.
Borah Park / Manitou Park
The neighborhood centered on Borah Park and Manitou Park along Manitou Street and surrounding residential streets. 1945-1965 post-war housing wave. Strong family-focused community character. Slightly larger lots (0.18-0.28 acre).
Mayfair Drive area
The Mayfair Drive corridor and surrounding residential streets in the southern reach of South Boise. 1955-1975 ranch and split-level construction (slightly later than Vista). Larger homes (1,600-2,400 sq ft). Quiet residential character with mature landscaping.
Vista North / River Road area
The northern transitional zone between South Boise and downtown along River Road and the Boise River corridor. Mix of 1920s-40s pre-war and 1950s-60s post-war housing. Some homes have river or Greenbelt frontage. Closer to downtown employment than other South Boise sub-areas.
Most Boise shower remodel projects run $8,500 to $35,000 — the band published on our Boise shower remodel page. The ranges below run higher than that band because of South Boise's predominantly pre-1978 housing stock, where EPA RRP lead-safe practice applies to virtually every project. South Boise shower pricing reflects value-tier finish, Schluter Kerdi waterproofing, and EPA RRP for pre-1978 homes.
South Boise / Vista shower remodeling ranges
Secondary bath shower (Walk-in with Schluter, mid-premium fixtures): $18,000-$28,000 / 3-5 weeks end to end
Boise State investor shower (Owner-occupant + rental viable design): $22,000-$32,000 / 4-6 weeks end to end
Family-focused shower (Walk-in optimized for family use with bench and grab bars): $22,000-$35,000 / 4-6 weeks end to end
Walk-in shower conversion (Convert original cast iron tub-shower to walk-in): $22,000-$38,000 / 4-6 weeks end to end
Premium primary walk-in (Larger walk-in with multi-function fixtures, heated bench and floor): $28,000-$42,000 / 5-7 weeks end to end
Pricing assumes Iron Crest's standard scope: full City of Boise plumbing and electrical permits, Schluter Kerdi waterproofing, heated floor where applicable, premium tile, premium plumbing fixtures, frameless glass enclosure, and a 3-year workmanship warranty.
South Boise / Vista is not within any City of Boise Historic District. There is no Historic Preservation Commission review for these neighborhoods. Most South Boise streets predate the subdivision-HOA era, so architectural review often does not apply — confirm with the association, if any, for your specific address.
City of Boise standard permits apply for electrical, plumbing, structural, and mechanical work. Online plan review takes about two weeks per Boise PDS, longer with structural drawings.
EPA Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Program applies to virtually every South Boise project given the predominantly pre-1978 construction. Iron Crest follows EPA RRP lead-safe work practices including HEPA containment, wet-paste paint scraping, lead-safe disposal.
Asbestos testing is recommended for pre-1980 demolition work. Common in popcorn ceilings, vinyl asbestos floor tile, sheet flooring mastic, pipe insulation, and sometimes original siding products on pre-1980 South Boise homes.
South Boise lots are typically smaller than West Boise or Northwest Boise (50'-60' frontage with 110'-130' depth, often 0.13-0.20 acre) but generally accommodate additions and deck work. Setback compliance occasionally constrains larger additions or detached ADUs on the smaller Vista corridor lots.
Check zoning for university-area properties — it may affect specific permit requirements for student-rental conversions or multi-family work. Iron Crest verifies zoning at consultation for projects in the immediate university area.
Boise State University area homes sometimes have rental-conversion permit history that affects insurance, code compliance, and resale documentation. Iron Crest reviews permit history during pre-construction for university-area homes.
South Boise shower materials emphasize Schluter waterproofing, family-friendly aesthetic, and modern finishes.
Waterproofing — Schluter Kerdi system on every shower
Lifetime warranty when installed to Schluter's published specifications.
Tile — large-format porcelain or subway
Large-format porcelain (24×48) in marble look for floors. Subway tile (3×6) for shower walls. Designer ceramic for accent.
Plumbing fixtures — pro-grade
Kohler Memoirs, Moen Genta, Brizo Litze, Hansgrohe Talis.
Glass — frameless tempered
Frameless tempered glass with premium hardware.
Heated floor — radiant electric
Schluter Ditra-Heat or NuHeat for primary showers.
Multi-function for premium primary
Rain head, handheld, body sprays. Pressure-balanced thermostatic valve.
Family-focused features
Bench seating for kids and aging-in-place readiness. Grab bar reinforcement during framing.
Drain — linear or central
Linear drain for curbless layouts. Central drain for traditional curb formats.
South 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. Universal in pre-1965 South Boise homes. Replacement: $1,800-$5,500.
- •Cast iron tub demolition and removal. Heavy and difficult to remove. Sometimes break-out required. $500-$1,500.
- •Knob-and-tube wiring at bathroom circuits. Common in pre-1965 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.
- •Plaster-and-lath walls (pre-1945 Boise State area). Different practices than drywall. $35-$85 per square foot of plaster repair.
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 1-4 of work)
EPA RRP and asbestos containment as needed. Cast iron tub demolition. Demolition.
Plumbing and electrical rough-in (Days 4-8)
Plumbing rough-in for new fixture locations. Electrical rough-in.
Substrate and waterproofing (Days 8-14)
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. 3-year workmanship warranty begins.
South Boise shower remodeling requires Schluter-specification waterproofing, walk-in conversion expertise, EPA RRP for pre-1978 homes, cast iron tub removal, and value-tier finish specification.
- 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 — applies to virtually every South Boise project.
- Idaho Power — Rebates & Offers — Idaho Power's residential incentives: the Heating and Cooling Efficiency Program (heat pumps, central air conditioners, duct sealing, smart thermostats, heat pump water heaters, whole-house fans and similar equipment), the A/C Cool Credit, and the Shade Tree Project. Windows and insulation are not covered.
- Idaho DEQ Air Quality (Asbestos) — Testing and abatement guidance for pre-1980 homes.
- Idaho DOPL — Contractor Search — Verify contractor RCE registration through the official Idaho DOPL license search.
How much does a South Boise shower remodel cost?
$18,000-$28,000 for secondary bath; $22,000-$32,000 for Boise State investor shower; $22,000-$35,000 for family-focused shower; $22,000-$38,000 for walk-in conversion; $28,000-$42,000 for premium primary walk-in.
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.
Can the original cast iron tub be removed?
Yes — common South Boise scope. Iron Crest's standard practice is break-out demolition where physical removal is impossible. Cost: $500-$1,500 for tub demolition and removal.
Will Schluter Kerdi waterproofing be used?
Yes, on every shower.
What about aging-in-place readiness?
Common South 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.
Can the walk-in be curbless?
Yes — strongly recommended for primary spa showers. Requires linear drain, proper substrate slope, and Kerdi-Shower-T waterproofing.
What if hidden mold is discovered?
Common in pre-1990 showers. Iron Crest assesses and remediates: $1,500-$5,500.
What's the warranty?
3-year workmanship + Schluter Kerdi lifetime manufacturer warranty.
Ready to start your South Boise / Vista shower remodeling project?
Free in-home consultation, honest contingency-based budgeting, and the experience Boise homes require. Iron Crest Remodel — Idaho RCE #6681702, EPA RRP lead-safe work practices, $2M general liability, 3-year workmanship warranty.
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