Shower Remodel in Kuna, 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.
Kuna families are building their lives in one of the Treasure Valley's most welcoming communities — and Iron Crest Remodel is here to help them build bathrooms that match. Whether you're converting a builder-grade fiberglass module in a Quenzer Farms home or upgrading the tile surround in a 1990s Kuna ranch, we bring the same Schluter KERDI waterproofing standards, precise tile installation, and quality glass work that we deliver across the Treasure Valley. Kuna's family-forward community deserves showers that are durable, safe, beautiful, and built to last for the decades that young families plan to be here. That is exactly what Iron Crest builds.
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.
Kuna is one of the Treasure Valley's fastest-growing smaller cities, and its shower remodel market reflects the combination of an aging original housing stock and a new development wave whose production homes are reaching the same builder-grade failure timeline as similar construction across the region.
The older segment of Kuna's housing — homes built in the 1980s and 1990s along the city's original residential corridors — has original bathrooms that are now 25 to 40 years old. Original fiberglass modules and tile-over-cement-board surrounds installed without waterproofing membranes are failing in the predictable ways: gel coat crazing on modules, cracked bases at stress points, failing grout lines, and moisture damage accumulating in wall cavities and subfloors that homeowners may not yet be aware of. These homes represent the most urgent segment of Kuna's shower remodel demand — the structural risk of continued delay is real, and the investment case for immediate action is clear.
The newer segment of Kuna's housing — the production subdivisions that have developed over the past decade — contains builder-grade installations that are still functional but that homeowners are already beginning to evaluate for upgrade. Kuna's young family demographic has access to the same design inspiration media as homeowners anywhere, and the gap between the builder-grade installation in a new Kuna home and the custom tile shower these homeowners aspire to is evident and motivating. Iron Crest's Kuna shower consultations include a significant number of homeowners who are only 3 to 7 years into their home ownership who want to upgrade before the original installation ages further.
Kuna's family-oriented demographic also drives specific functional demand: accessible shower features for grandparents who visit frequently or live nearby, robust construction that handles the daily intensity of a household with multiple children, and low-maintenance specifications that reduce the weekly cleaning burden for busy families. These functional requirements — zero-threshold entries, built-in benches, non-slip floor tile, tight grout joints that resist mineral buildup — are as important as aesthetic preferences in Kuna's shower remodel conversations.
Kuna 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 Kuna:
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.
Kuna's housing stock is predominantly post-2005 construction with modern systems and builder-grade finishes. Homes are generally 1,500-3,000 square feet with standard suburban layouts.
Pre-2005 (Downtown area)
A smaller number of older homes from various decades. These may need system updates alongside cosmetic work.
2005–present (subdivisions)
The vast majority of Kuna homes. Modern construction with PEX plumbing, 200-amp panels, and energy-efficient systems — but builder-grade finishes that homeowners upgrade over time.
Common issues in Kuna homes
- •Builder-grade cabinets and countertops ready for upgrade
- •Standard builder lighting that needs improvement
- •Carpet throughout that homeowners want to replace with hard flooring
- •Basic landscaping and outdoor living that needs development
Material selection affects the look, durability, and cost of your shower remodel. Here are the most popular options we install in Kuna:
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
Kuna shower material specifications are selected for durability, family appropriateness, and value efficiency — the specifications that will look good and perform without problems for the decades that Kuna families plan to be in their homes.
Schluter KERDI Waterproofing is standard on every Kuna shower, full stop. Families with high daily shower usage need a waterproofing system that performs reliably for 20 or more years without the maintenance interventions that inadequate original waterproofing demands. KERDI delivers this reliability.
Non-Slip Floor Tile is a family-safety priority that Iron Crest incorporates as a standard specification for Kuna shower floors. A tile with a coefficient of friction (COF) rating of 0.42 or higher when wet is the ANSI standard for wet area floor applications. Mosaic tile formats — 2x2, 1x4, hexagonal — provide more grout joint area that increases effective slip resistance on shower floors and are the standard specification for Iron Crest's Kuna shower floors.
12x24 Porcelain in Current Neutral Tones is the tile format and palette that provides the best combination of current aesthetics, installation efficiency, and long-term appearance in Kuna's family homes. Matte and satin finishes in warm whites, light grays, and greiges are the most requested Kuna specifications — colors that stay clean-looking with ordinary maintenance, do not show water spots prominently, and complement a wide range of bathroom finish combinations.
Epoxy Grout on Shower Floors dramatically reduces the weekly cleaning burden that standard cementitious grout floors create — and for busy Kuna families, maintenance simplicity is a genuine priority. The modest additional cost is consistently rated as one of the best upgrade decisions by Kuna homeowners at their post-project follow-up.
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 Kuna:
| 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. |
Kuna range: $7,500 – $24,000
Most Kuna projects: $13,000
Kuna shower remodel costs reflect Ada County labor rates (Kuna is within Ada County) and the typically modest bathroom footprints in the city's range of housing types. A basic tub-to-shower conversion with KERDI waterproofing, 12x24 porcelain tile, pre-sloped shower floor, semi-frameless glass, and plumbing modifications runs $7,500 to $12,500. A mid-range upgrade with larger-format tile, built-in niche, frameless glass, and quality fixtures runs $12,500 to $18,000. Full primary bathroom remodels with shower as the primary scope element run $18,000 to $26,000. Substrate remediation contingency for pre-1995 Kuna homes should be budgeted at $1,000 to $3,000.
The final cost of your shower remodel in Kuna 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 Kuna homeowners:
Kuna Ranch or Older Home — Tub Module to Walk-In Shower
Older Kuna homes with original or replacement fiberglass tub modules are the most common shower remodel canvas in the city's pre-2000 housing stock. Full demolition, substrate inspection and repair, KERDI waterproofing, 12x24 porcelain tile walls, pre-sloped foam shower floor with center drain, single niche, new shower valve and fixtures, and semi-frameless or frameless glass enclosure transforms these bathrooms efficiently and affordably. The result is a shower that works properly, looks current, and requires only ordinary maintenance — exactly what busy Kuna families need.
Typical cost: $9,000–$14,000Timeline: 7–10 business days
Quenzer Farms or Crimson Point — Builder Module Upgrade
Kuna's newer production subdivisions feature the same builder-grade fiberglass modules as the rest of the Treasure Valley, and their owners are beginning the same upgrade conversation as Meridian and Nampa homeowners five years ahead of them. These module replacements are technically straightforward — the substrate is newer, the subfloor conditions are generally better — and the scope follows Iron Crest's proven process: module removal, substrate check, KERDI, tile, and glass. The upgrade from module to custom tile is visually dramatic regardless of the home's age.
Typical cost: $10,000–$15,500Timeline: 7–11 business days
Accessible Family Shower for Multi-Generational Kuna Households
Kuna's strong family culture means that multi-generational living — grandparents in the home or nearby, visiting family who needs accessible facilities — is a genuine driver of accessible shower design. Zero-threshold entries, built-in bench seating, grab bar blocking installed during the waterproofing phase, handheld showerheads on slide bars, and wider glass opening configurations make a shower safe and comfortable for household members of all ages and mobility levels. Iron Crest installs grab bar blocking as a standard included detail on every Kuna shower project, at minimal additional cost.
Typical cost: $9,500–$15,000Timeline: 7–11 business days
Secondary Bathroom Re-Waterproof for Family Daily Use
In households with multiple children, secondary bathroom showers take more daily use than any other fixture in the home. Failing grout, repeated caulk applications, and the musty odor that signals hidden moisture damage are signs that the secondary bath needs the same quality waterproofing and tile treatment as the primary. These projects are sized for value — 12x24 tile, semi-frameless glass, KERDI waterproofing — but executed to the same structural standard as a primary suite installation.
Typical cost: $7,500–$11,500Timeline: 5–8 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.
Kuna shares the Treasure Valley climate with slightly more open exposure and wind than cities closer to the foothills.
Wind Exposure
More open terrain means higher wind loads on exterior surfaces.
Heat and UV
Standard Treasure Valley UV exposure. Exterior materials need UV resistance.
Downtown Kuna
The original town center with a mix of older homes and newer infill development. Some homes date to the 1960s-1990s with more remodeling needs.
Common projects in Downtown Kuna:
- •Kitchen and bathroom remodels in older homes
- •Whole-home updates
- •Home additions for growing families
Crimson Point / Newer Subdivisions
Post-2010 subdivision development with modern floor plans and builder-grade finishes. The majority of Kuna's housing stock falls in this category.
Common projects in Crimson Point / Newer Subdivisions:
- •Kitchen upgrades replacing builder-grade materials
- •Bathroom finish updates
- •Flooring replacement
- •Deck and outdoor living construction
Every Kuna neighborhood has different housing stock, homeowner priorities, and project considerations. Here is what shower remodel looks like in each area:
Kuna Core and Original Residential Areas
Kuna's original residential core — the streets immediately surrounding downtown and the agricultural corridors that predate the city's recent growth — contains older single-story homes whose bathrooms have never been updated. These homes are on larger lots, often with additional outbuildings, and they carry the structural discovery conditions common to pre-1990 Idaho construction: mud-bed tile from original installation, plumbing that predates modern code, and the moisture damage that decades of inadequate waterproofing generate.
Homeowners in this original Kuna core are often long-term residents who have maintained their homes carefully but whose original bathrooms have simply outlasted their functional and aesthetic service life. They want quality that lasts — a shower that they will not need to revisit in 10 years — and they are willing to invest in the proper waterproofing and substrate work that produces that durability. These are among Iron Crest's most satisfying Kuna projects because the before-and-after transformation is the most dramatic, and because the homeowners' appreciation for quality work done right is genuine and immediate.
Quenzer Farms, Crimson Point, and Newer Kuna Subdivisions
Kuna's newer developments — the production subdivisions that have extended the city's boundaries over the past 10 to 15 years — contain homes whose primary suite shower modules are functional but beginning to show age. Homeowners in these subdivisions are typically younger families in their 30s and 40s who have been in their homes for 5 to 10 years and are beginning the upgrade cycle that will bring the home to a quality level that reflects its current value.
These are efficient, clearly scoped projects in newer framing — no substrate surprises, no structural discovery conditions, just a straightforward upgrade from builder-grade to custom quality. The design conversation is the most important phase of these projects: understanding what the family uses the shower for, what aesthetic direction they want to go, and how to specify materials that will look current for the decade-plus they plan to be in the home before selling or upgrading further.
Permit authority: City of Kuna Building Department
- ✓Permits required for plumbing, electrical, and structural work
- ✓Growing city with responsive building department
- ✓ADU regulations evolving with city growth
- ●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 Kuna shower remodel projects:
- →Family-friendly, durable material choices
- →Modern farmhouse and transitional styles
- →Practical kitchen upgrades with better storage
- →LVP flooring throughout
- →Outdoor living spaces — decks, patios, covered areas
Kuna's rapid growth and family-oriented market make it an excellent place for practical remodeling investments. Updated homes sell quickly in this market, and finish upgrades provide strong returns.
✓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
Kuna's shower remodel market is defined by its family-forward community character, its mix of older original housing and newer production construction, and a homeowner base that values honest relationships with contractors as much as technical quality.
The family dimension is the most distinctive characteristic. In no other Treasure Valley city is the conversation about daily use, family safety, and low-maintenance specifications as central as in Kuna. Homeowners with three children, regular family visits, and busy daily schedules need a shower that performs reliably, cleans easily, and remains safe for family members across a wide range of ages and physical abilities. These functional requirements shape every material specification decision in a Kuna shower project.
The community character also shapes the business relationship. Kuna homeowners want a contractor who is straightforward about scope, honest about costs, transparent about conditions discovered during demolition, and accessible throughout the project. The relationship dimension of the contractor-client interaction matters more in a tight-knit community like Kuna than in larger, more anonymous markets. Iron Crest's communication standards — daily project updates, written documentation of any discovery conditions, prompt responses to client questions — were built for communities where reputation travels fast and where doing right by every client is the foundation of long-term business success.
Kuna sits within Ada County, so City of Kuna building permits and Ada County regulatory requirements apply to shower remodeling projects.
City of Kuna building permits are required for any shower remodel involving plumbing modifications. Kuna's permit office processes residential remodel applications efficiently, typically within 5–7 business days. Iron Crest manages all permit applications and inspection coordination as a standard project component.
Ada County Building Code requirements apply in Kuna exactly as in Boise and Meridian. Waterproofing, plumbing, and electrical standards are consistent across Ada County, and Iron Crest's specifications meet or exceed them.
Kuna's Strong Family Community: While not a regulatory consideration, Kuna's close-knit community means that referrals between neighbors are a primary driver of contractor selection. Iron Crest's Kuna projects are consistently cited as the source of neighbor referrals — a reflection of the word-of-mouth reputation that quality workmanship and honest business practices build in tight communities.
Kuna shower remodeling delivers strong financial return in a community where home values have appreciated significantly over the past decade and where buyer expectations for bathroom quality are rising with the market.
Kuna homes purchased at $220,000 to $280,000 in 2015 are now frequently valued at $380,000 to $450,000 — appreciation that reflects both regional market dynamics and the genuine improvements in Kuna's quality of life as the city has grown. This equity position makes a $12,000 shower remodel — representing roughly 3 percent of a $380,000 home's value — a modest investment with a strong return profile: an estimated $10,000 to $14,000 in documented value increase, plus the structural protection benefit of replacing failing original waterproofing.
For Kuna families who plan to be in their homes for 10 or more years, the quality-of-life return deserves equal weight with the financial calculation. A shower that a family of four or five uses daily, that is safe for children and grandparents, that cleans easily and stays looking good year after year — this is not an abstract investment return. It is a daily quality-of-life asset whose value accumulates with every use.
Avoid these common pitfalls Kuna homeowners encounter with shower remodel projects:
Mistake: Selecting tile that looks beautiful in the store but is impractical for family daily use
Better approach: Natural stone tile, highly polished surfaces, and very light-colored grout all require maintenance attention that busy family households rarely have time to provide. Natural stone needs annual sealing; polished tile shows water spots and soap scum prominently; light grout in a high-use family shower requires more frequent deep cleaning than any other specification. Porcelain tile in a matte or satin finish, paired with a mid-tone grout or epoxy grout, is the most practically sound specification for a Kuna family shower — it looks current, cleans easily, and does not demand maintenance that competes with a busy household schedule.
Mistake: Choosing a module replacement liner over a full custom shower installation
Better approach: Acrylic liners that snap over or glue to the existing module are a short-term cosmetic fix, not a structural solution. They do not address moisture damage in the subfloor or framing, they do not improve waterproofing, and they fail at the seams within 5 to 10 years. A full custom tile shower installation takes more time and costs more upfront but is the only option that solves the underlying problem and delivers a result that will last the decades Kuna families expect from a home investment.
Mistake: Not planning for the shower to be out of service during the remodel
Better approach: Most Kuna shower remodels take 7 to 10 business days during which the shower being remodeled is completely out of service. For single-bathroom homes, this requires planning: a gym membership with shower access, a neighbor's or family member's bathroom during the project, or a temporary portable shower arrangement. Iron Crest discusses the out-of-service schedule in the pre-construction meeting and confirms the plan before work begins. For multi-bathroom homes, this is simply a practical inconvenience, but for single-bathroom homes it requires advance planning to avoid daily disruption.
Mistake: Skipping the pre-construction design consultation to save time
Better approach: The pre-construction design consultation — reviewing tile samples, discussing layout options, confirming niche and bench placement, and aligning on fixture specifications — typically takes 60 to 90 minutes. Homeowners who skip this step to accelerate the project start often face mid-project changes when the installed tile does not match the mental image they had, or when the niche is in a location that turns out to be inconvenient. The consultation time saves more than it costs.
Kuna has experienced explosive residential growth over the past decade, transforming from a small rural community into a thriving suburb with modern subdivisions and family-oriented neighborhoods. Most Kuna homes were built after 2005, making them relatively new — but with builder-grade finishes that homeowners customize as their families grow and their tastes evolve. Kuna remodeling tends to focus on kitchen and bathroom upgrades, flooring replacement, and outdoor living spaces. The community's family-friendly character means functional, durable design choices are prioritized over purely aesthetic upgrades.
Most popular remodeling projects in Kuna
- ✓Kitchen upgrades
- ✓Bathroom remodels
- ✓Flooring replacement
- ✓Deck and outdoor living
- ✓Home additions
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How durable is a tile shower for a family with young children?
A properly installed tile shower with membrane waterproofing is significantly more durable under high-use family conditions than any builder-grade module or prefab surround. The key durability factors are the waterproofing membrane (KERDI prevents moisture from reaching framing regardless of how much water hits the walls and floor), the tile selection (porcelain tile with a PEI rating of 3 or higher is appropriate for shower floor applications under regular family use), the grout specification (epoxy on the floor, urethane-modified on walls), and the overall installation quality. A shower built to these standards will easily handle 20-plus years of family daily use without structural failure.
Should I install grab bars now or wait until we need them?
Install blocking now and add grab bars when needed. Grab bar blocking — solid wood or metal backing installed between studs during the waterproofing phase — costs $200 to $400 to add during a shower project when the walls are already open. Adding grab bars to a finished tile wall without blocking requires opening the wall, which costs $800 to $2,000 and leaves a repair seam in the tile. Kuna families who anticipate aging-in-place, who have elderly visiting family members, or who simply want the option for the future should include blocking as a standard project detail. Iron Crest installs grab bar blocking at standard ADA heights on every Kuna shower project as an included item.
What is the best non-slip floor tile for a family shower?
For family shower floors with children and elderly users, we recommend a mosaic tile format — 2x2, 1x4, or hexagonal — in a porcelain or natural stone product with a dynamic coefficient of friction (DCOF) of 0.42 or higher when wet. The higher grout-to-tile ratio of mosaic formats increases effective slip resistance because the grout joints provide texture that tile surfaces alone do not. Avoid large-format tile on shower floors in family homes — even with a linear drain's single-plane slope, large-format floor tile provides less inherent slip resistance than mosaic formats under wet, soapy conditions.
Do I need a permit for a Kuna shower remodel?
Yes, if the remodel involves plumbing modifications — which includes drain work, supply line changes, or shower valve replacement. City of Kuna plumbing permits are required for these scopes and are processed efficiently through the city's permit office. Iron Crest handles permit applications and all required inspections as a standard project management responsibility. Tile-only work on an existing shower without any plumbing changes typically does not require a permit, but this scenario is uncommon in a full shower remodel.
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.
How do I keep my new shower looking good long-term?
Use a daily shower spray to prevent mineral and soap buildup, squeegee glass after each use, and reseal grout annually. We use premium grout and silicone that resist mold and staining, and our waterproofing system ensures the structure stays dry and damage-free behind the tile.
Start your shower remodel in Kuna
Get a free, no-obligation estimate for shower remodeling in Kuna, ID. We handle design, permits, and every detail of construction.
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