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.
Shower remodeling in Mountain Home, Idaho is a focused, high-impact project shaped by the same forces that define the city's broader remodeling market: a Cold-War-era ranch housing stock with original tub-shower combinations, a transient Air Force population that turns over rented housing on permanent-change-of-station cycles, and a high-desert climate near 3,150 feet whose large daily temperature swings work tile and waterproofing joints harder than a stable climate does. Mountain Home is the Elmore County seat, a community of just under 16,000 anchored by Mountain Home Air Force Base twelve miles southwest. The shower is the single most-used wet element in any of these homes, and it is also the element where unseen waterproofing failure does the most expensive structural damage. Iron Crest Remodeling Group LLC, operating as Iron Crest Remodel (Idaho RCE-6681702), approaches Mountain Home shower remodeling with the waterproofing discipline this climate demands, the durability logic the base-driven rental market requires, the veteran-accessibility need the community generates, and the pre-1980 environmental and split city/county jurisdiction realities of this area — not a generic shower script with a city name dropped in.
Design and build the shower you have always wanted — from custom tile work to barrier-free walk-ins.
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.
Mountain Home homeowners pursue shower remodeling for a variety of reasons. Here are the most common situations we see:
Not every shower remodel project is the same. Here are the most common project types we complete in Mountain Home:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Mountain Home's housing spans a pre-war downtown core, a dominant 1950s-1970s air-base-era ranch belt tied to the base's Cold War growth, 1990s-2010s subdivisions, and recent custom acreage. The 2020 census recorded about 6,600 housing units.
Railroad-era and pre-war homes with galvanized plumbing, aged or knob-and-tube wiring in the worst cases, plaster and original wood, and frequent subfloor and structural deterioration. Pre-1978 lead and pre-1980 asbestos requirements apply.
The city's largest layer: simply framed ranches and split-levels built as Mountain Home AFB expanded, with original single-pane aluminum windows, galvanized supply lines, undersized electrical, minimal insulation, closed kitchens, single bathrooms, and no primary suite. Pre-1980 environmental testing required.
Production subdivision homes with modern systems and builder-grade finishes now aging out of relevance. No asbestos or galvanized concerns; straightforward upgrade candidates.
Custom homes on one-acre and rural parcels, many on private well and septic, built to modern code and high finish.
Material selection affects the look, durability, and cost of your shower remodel. Here are the most popular options we install in Mountain Home:
The 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
Premium 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
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
Custom-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
Pressure-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
Here is how a typical shower remodel project works from first contact to final walkthrough:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 Mountain Home:
| 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. |
Mountain Home range: $7,000–$13,000 – $26,000–$48,000
Most Mountain Home projects: $12,000–$22,000
Mountain Home shower remodeling runs modestly below Boise-proper, narrowed by thinner local trade availability and Treasure Valley crew mobilization. The low band covers a straightforward tub-to-shower or surround replacement with a properly waterproofed system and quality tile in a standard 5x8 bath. The average band covers what most owner-occupants do: a full tub-to-walk-in-shower conversion with a code-compliant membrane, large-format or subway tile, a niche and bench, and a frameless glass enclosure. The high band covers curbless accessible showers with linear drains and multiple water points, premium tile and glass, and acreage/Blue Sage primary showers. The defining local cost variables: a code-compliant continuous waterproofing system is non-negotiable, billable scope and the single most important cost not to cut; subfloor remediation is common in pre-1980 ranch baths where prior shower failure caused hidden damage; pre-1980 homes add asbestos/lead testing; curbless accessible conversions require structural floor work that adds cost; and split jurisdiction plus permits for plumbing changes add process.
The final cost of your shower remodel in Mountain Home depends on several factors. Here are the biggest cost drivers:
A 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.
Standard 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.
Keeping 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.
A 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.
Zero-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.
Builder-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 Mountain Home homeowners:
The signature Mountain Home shower project: removing the original cast-iron tub and failed surround from a 1950s-1970s ranch's single bathroom and building a proper tiled walk-in shower. Scope includes demo, subfloor inspection and repair (commonly needed where the old surround leaked unseen for years), a code-compliant continuous waterproofing membrane over a properly prepared substrate, large-format or subway tile, a niche and often a bench, a frameless glass enclosure, and a new pressure-balanced valve. Pre-1980 homes require asbestos and lead testing before demo. The single highest-impact focused upgrade on the city's dominant housing stock.
A curbless, low-barrier roll-in or low-threshold walk-in shower for the community's substantial retired and disabled-veteran population. Scope includes structural floor work to achieve the curbless transition and linear drain, a code-compliant waterproofing system designed for the zero-threshold detail (more demanding to waterproof than a curbed shower), in-wall blocking for grab bars at correct heights, a built-in or fold-down bench, a handheld on a slide bar, lever controls, and slip-resistant tile. Designed to read as a contemporary spa shower, not an institutional one, with accessibility engineered in so future grab-bar relocation needs no wall demolition.
An owner-landlord rebuilds a failed or dated shower in a base-area rental for durability across PCS-cycle tenancies. Scope favors a robustly waterproofed tiled or quality solid-surface system over a fragile fiberglass insert that cracks at the seams within two tenancies, a serviceable commercial-grade valve, low-maintenance surfaces, and detailing that a property manager can reset between rotations without a rebuild. The economics are total cost across tenancies — a properly waterproofed shower also prevents the hidden subfloor damage that becomes the single most expensive turn repair.
A shower where an earlier, inadequately built surround failed — water tracked through cracked grout or missing membrane into the subfloor and framing, often discovered as soft flooring, a musty bathroom, or damage in the ceiling below. Scope is full tear-out, subfloor and framing remediation, and a correctly built shower with a continuous code-compliant waterproofing system and movement-accommodating joint detailing so the failure does not recur in this swing-prone climate. This scenario is specifically about not repeating the original waterproofing mistake that caused the damage.
On Blue Sage and acreage homes, the shower is a larger, higher-finish centerpiece — a generous curbless walk-in with a linear drain, multiple water points (rain head plus handheld), full-height large-format tile, a bench and multiple niches, and a premium frameless enclosure. Scope emphasizes flawless waterproofing across a large wet area and finish quality. Many of these homes are on private well water that is hard and sometimes iron-bearing, which drives glass-coating and fixture-finish choices; unincorporated parcels permit through Elmore County rather than the city.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
High-desert climate at roughly 3,150 feet on the open western Snake River Plain: cold winters, hot dry summers, very low humidity, large daily temperature swings, intense unobstructed UV, and strong wind.
Frequent 30+°F daily swings cycle tile, grout, caulk, siding, and waterproofing joints aggressively, making movement-accommodating detailing essential.
Open, treeless plain accelerates fading and degradation of exterior paint, decking, and cladding, and interior fading on sun-exposed rooms.
30 lb ground snow load and a 24-inch frost depth (Mountain Home area, below Tollgate) govern foundations, decks, and roofed structures; cold floors raise demand for in-floor heat.
115 mph residential design wind speed off the open plain drives siding fastening, window structural specs, and roofed-structure engineering; wind-borne grit abrades finishes.
Very dry interiors shrink and gap unacclimated wood flooring and cabinetry and reopen drywall seams; sealed winter homes still concentrate bathroom moisture.
Seismic Zone C (south of Featherville, includes Mountain Home) applies to structural and lateral detailing on additions and reconfigurations.
The oldest residential blocks around the railroad-era street grid, including landmarks like the 1910 Bengoechea building; pre-war and early-mid-century homes with aged systems.
Common projects in Downtown / Historic Core:
The city's largest housing layer, built as Mountain Home AFB expanded through the Cold War: simply framed three-bedroom, one-bath ranches with original systems and closed layouts. Split between owner-occupants and owner-landlords renting to base personnel.
Common projects in Air-Base-Era Ranch Belt (1950s-1970s):
1990s-2010s production-home build-out on the north and east edges; modern systems, builder-grade finishes aging out, frequently sold to inbound military buyers using VA financing.
Common projects in Newer Subdivisions (Silverstone, Morning View):
Blue Sage's one-acre custom-home lots and surrounding unincorporated rural parcels, many on private well and septic and permitted through Elmore County rather than the city.
Common projects in Blue Sage & Rural Acreage:
Every Mountain Home neighborhood has different housing stock, homeowner priorities, and project considerations. Here is what shower remodel looks like in each area:
Permit authority: City of Mountain Home Building Department (in city limits) or Elmore County Land Use and Building Department (unincorporated)
Here are the design trends we see most often in Mountain Home shower remodel projects:
Mountain Home's 2024 median home value was approximately $309,400 (Data USA), well below most of Ada County. The market is strongly influenced by Mountain Home Air Force Base: modest, fast-moving inventory, a large share of inbound military buyers using VA financing on relocation deadlines with appraisal condition review, and a substantial owner-landlord/investor segment serving base-driven rental demand. Schools are served by Mountain Home School District No. 193. This price band and buyer profile make competent, finished, defect-free remodels closer to a condition of sale than discretionary upgrades, and make durability-for-turnover the governing logic for rental work.
Avoid these common pitfalls Mountain Home homeowners encounter with shower remodel projects:
Better approach: The shower is where hidden failure does the most structural damage, and Mountain Home's large daily temperature swings cycle the assembly hard. A continuous, code-compliant membrane over a properly prepared substrate is mandatory and the single decision never to cut. Tile over cement board without a membrane is a failure that becomes a subfloor-and-framing repair.
Better approach: The diurnal swing works inside corners and plane changes hardest. Use high-performance or epoxy grout on the field and a quality movement-accommodating sealant at all corners and plane changes rather than rigid grout there — the prevention for the most common local shower-tile failure.
Better approach: A fiberglass insert cracks at the seams within a couple of PCS-cycle tenancies and, worse, can mask a waterproofing failure. Specify a robustly waterproofed tiled or quality solid-surface system with a serviceable valve — the lower total cost across tenancies and the protection against the most expensive turn repair.
Better approach: A zero-threshold shower requires structural floor work and is more demanding to waterproof than a curbed one, with grab-bar blocking planned from the start. Engineer the structure, drain, and waterproofing for the curbless detail as core scope, not a finish-stage add, so it performs and accommodates future accessibility needs.
Better approach: Demolishing pre-1980 bathroom finishes can disturb asbestos and lead. Test flooring, mastic, and surrounding materials and follow EPA RRP and Idaho DEQ requirements before any disturbance — sequenced into pre-construction, not discovered mid-demo, and executed by EPA RRP-certified practice.
For most Mountain Home air-base-era ranch households, yes. These homes typically have a single bathroom with an original cast-iron tub and a failed surround, and a tub many households no longer use. A properly built walk-in shower is more usable daily, resolves the failed waterproofing, and modernizes the home's most-used wet space — the highest-impact focused bathroom upgrade on this stock. If the home is the only bathroom and you have buyers with young children in mind, we discuss retaining bathing capability elsewhere; in most cases the walk-in conversion is the right call functionally and for resale to inbound buyers.
The failure is almost always waterproofing, accelerated by climate. Mountain Home's large daily temperature swings cycle tile, grout, and joints aggressively; a shower built without a continuous code-compliant membrane and movement-accommodating detailing cracks and leaks — invisibly at first — into the subfloor and framing, the most expensive damage in the bathroom. We prevent it with a continuous membrane system over a properly prepared substrate, high-performance or epoxy grout on the field, and a movement-accommodating sealant at all corners and plane changes rather than rigid grout. That detail is the difference between a shower that lasts and one that quietly destroys the floor.
Yes — it is one of the defining shower projects in this community given its substantial retired and disabled-veteran population. We build curbless, low-barrier walk-in showers with a linear drain and the structural floor work the zero-threshold transition requires, in-wall blocking for grab bars at correct heights, bench seating, a handheld on a slide bar, lever controls, and slip-resistant tile — engineered to look like a contemporary spa shower rather than an institutional one. We also block the walls so future grab-bar changes need no demolition, because needs change over time.
If the home was built before 1980 — much of the downtown core and air-base-era ranch belt — yes. Demolishing pre-1980 bathroom finishes can disturb asbestos in flooring, mastic, and surrounding materials and lead paint, which must be tested and, if present, abated by licensed practice under Idaho DEQ and EPA RRP rules before any disturbance. We sequence this testing into pre-construction for every pre-1980 home rather than discovering it mid-demo, and Iron Crest Remodel is EPA RRP certified.
It depends on jurisdiction and scope. A shower remodel that alters plumbing on property inside Mountain Home city limits is permitted and inspected by the City of Mountain Home Building Department; on unincorporated Elmore County property — much surrounding acreage — by the Elmore County Land Use and Building Department, with Mountain Home-area inspections Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Plumbing changes generally require a permit under the adopted 2018 IRC; like-for-like surround replacement may not. We confirm jurisdiction and scope first and manage the application and inspections.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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