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 New Plymouth, Idaho is, beneath the tile, a waterproofing and substrate problem dictated by how this town's homes are built. New Plymouth was platted in 1896 as an irrigation colony — the Plymouth Society of Chicago and William E. Smythe arranging a horseshoe of two streets around a mile-long Boulevard park. The homes filling that horseshoe and the surrounding farm acreage sit largely over crawlspaces and carry showers spanning a century of practice: colony-era farmhouses where a shower was retrofitted into a home that never anticipated one, mid-century ranches with original tiled or fiberglass tub-shower units, and a modest minority of newer builds with builder-grade surrounds. With a 2020 Census population of 1,494 in a multi-generational agricultural community, shower work here must contend with hard well or municipal water that scales every wet surface, crawlspace construction that turns a pan failure into hidden structural rot, an aging-in-place demand from long-tenure owners, and — in pre-1980 homes — asbestos and lead-safe handling. Iron Crest Remodel (Iron Crest Remodeling Group LLC, Idaho RCE-6681702) builds New Plymouth showers waterproofing-first; a beautiful tiled shower over an inadequate membrane in a crawlspace home is a slow structural failure, and that distinction is the entire point.
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.
New Plymouth 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 New Plymouth:
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.
New Plymouth's housing is older and more layered than the suburban Treasure Valley: a 1896 colony-era and pre-1940 farmhouse core, a deep 1950s–1970s ranch layer, and a modest post-2000 subdivision minority. Most homes sit over vented crawlspaces.
Original colony and early-twentieth-century farmhouses around The Boulevard. Plaster-and-lath interiors, original wood siding and single-pane sash, galvanized supply lines, undersized electrical service, and crawlspace subfloors. Pre-1978 lead-paint and pre-1980 asbestos handling required.
Ranches and ramblers built as irrigated agriculture matured. Sound framing, aging copper plumbing, marginal panels, single-pane or early aluminum windows, thin insulation, and closed floor plans. Pre-1978/1980 environmental rules still apply.
Post-2000 builds such as Harvest Creek. Modern PEX plumbing, adequate electrical, and builder-grade finishes on tighter lots. No environmental-testing requirements.
Material selection affects the look, durability, and cost of your shower remodel. Here are the most popular options we install in New Plymouth:
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 New Plymouth:
| 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. |
New Plymouth range: $8,500–$16,000 – $30,000–$55,000
Most New Plymouth projects: $15,000–$26,000
New Plymouth shower costs are governed by waterproofing scope, concealed substrate damage, and accessibility features rather than by tile price. The low range covers a straightforward walk-in or tub-to-shower conversion in a newer or sound home with no substrate damage. The high range covers a large custom curbless shower in a colony-era or substantial home requiring crawlspace subfloor and framing repair from prior leakage, full waterproofing rebuild, multiple water points, and premium tile, with environmental handling on pre-1980 surfaces. The average band reflects the typical New Plymouth project: replacing a failed original tub-shower or retrofitted shower with a properly framed, fully waterproofed tiled walk-in shower and glass enclosure, including the subfloor repair and hard-water-resistant material selection these homes require. The dominant local cost drivers are crawlspace subfloor and joist repair from years of concealed pan leakage (the single largest variable in older homes), mandatory asbestos testing and lead-safe handling on pre-1980 surrounds, hard-water-appropriate material and glass-coating upgrades, and accessibility features for the strong local aging-in-place demand. A clean swap with no hidden damage is the exception, not the rule, in older New Plymouth homes.
The final cost of your shower remodel in New Plymouth 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 New Plymouth homeowners:
The defining New Plymouth shower project: a pre-1940 Boulevard-area farmhouse where a shower was retrofitted decades ago over an original mortar pan or no membrane, and has been leaking into the crawlspace for years. Scope is waterproofing- and substrate-led — demolition, asbestos testing and licensed abatement where present, crawlspace subfloor and joist repair from concealed rot, a fully framed and code-compliant bonded waterproofing system (Schluter KERDI, Laticrete Hydro Ban, or equivalent), hard-water-resistant tile, and a glass enclosure with a hydrophobic coating. Lead-safe practices apply to pre-1978 surfaces. The visible result is a new shower; the value is in the unseen waterproofing and structural repair.
Among the most requested New Plymouth projects, driven by long-tenure families planning to age in place: converting a hard-to-enter tub or cramped original shower into a curbless or low-threshold walk-in shower with a linear drain, a bench, blocking-backed grab bars installed structurally into the framing (not just drywall), slip-resistant tile, a handheld on a slide bar, and a comfortable, well-lit enclosure. Done well it reads as a clean modern shower, not a clinical one. In single-bathroom colony homes, we discuss retaining bathing capacity elsewhere before removing the only tub.
New Plymouth's 1950s–1970s ranches commonly have an original tiled or fiberglass tub-shower combo with failed grout, pan seams, or cracked corners. Scope is demolition (with asbestos testing on pre-1980 units), crawlspace subfloor inspection and repair, a fully waterproofed tiled walk-in shower with frameless glass, and hard-water-resistant material selection. The single most transformative bathroom change for this housing type, and one of the most common New Plymouth shower jobs.
A recurring New Plymouth scenario: an existing shower whose glass is etched, fixtures pitted, and grout and stone degraded by years of hard water from a private well or the municipal system. Scope rebuilds with materials chosen specifically for the water chemistry — large-format porcelain over stone, epoxy or high-performance grout, hydrophobic-coated glass, and scale-hiding fixture finishes — plus full code-compliant waterproofing. This is a genuinely local specification problem, not a generic remodel.
Post-2000 Harvest Creek and similar homes often have a builder fiberglass or low-grade tiled shower that is dated but structurally sound. Scope is demolition and a properly waterproofed tiled walk-in shower with quality glass — no asbestos, minimal substrate work, predictable scope. The persistent local factors even here are code-compliant waterproofing over the home's floor system and hard-water-appropriate material and glass selection.
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 Payette River valley at ~2,257 ft: hot, dry, sun-intense summers and cold winters with real snow load and a 24-inch frost line, plus wind off open agricultural ground and hard water.
Payette County design criterion of 30 psf governs roof and deck structural design.
24-inch frost depth requires foundations, footings, and deck piers below grade to prevent frost heave.
115 mph ultimate wind speed and Seismic Design Category C; wind off open farmland drives infiltration and uplift on exposed structures.
Open-valley sun degrades wood siding, coatings, and decking; wide hot-to-cold swing drives material movement and air leakage.
Hard municipal and private-well water scales glass and fixtures and degrades grout and stone; drives material/glass selection.
The 1896 colony heart: two horseshoe streets around the mile-long Boulevard park with original irrigation ditches. Predominantly colony-era and pre-1940 wood-sided farmhouses on generous original acre tracts; strong period character and a protected streetscape.
Common projects in The Boulevard / Historic Horseshoe Core:
Grid streets around and behind the horseshoe filled with 1950s–1970s ranches and ramblers built as the irrigated farm economy matured. Sound framing, aging copper and marginal panels, closed floor plans, on municipal water and sewer.
Common projects in Mid-Century Ranch Streets (In-Town):
Working farm and ranch acreage surrounding the town, outside city limits and under Payette County jurisdiction. Homes range from century-old farmsteads to modern custom builds, typically on private wells and septic systems.
Common projects in Agricultural Fringe / Rural Acreage:
Post-2000 subdivision pockets representing New Plymouth's modern housing minority. Modern PEX plumbing, adequate panels, and builder-grade finishes on tighter lots; no environmental-testing requirements.
Common projects in Harvest Creek / Newer Subdivisions:
Every New Plymouth neighborhood has different housing stock, homeowner priorities, and project considerations. Here is what shower remodel looks like in each area:
Permit authority: City of New Plymouth (building inspection contracted to the City of Fruitland Building Department) for properties inside city limits; Payette County Building Department for unincorporated rural parcels. Plumbing and electrical permits issued separately by the State of Idaho (Division of Building Safety / DOPL).
Online portal: npidaho.com/building-department
Here are the design trends we see most often in New Plymouth shower remodel projects:
New Plymouth and Payette County home values have appreciated well above their historic norms; local market median list prices reached roughly $485,000 with an average around $449,000 in early 2026 (Redfin), against a longer-run median home value near $277,500. Inventory is limited in a small market with homes selling in roughly 70 days. With trading up locally often impractical, long-tenure, multi-generational families predominantly renovate to keep — making durable, do-it-once work the local standard and a strong resale signal in a closely-watched market.
Avoid these common pitfalls New Plymouth homeowners encounter with shower remodel projects:
Better approach: In New Plymouth's crawlspace-built homes this is not just a code violation — it drips unseen into the crawlspace and rots structure for years. A continuous bonded membrane (Schluter KERDI, Laticrete Hydro Ban, or equivalent) over a properly built pan is mandatory and inspector-verified. There is no version of this where skipping the membrane is acceptable here.
Better approach: Colony-era and mid-century New Plymouth showers were often built over inadequate waterproofing and have leaked into the crawlspace for years; demolition routinely reveals rotted subfloor and joists. Scope pre-1980 projects with a structural-repair contingency and inspect on demo. Correcting the damage is what makes the new shower last.
Better approach: The area's hard water etches stone and degrades cementitious grout, especially on shower floors. Specify large-format porcelain, epoxy or high-performance grout, and hydrophobic-coated glass tailored to the home's actual water source. Material selection here is a local engineering decision, not a default.
Better approach: Grab bars anchored only to drywall fail under load — dangerous in the aging-in-place conversions so common in long-tenure New Plymouth households. Install in-wall blocking during framing so grab bars are anchored structurally. Plan this proactively even when bars are not installed immediately.
Better approach: Shower valve and drain work requires a plumbing permit issued by the State of Idaho, separate from the local building permit through New Plymouth/Fruitland or Payette County. Missing it causes inspection failures. Confirm jurisdiction and coordinate both permits before work begins.
Because most New Plymouth homes sit over vented crawlspaces. In a slab-built suburban home, a shower leak damages finishes; in a crawlspace-built colony or mid-century New Plymouth home, a pan or wall failure drips unseen into the crawlspace and rots joists and subfloor for years before anyone sees it. That is why a continuous, code-compliant bonded waterproofing membrane over a properly built pan is the single most important element of any New Plymouth shower — far more consequential here than in newer slab construction. Tiling over bare backer without a membrane is a code violation and a slow structural failure in this housing stock.
In older homes, frequently yes. Colony-era and mid-century New Plymouth showers were often built or retrofitted over inadequate waterproofing and have been leaking into the crawlspace for years. When we demolish, we regularly find rotted subfloor and joists beneath. We scope pre-1980 shower projects with a structural-repair contingency rather than as a clean swap, because concealed damage from prior leakage is common enough here to plan for, and correcting it is what makes the new shower durable.
New Plymouth's water — hard whether from a private well on the agricultural fringe or the municipal system in town — scales glass, pits fixtures, and degrades grout and stone. The strategy: large-format porcelain rather than natural stone, epoxy or high-performance grout, frameless glass with a factory hydrophobic coating, and brushed or matte fixture finishes that hide scale. On well-sourced rural properties we account for possible iron and sediment too. The specification is tailored to your actual water source, not a generic build.
Yes, and it is one of the most requested New Plymouth projects given how many long-tenure families plan to stay in their homes for decades. We build curbless or low-threshold walk-in showers with linear drains, benches, slip-resistant tile, a handheld on a slide bar, and grab bars anchored into in-wall blocking installed during framing — structurally, not just into drywall. Done well it reads as a clean modern shower, not a clinical one. In single-bathroom colony homes we discuss retaining bathing capacity elsewhere before removing the only tub.
A shower remodel with plumbing or structural changes is permitted through the applicable authority — New Plymouth City Hall with City of Fruitland inspection (208-452-4946) inside city limits, or Payette County for rural parcels. Importantly, the plumbing permit for valve and drain work is issued separately by the State of Idaho, not locally. We confirm jurisdiction and coordinate the building permit and the separate state plumbing permit as part of the project.
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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