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 Payette, Idaho is, more than almost any other project, a waterproofing-execution problem in a specific housing context. Payette is a county-seat city of roughly 8,100 at the Payette–Snake river confluence, with housing from 1900s–1930s downtown homes (single bathroom, old plumbing, plaster walls, possible asbestos and lead) through postwar ranches with tight alcove tubs to newer subdivision homes like Vista Hills with builder-grade fiberglass surrounds. What unites a successful shower remodel across all of these is not the tile pattern — it is a continuous, code-compliant waterproofing system installed with zero tolerance for error, because a shower is the single highest-moisture assembly in any house and a failed one quietly destroys subfloor and framing for years before it shows. In Payette's older homes that risk compounds: a leaking shower over a century-old subfloor with corroded galvanized supply and aging cast-iron drain is a structural problem, not a cosmetic one. Iron Crest Remodel (Iron Crest Remodeling Group LLC, Idaho RCE-6681702) approaches every Payette shower around waterproofing integrity first, the home's plumbing and structural reality second, and finish design third — and treats the city's strong aging-in-place demand as a core design driver, not an afterthought.
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.
Payette 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 Payette:
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.
Payette's housing spans more than a century: structurally sound but systemically obsolete pre-1940 homes near downtown, a large postwar ranch belt, and newer subdivision construction. Older homes commonly need comprehensive systems and environmental work; newer homes need finish upgrades.
Railroad/mill-era bungalows and four-squares with original wood siding and windows, plaster-and-lath walls, galvanized supply and cast-iron drains, little or no insulation, and frequent asbestos and lead. Strong character; deep systems needs.
Ranch and rancher homes on regular lots with serviceable but dated systems, hardboard/early engineered siding, aluminum or early vinyl windows, and tight alcove-tub bathrooms. The volume remodeling stock.
Subdivision construction with modern systems, fiber-cement siding, and builder-grade interior finishes that owners upgrade over time.
Material selection affects the look, durability, and cost of your shower remodel. Here are the most popular options we install in Payette:
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 Payette:
| 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. |
Payette range: $8,500–$15,000 – $28,000–$55,000
Most Payette projects: $15,000–$28,000
Payette shower remodeling costs are driven by waterproofing scope, structural and plumbing condition, and accessibility features more than by tile selection. The low range covers a straightforward tub-to-shower or shower rebuild in a sound newer home — demo, properly waterproofed tiled shower, glass panel, fixtures — with no structural or plumbing remediation. The high range covers large curbless primary showers with linear drains, premium tile and glass, multiple water outlets, full accessibility integration, and significant structural or plumbing rework in older homes. The average range reflects the common Payette project: a full tub-to-walk-in conversion or shower rebuild with a continuous waterproofing system, frameless glass, quality tile, and code-compliant ventilation. The cost variable that moves a Payette estimate most is older-home discovery: subfloor and framing damage from a long-leaking original shower, galvanized-to-PEX supply replacement, cast-iron drain remediation, and asbestos/lead handling in pre-1978 homes routinely add several thousand dollars and are common precisely because failing showers cause that damage. Accessibility features (curbless construction, blocking, benches) add modest cost but high value given Payette's demand. Material delivery from the Boise–Nampa corridor or Ontario, Oregon adds modest logistics cost.
The final cost of your shower remodel in Payette 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 Payette homeowners:
The defining Payette shower project: converting an alcove tub or step-in shower in an older or postwar home to a curbless (or low-threshold) walk-in with a continuous waterproofing system, linear or properly sloped drain, built-in bench, grab-bar blocking, slip-resistant tile, handheld on a slide bar, and a frameless or low-profile glass panel. Designed to read as a clean contemporary shower rather than an institutional one. In older homes, scope includes subfloor assessment and repair, supply-line evaluation, and code-compliant ventilation. This is the highest-demand, highest-value shower project in Payette given its aging owner base.
An original or once-redone shower in a downtown-area or postwar Payette home that has been leaking into the structure — soft subfloor, damaged framing, deteriorated substrate behind tile. Scope is full demo to expose and repair the structural damage, galvanized-to-PEX supply replacement and cast-iron drain remediation as found, asbestos/lead handling in pre-1978 homes, a new continuous waterproofing system (Schluter KERDI, Laticrete Hydro Ban, or equivalent), and a properly built tiled shower with code ventilation. This is damage interception as much as remodeling — the longer it waits, the larger the structural scope.
In Vista Hills and similar newer homes, replacing a builder-grade fiberglass or acrylic shower or tub-shower unit with a fully tiled, properly waterproofed walk-in shower with frameless glass. Systems and structure are sound, so scope is essentially demo and correct rebuild — the value is in the waterproofing system done right and the finish upgrade. The most predictable shower project in Payette in cost and schedule, and a strong appearance and resale improvement over builder-original units.
For larger Payette homes, a generous primary-suite shower: curbless entry, large-format porcelain, a linear drain, multiple water outlets (rain head and handheld on pressure-balanced valves), a bench, niches, and a frameless glass enclosure. Built on a continuous waterproofing system rated for the higher water volume of a multi-outlet shower, with attention to slope, drainage, and ventilation. The most design-intensive Payette shower category, and one where waterproofing execution matters even more because of the increased water load.
Tied to Payette's single-bath-home reality: building a properly waterproofed shower as part of a new second or primary-suite bathroom addition. Scope includes the new fixture group and drain tie-in, supply lines, the continuous waterproofing system, tile, glass, and code-compliant exhaust ventilation. Because it is new construction within the bath project, the waterproofing and structure are built right from the start rather than remediated — but the waterproofing discipline is identical and decisive.
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.
Semi-arid high-desert river-valley climate at ~2,100 ft: about 11 inches of precipitation and ~12 inches of snow annually, intense solar radiation, hot dry summers, cold winters, and large daily/seasonal temperature swings.
Rapid, asymmetric degradation of exterior coatings and siding (south/west elevations fail years ahead of north/east); fading of interior finishes in high-light rooms.
Foundation and deck footings must reach below the regional frost depth (on the order of 24 inches — verify with the permitting authority); shallow footings heave.
Roof, deck, and addition structures sized for the regional ground snow load (on the order of 30 psf — verify with the permitting authority).
Wood flooring and some click products move, gap, and cup without proper acclimation; tightly-sealed homes concentrate bathroom/shower moisture.
Lower-lying parcels near the Payette–Snake confluence may carry FEMA special flood hazard mapping affecting footings, mechanicals, and below-grade scope.
Increased particulate exposure makes thorough exterior surface preparation important for coating and siding adhesion.
Residential blocks fanning out from North 8th and Main around Payette's intact original central business district. Predominantly 1900s–1930s bungalows and four-squares on small, early-platted lots; the focus of the city's historic-preservation interest.
Common projects in Historic Downtown / Main Street Core:
A wide belt of 1950s–1980s ranch and rancher homes between the historic core and newer subdivisions, on regular lots — where most Payette owner-occupants live.
Common projects in Postwar Ranch Belt:
A newer Payette subdivision with modern construction, current systems, larger regular lots, and builder-grade finishes.
Common projects in Vista Hills:
Lower-elevation parcels near the Payette–Snake confluence; some fall within FEMA-mapped special flood hazard areas (Payette County had significant river flooding in 1997).
Common projects in River-Proximate / Lower-Lying Streets:
Every Payette neighborhood has different housing stock, homeowner priorities, and project considerations. Here is what shower remodel looks like in each area:
Permit authority: City of Payette Building Department (Planning & Zoning / Building) for properties inside city limits; Payette County Building Safety for unincorporated parcels
Online portal: cityofpayette.com
Here are the design trends we see most often in Payette shower remodel projects:
Payette home values have risen substantially — the typical home is in the mid-$300,000s with median list prices pushing toward $400,000 (Zillow/Rocket, 2025), and Payette County posted strong year-over-year gains. The buyer pool includes Treasure Valley commuters priced into a smaller market and cross-river buyers comparing Payette against Fruitland and Ontario, Oregon inventory. Limited move-up inventory makes additions and whole-home remodels of sound older homes financially competitive with buying up, and many older single-bath homes carry a value discount that bath additions efficiently address.
Avoid these common pitfalls Payette homeowners encounter with shower remodel projects:
Better approach: Tile and grout are not waterproof; the membrane behind them is. Specify a continuous, code-compliant ANSI A118.10 system (Schluter KERDI, Laticrete Hydro Ban, or equivalent) over appropriate substrate on every Payette shower. This is the single decision that determines whether the shower protects or destroys the structure, and it is required and inspected on permitted work.
Better approach: Original showers in Payette's older homes are frequently leaking into the subfloor and framing already. Expose, assess, and repair the structure before any waterproofing or tile. A beautiful shower over damaged structure is a failure waiting to surface and a far larger eventual cost.
Better approach: Given Payette's long-tenure, aging owner base, design curbless construction, grab-bar blocking, slip-resistant flooring, and a bench in as defaults. They add modest cost, large use value, and increasingly add resale appeal — retrofitting them later costs far more than building them in now.
Better approach: The highest-moisture room with a fan dumping into the attic drives shower moisture into the roof assembly in Payette's tightly-sealed homes. Replace it with a correctly sized, humidity-sensing fan ducted to the exterior — required, and essential to protecting the new shower's surroundings.
Better approach: Downtown-area and early-postwar Payette showers commonly need galvanized-to-PEX supply replacement, cast-iron drain remediation, and asbestos/lead handling in pre-1978 homes. Test and scope these before demo; a fixed bid that assumes none of it produces mid-project change orders on this housing stock.
Yes — this is the most-requested shower project in Payette given its long-tenure owner base. We design curbless or low-threshold walk-in showers with a continuous waterproofing system, built-in bench, grab-bar blocking, slip-resistant flooring, a handheld on a slide bar, and a clean glass panel, so the result reads as a contemporary shower rather than an institutional one. In older homes we also assess and repair the subfloor and address ventilation, because an accessible shower must also be a structurally sound, properly waterproofed one.
Because a shower is the highest-moisture assembly in the house, tile and grout are not waterproof, and in Payette's older homes a leaking shower drains into a century-old or mid-century subfloor with galvanized supply and cast-iron drains — turning a cosmetic problem into a structural one. A continuous, code-compliant waterproofing membrane system behind the tile is what protects the structure, is required and inspected on permitted work, and is the single decision that most determines whether your shower lasts or quietly destroys the floor beneath it.
Often that the project is part damage interception. A long-leaking original shower in a downtown-area or postwar Payette home typically means subfloor and framing damage that must be exposed and repaired, and frequently galvanized supply replacement and cast-iron drain remediation, plus asbestos/lead handling in pre-1978 homes — all before a new waterproofing system and tile go in. The longer it waits, the larger the structural scope, so an honest older-home estimate anticipates this rather than assuming a clean rebuild.
Shower remodels involving plumbing, electrical (ventilation/GFCI), or structural work require permits. Inside the Payette city limits the City of Payette Building Department issues and inspects them under the 2018 Idaho codes (208-642-6024); unincorporated parcels go through Payette County Building Safety. Because the city and county interleave around Payette, we confirm the authority for your specific address first — and the inspection is also what verifies the code-required waterproofing is correctly in place.
In a single-bath older Payette home this is worth weighing for resale. Many older Payette homes have one bathroom, and some buyer segments value a tub; if a tub-to-walk-in conversion removes the home's only tub, we discuss whether retaining tub capacity — in an added bath, for example — protects resale flexibility. In a multi-bath home, converting the primary to a walk-in while keeping a tub elsewhere is the common approach. We tailor the recommendation to your specific bathroom count and plans.
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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