Shower Remodel in Star, 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.
Star, Idaho is a community of deliberate choices — people who drove past Meridian and Eagle and kept going until they found a town that felt like a place rather than a subdivision. The homes here reflect those choices: newer construction in The Lakes and Dry Creek districts where families are putting down roots, and downtown Star's older corridors where original charm is being paired with modern upgrades. In the primary suite bathroom, that same deliberate sensibility expresses itself clearly: Star homeowners don't want the builder shower their home came with. They want something they chose — a custom tile installation with frameless glass that reflects how they actually live, not what the spec sheet said the house needed to sell. Iron Crest Remodel builds Star showers that deliver on that intention: Schluter Systems waterproofing, large-format tile, and frameless glass done right, for homeowners who moved to Star because they know the difference.
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.
Star's shower remodeling market is driven primarily by a single, defining dynamic that shapes almost every project we execute here: the gap between what builder-grade production homes provide and what Star's homeowners — who chose this community specifically because they have high standards — actually want in their primary suite bathroom.
Unlike Caldwell's pre-war downtown homes or Nampa's diverse vintage mix, Star's housing stock is predominantly new. The city grew rapidly during the 2000s through 2020s as Ada County's western corridor expanded, and the dominant construction vintage is production homes built between 2005 and 2022. These homes were well-built by production standards — good framing, sensible floor plans, reasonable energy performance — but their bathrooms reflect production economics. A builder allocating $12,000 to a primary suite bathroom in a $350,000 home delivers a fiberglass module or an acrylic tub surround with 4x12 subway tile, a chrome-hardware semi-frameless glass enclosure, a pressure-balanced shower valve, and a basic chrome showerhead. It functions adequately on move-in day. It does not reflect the design sensibility of a family that researched neighborhoods, visited communities, and chose Star deliberately.
The personalization driver is the most Star-specific motivator in the shower remodel market. Star homeowners consistently describe their shower remodel motivation in the same terms: they want to make the house feel like theirs. The builder bathroom is the most visible reminder in the daily experience of the home that someone else made the decisions about this space — the tile selection, the fixture choice, the glass configuration, the grout color. A custom shower remodel is the project that most directly addresses that feeling, because the shower is used every single day, because the decisions are now entirely the homeowner's, and because the transformation from builder-standard to custom-specified is dramatic and visible from the moment the glass is installed.
The structural case adds urgency for homes built in the 2005-to-2015 vintage. Fiberglass modules and acrylic tub surrounds in Star homes built during this period are now 10 to 20 years old, which places them in the early-to-mid failure window. The gel coat surface of fiberglass modules crazes and loses its gloss within 10 to 15 years of UV exposure and cleaning product contact. Base sections crack at the drain fitting as daily flex from user weight concentrates on the same small area of fiberglass. When these cracks allow water infiltration into the OSB subfloor beneath, the damage progresses quietly for months or years before becoming visible. Star homeowners who are thinking about a shower remodel as a personalization project may not realize they're also facing an imminent structural problem — and discovering that reality during a timely renovation is far better than discovering it after the soft spot in the shower floor becomes a structural repair emergency.
The Lakes neighborhood adds a distinct element to Star's shower remodel market: a concentration of more recently built and more generously specified homes whose owners have the highest finish expectations in the city's market. The Lakes homes were often purchased new and customized at the builder spec level — these are homeowners who upgraded countertops, flooring, and cabinetry during construction and are now turning their attention to the primary suite bathroom as the next personalization opportunity. Their specifications tend toward the premium end of Star's market, with large-format tile, thermostatic valve systems, and frameless glass configurations that match or exceed what Boise's Harris Ranch market demands.
Star 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 Star:
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.
Star's housing stock is overwhelmingly post-2015 construction. Modern systems throughout, but builder-grade finishes that homeowners customize over time.
Pre-2010 (limited)
A small number of older homes in the original townsite. These may need system and finish updates.
2015–present (majority)
New construction with modern systems, open floor plans, and builder-grade finishes. Most remodeling focuses on finish upgrades and outdoor living additions.
Common issues in Star homes
- •Builder-grade finishes that homeowners want to personalize
- •Standard builder landscaping and outdoor living that needs development
- •Limited storage in builder-designed kitchens
- •Basic builder lighting packages
Material selection affects the look, durability, and cost of your shower remodel. Here are the most popular options we install in Star:
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
Star shower material selection reflects the design expectations of a community that chose to live away from the city center and the personalization drive that motivates most Star shower projects. The right specification creates a shower that is genuinely distinctive from builder-standard and that the homeowner feels was worth the investment every day they use it.
Schluter KERDI Waterproofing is the foundational specification for every Star shower regardless of design level or project budget. Star's production homes use OSB subfloor almost universally, and OSB is significantly more vulnerable to moisture damage than the plywood subfloor found in older homes. A fiberglass module with a cracked base in a Star production home can delaminate a 12-to-18-inch radius of OSB subfloor within 18 to 24 months of the first drainage failure. KERDI behind the tile surface ensures that water penetrating grout joints over the shower's lifetime reaches the floor drain rather than the subfloor and framing. This protection is the foundation on which everything else in the shower is built.
Large-Format Porcelain Tile is the specification that most dramatically separates a custom Star shower from its builder predecessor. The 4x12 subway tile that came with the original production home installation is functional and adequate; it is also what every production home in the Treasure Valley uses, and it is recognizable as a builder choice to any visitor. 12x24 porcelain in a current stone-look or concrete-look pattern reads as clearly custom and significantly more expensive than it actually is relative to builder tile — the format size and the visual sophistication of stone-look patterns signals investment that homeowners consistently respond to as exactly what they wanted.
The 24x48 Format is increasingly the premium specification in Star's Lakes neighborhood and other higher-value primary suite projects. The visual statement of 24x48 on a shower wall — minimal grout lines, the feel of a continuous material surface, the sophistication of large-format alignment — is meaningfully more impressive than 12x24. The installation demands are higher, the substrate flatness requirements are more stringent, and the lippage control required is more exacting. Iron Crest's tile team has executed 24x48 installations in Star and achieves the standard that this format requires to deliver on its visual promise.
Thermostatic Valve Systems have become the standard specification in Star's mid-range and premium shower projects. A thermostatic valve maintains the set water temperature regardless of other water usage in the home — the temperature spike that occurs when a toilet flushes or the dishwasher fills during a shower is eliminated entirely. The ability to set temperature digitally and have the shower reach that temperature before you get in is a daily convenience that Star homeowners consistently rate as one of the most appreciated features of their completed shower. The upgrade from pressure-balanced to thermostatic adds $600 to $1,800 to the plumbing cost depending on the number of outlets controlled and the brand specified.
Frameless Glass Enclosures fabricated after tile installation are the standard finish specification for Star's quality shower remodels. The market has moved decisively away from framed and semi-framed configurations — frameless glass is visually clean, easier to maintain, and architecturally subordinate to the tile work it frames. Custom fabrication requires templating the actual finished shower opening after tile and grout are complete, submitting to the glass fabricator, and scheduling installation 1 to 2 weeks after templating. This sequence produces a glass installation that fits precisely without shimming, adjustment, or compromise.
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 Star:
| 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. |
Star range: $9,000 – $32,000
Most Star projects: $15,500
Star shower remodel costs reflect the city's newer construction vintage, the design expectations of its homeowner demographic, and Ada County labor and material pricing. A basic tub-to-walk-in-shower conversion in a Star production home — fiberglass module removal, substrate inspection, Schluter KERDI waterproofing, 12x24 porcelain tile walls and floor, semi-frameless glass enclosure, and plumbing modifications — typically runs $9,000 to $14,000. A mid-range project with large-format 24x24 or 24x48 tile, built-in niche, frameless glass enclosure, thermostatic valve, and quality fixtures runs $14,000 to $21,000. Full primary suite bathroom gut remodels combining shower, vanity, and flooring work range from $21,000 to $32,000. Substrate remediation in Star's production homes is less common than in older Caldwell or downtown Nampa homes, but OSB subfloor delamination under fiberglass modules with cracked bases is a contingency that should be budgeted at $800 to $2,500 for homes built before 2012. Ada County permit fees through the City of Star Building Department run $150 to $400 for residential plumbing permits.
The final cost of your shower remodel in Star 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 Star homeowners:
Star Production Home — Builder Shower to Custom Walk-In Conversion
The most common and most emotionally rewarding shower project in Star is the conversion of an original builder-grade fiberglass module or acrylic tub surround to a custom walk-in shower in a home built between 2005 and 2018. The scope: remove the existing module, assess the subfloor and framing, install KERDI waterproofing on all new cement board surfaces, install a pre-sloped foam shower floor system, tile walls with large-format porcelain in the homeowner's selected pattern and color, tile the floor with mosaic or a contrasting large-format tile, add a built-in niche, plumb a thermostatic shower valve with rain showerhead and hand shower, and install a custom-fabricated frameless glass enclosure. The homeowner's design choices — tile format, color, niche configuration, hardware finish, glass panel layout — make every project distinctive. The result is a shower that the homeowners feel genuine pride in every morning, in a home that now feels completely theirs.
Typical cost: $10,500–$16,500Timeline: 8–12 business days
The Lakes Neighborhood — Premium Primary Suite Shower Upgrade
The Lakes homes in Star sit at the top of the city's shower remodel market, where the combination of larger home values, more generously proportioned primary suite bathrooms, and homeowners with elevated finish expectations creates demand for the same quality tier of shower work that defines Boise's Harris Ranch market. These projects feature: 24x48 large-format rectified porcelain on shower walls in a stone-look veined pattern; a linear drain with a tile-insert cover that maintains a continuous floor plane; built-in bench with a coordinating tile surface; full-height frameless glass enclosure with premium hardware; and a thermostatic shower valve system with ceiling rain head, wall-mounted body sprays, and hand shower on a slide bar. These specifications require execution quality that is meaningfully higher than a basic production home conversion — large-format tile installation demands substrate preparation to ANSI A108.02 tolerances, the linear drain floor requires a precisely sloped foam system, and the frameless glass installation requires precision that the glass fabricator achieves only after templating the actual finished opening.
Typical cost: $18,000–$32,000Timeline: 12–18 business days
Downtown Star Historic Property — Original Bath Renovation
Downtown Star's older corridors contain homes built between the 1930s and the 1970s whose bathrooms have never been substantially updated. These projects require the careful approach that age demands: thorough demolition to assess original construction conditions, attention to the home's architectural character in tile selection, and management of the structural discoveries that opening walls in older construction almost always produces. Original tile in good condition may be preservable in specific elements; more often the mortar bed and substrate behind 50-to-80-year-old tile installations have been compromised by decades of moisture exposure and require complete removal and replacement. KERDI waterproofing over new cement board, followed by a tile selection appropriate to the home's era — clean subway tile, handmade-look ceramic, hex mosaic floor — produces a shower that honors the home's character while performing to a modern waterproofing standard.
Typical cost: $9,500–$15,000Timeline: 8–12 business days
Star Family Home — Secondary Bathroom Shower Update
Secondary bathrooms in Star homes — the hall bath, the kids' bathroom, the guest bath — benefit from the same waterproofing rigor and quality tile work as a primary suite shower at a reduced overall investment. These projects typically involve re-tiling the shower surround over a new KERDI waterproofing layer, replacing the shower valve and fixtures, and refreshing the glass enclosure with a new semi-frameless door. Tile selections for secondary bathrooms lean practical: 4x12 subway tile in a clean white, a 2x2 mosaic floor, and minimal or no decorative accent. The result looks clean, current, and well-made without consuming the renovation budget that the primary suite deserves. In a Star home with young children, a secondary bathroom that is properly waterproofed and easy to clean is a genuine quality-of-life upgrade for the family members who use it every day.
Typical cost: $7,500–$12,000Timeline: 6–9 business days
Star Home with Accessible Shower Design
Star's growing community of families building long-term roots includes homeowners who are planning for lifetime occupancy and want their primary suite shower to serve them well across the full arc of home ownership. Zero-threshold entries, built-in bench at the correct accessible height (17 to 19 inches), blocking installed in the walls at the KERDI waterproofing phase for future grab bar addition, handheld showerhead on a slide bar, and non-slip floor tile are the design elements that make a Star shower genuinely accessible — not as an afterthought accommodation but as a well-designed feature that serves the homeowner today and for the next 30 years of occupancy. Iron Crest builds blocking for future grab bars into every Star shower project as a standard included detail, because the cost of retrofitting blocking after tile is installed exceeds the cost of including it at construction.
Typical cost: $10,000–$16,500Timeline: 8–12 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.
Star shares the Treasure Valley climate. Open terrain and rural-edge location mean more wind and UV exposure.
Wind and Open Exposure
Higher wind loads and more UV exposure than sheltered locations. Durable exterior materials are important.
New Construction Settling
Homes 3-7 years old may show minor settling cracks in drywall — cosmetic and common in new construction on Treasure Valley soils.
Downtown Star
The original town center with a mix of older homes and newer infill. Some properties date back several decades and offer full renovation potential.
Common projects in Downtown Star:
- •Full home renovations
- •Kitchen and bathroom remodels
- •Home additions
- •ADU construction on larger lots
The Lakes at Pristine Springs / Newer Subdivisions
Post-2015 master-planned communities with modern homes. Builder-grade finishes are the primary upgrade target.
Common projects in The Lakes at Pristine Springs / Newer Subdivisions:
- •Kitchen upgrades with better cabinets and countertops
- •Bathroom finish updates
- •Flooring replacement
- •Outdoor living — decks, patios, pergolas
Every Star neighborhood has different housing stock, homeowner priorities, and project considerations. Here is what shower remodel looks like in each area:
Downtown Star
Downtown Star's residential character is defined by the mix of original construction — homes from the 1930s through the 1960s that have the authentic character of an older Idaho agricultural community — and the gentrification energy of a growing community that is discovering and restoring its historic core. Shower remodels in downtown Star's older homes require the technical approach that age demands: careful demolition, substrate assessment, and tile selection that honors the home's architectural era.
Original bathroom conditions in downtown Star's older homes are variable. Some have been thoughtfully maintained and updated over the years; others retain original plumbing, original tile, and in some cases original cast iron tubs that have never been touched. The discovery rate for structural moisture damage behind original tile is higher here than in Star's newer subdivisions, and the design opportunity is more interesting — a 1940s or 1950s Star home with a properly renovated bathroom that references the Craftsman or mid-century character of the architecture is a compelling property in a growing real estate market.
Downtown Star homeowners tend to be community-invested and architecturally aware — they chose downtown specifically and they care about the character of the neighborhood. Tile selections for these projects lean toward timeless rather than trendy: clean subway tile in a traditional format, handmade-look ceramic with authentic surface variation, and hex mosaic floors that reference the era. The result is a shower that looks like it was always meant to be in this house.
The Lakes and Dry Creek Subdivisions
The Lakes and adjacent Dry Creek subdivisions represent Star's premium residential market — homes built from the mid-2000s through the early 2020s with larger floor plans, more generous primary suite bathrooms, and homeowners who have already demonstrated their willingness to invest in their homes through the choices they made at purchase or during the original construction.
These are Star's highest-volume shower remodel clients in terms of project value, and their specifications consistently push toward the premium end of the market. The personalization driver is particularly strong here — Lakes and Dry Creek homeowners moved to the western Ada County corridor with clear preferences and a willingness to act on them. They've already updated the kitchen countertops, replaced the flooring, and added the deck. The primary suite shower is often the last major personalization project, and it's the one that delivers the highest daily-use satisfaction.
The design direction in The Lakes and Dry Creek projects leans contemporary but not industrial — stone-look large-format tile in warm neutrals, frameless glass with brushed nickel or matte black hardware, thermostatic shower systems, and rain showerheads. These are not trying to look like hotel bathrooms; they're trying to look like the well-considered personal spaces that their owners envisioned when they chose Star. Iron Crest's role is to realize that vision with the technical precision and material quality that makes the daily experience of the finished shower worth the investment every morning.
Permit authority: City of Star Building Department
- ✓Permits required for plumbing, electrical, and structural work
- ✓Rapidly growing building department keeping pace with development
- ✓ADU and addition projects subject to zoning review
- ●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 Star shower remodel projects:
- →Modern farmhouse and transitional aesthetics
- →Personalizing builder-grade homes with premium finishes
- →Large kitchen islands with seating
- →Outdoor living — large decks, covered patios, fire pits
- →LVP flooring and modern tile selections
Star's rapid growth and desirable small-town character make updated homes highly sought after. Finish upgrades in Star homes provide strong returns in a competitive resale market. The community continues to attract buyers willing to pay a premium for updated, personalized homes.
✓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
Star's shower remodel market is distinguished from the rest of the Treasure Valley by the strength of its personalization driver, the relative uniformity of its housing vintage, and the community's clear identity as a place where people choose to live deliberately rather than defaulting to the nearest available option.
The personalization driver is the most powerful force in Star's shower remodel market. In Caldwell, the primary driver is practical — the shower is failing and needs to be replaced. In Northwest Nampa, it's structural — the module base is cracked and the subfloor is compromised. In Star, the primary driver is that the homeowner wants a shower they chose. This difference in motivation produces different project dynamics: Star homeowners invest more time in the design conversation, are more engaged with material selection, and are more likely to extend scope (adding a bench, upgrading to a thermostatic valve, adding body sprays) because they are building something personal rather than solving a problem.
The housing vintage uniformity is the second distinctive characteristic. Star's shower market is almost entirely post-2000 production construction, with very little of the pre-1980 historic stock that creates the wide structural variability of Caldwell or downtown Nampa. This means that demolition discovery conditions in Star are more predictable — the OSB subfloor condition under a cracked module base is the primary contingency, and the framing conditions are generally sound in newer construction. Project scopes in Star are therefore more reliable to estimate, and budget surprises are less frequent than in older markets.
The community's western Ada County identity — deliberately removed from Meridian's suburban density, self-consciously maintaining a small-town character — attracts homeowners who are more invested in their specific home and neighborhood than many Treasure Valley markets. This investment in place translates directly to investment in home quality, and the shower remodel market in Star reflects a willingness to spend meaningfully on personalization that is more characteristic of Eagle's premium market than of Nampa or Caldwell's value-focused markets.
Shower remodeling in Star involves Ada County permit requirements and some considerations specific to the city's growth trajectory and building stock.
City of Star building permits are required for shower remodels involving plumbing modifications. Any tub-to-shower conversion requires a plumbing permit from the City of Star Building Department, covering drain relocation, shower valve rough-in, and supply line modifications. Permit fees in Star run $150 to $400 for residential plumbing permits. The City of Star's building department has been growing alongside the city's rapid development, and permit timelines are generally competitive with other Ada County jurisdictions. Iron Crest manages all permit applications and inspection scheduling as an included service on every permitted project. The drain installation inspection must occur before the shower floor is tiled — a sequencing requirement that is built into every project schedule.
HOA considerations in Star's newer subdivisions affect primarily exterior changes, but some associations in The Lakes and similar planned communities include notification requirements for plumbing permits pulled on interior projects. Iron Crest reviews each HOA's applicable CC&Rs for any project in an association community to identify notification requirements before permit applications are submitted.
Ventilation in Star production homes is typically adequate — newer construction in Ada County is built to IRC ventilation requirements with mechanical exhaust fans that terminate through the roof or soffit to the exterior. However, some Star homes built between 2005 and 2012 have bathroom fans that are undersized (50 CFM in a primary suite bathroom that warrants 80 to 110 CFM) or that terminate in the attic rather than through exterior duct. A shower remodel is the ideal time to upgrade bathroom ventilation. Iron Crest inspects and corrects ventilation conditions as part of the shower project scope.
Subfloor conditions in Star's production homes merit specific attention during demolition. OSB subfloor is the universal substrate in Star's post-2000 construction, and OSB absorbs and holds moisture more aggressively than plywood when exposed to drainage failures from cracked module bases or failed drain seals. Iron Crest inspects and documents subfloor conditions during demolition on every project and provides written remediation scope and cost before proceeding with any additional work. We do not install new shower materials over a compromised subfloor under any circumstances.
Shower remodeling in Star delivers investment returns that are shaped by the community's positioning as a premium destination within Ada County's western corridor and by the strong personalization driver that motivates most Star shower projects.
Ada County's real estate market has continued to appreciate, and Star's position as a desirable community with a small-town feel commands a premium relative to comparable suburban alternatives. Star homes in the $400,000 to $600,000 range — the city's most active price segment for the Lakes and Dry Creek subdivisions — are evaluated by buyers who have specifically chosen Star and who bring the design expectations of a buyer shopping at that price point. An original builder shower in a home being listed at $475,000 is a negotiating point for buyers in a way that a custom-remodeled shower is not.
The specific ROI picture for Star shower remodels: a mid-range primary suite shower conversion costing $14,000 to $18,000 typically contributes $18,000 to $26,000 in buyer-perceived value in Star's current market based on real estate professional feedback and comparable sale data. This 1.2x to 1.5x return on renovation investment is consistent with national bathroom remodel ROI data and is well-supported by the premium that "remodeled primary bath" commands in Star listings relative to comparable un-updated listings.
For homeowners with no near-term sale plans, the quality-of-life dimension is the primary investment argument. A properly waterproofed, custom-specified shower that was designed to the homeowner's preferences is used daily, provides genuine daily satisfaction, and eliminates the lingering dissatisfaction of a builder bathroom that never felt fully like the homeowner's own. Star's homeowner demographic — people who chose this community deliberately and who invest in their homes as expressions of their values — responds to this argument because it reflects exactly why they are making the investment.
The structural protection value is also meaningful in Star's OSB-subfloor production homes. A fiberglass module with a cracked base that is allowed to continue draining into OSB subfloor for another two to five years creates a remediation cost that frequently exceeds the remodel cost. Completing the shower conversion before the subfloor damage becomes extensive is both the economically rational and the practically wise decision.
Avoid these common pitfalls Star homeowners encounter with shower remodel projects:
Mistake: Treating a Star builder shower conversion as the same project as a Meridian module replacement
Better approach: Builder shower conversions in Star are technically similar to module replacements in Meridian but the design conversation is entirely different. Star homeowners are not primarily solving a structural problem — they are personalizing their space. Approaching the project with a product catalog and standard options is the wrong starting point for a Star homeowner who has been collecting tile inspiration for two years and has clear preferences about format, finish, and hardware. Iron Crest's Star shower process begins with a genuine design discovery conversation that treats the homeowner's aesthetic preferences as the primary design brief, with technical requirements and structural considerations as the framework within which that brief is realized.
Mistake: Underspecifying the shower valve to save project cost
Better approach: A pressure-balanced valve in a $16,000 custom tile shower with frameless glass and large-format porcelain is a specification mismatch that Star homeowners notice immediately in daily use. The temperature instability of a pressure-balanced valve — the cold shock when the dishwasher fills, the heat spike when a toilet flushes — undermines the daily experience of a shower that in every other respect performs as intended. The incremental cost of a thermostatic valve upgrade in the context of a $14,000 to $18,000 shower project is $600 to $1,200 — a 5 to 8 percent project cost addition for a daily-use experience improvement that is immediately and consistently appreciated. Iron Crest specifies thermostatic valves as the standard recommendation for all Star primary suite shower projects.
Mistake: Selecting tile before the space plan is confirmed
Better approach: Star homeowners sometimes arrive at their first contractor meeting with tile selections already made — a specific tile they fell in love with online or in a showroom. The problem is that tile selection before space planning can produce choices that are visually ideal but technically unsuitable for the specific shower footprint: a 24x48 tile in a 32x32-inch shower where the substrate flatness required by that format cannot be achieved, or a format that requires more cuts per wall face than the budget accommodates. Iron Crest confirms the shower dimensions and space plan before any tile selection is finalized, then evaluates the homeowner's preferred options against the specific technical requirements of the actual project.
Mistake: Ordering glass enclosure dimensions before tile installation is complete
Better approach: Frameless glass enclosures must be custom fabricated to the exact dimensions of the finished shower opening after tile is installed — not the rough opening dimensions before tile. Tile thickness plus setting material depth typically reduces the clear opening by 1/2 to 3/4 inch compared to the rough opening, and glass ordered before tile is installed on rough opening dimensions will either need field cutting (which the glass shop charges for) or will require new fabrication. The correct process: complete tile installation and grout cure, template the actual finished opening, submit to the glass fabricator, and schedule installation 1 to 2 weeks after templating. Iron Crest's standard process follows this sequence on every project and produces glass installations that fit precisely without adjustment.
Star has been one of the fastest-growing communities in Idaho, with subdivision development accelerating since 2015. The city's residential landscape is dominated by new construction with builder-grade finishes, though some older properties in the original townsite offer renovation opportunities. Star homeowners remodel to personalize builder-grade homes, add outdoor living space, and upgrade finishes to match their lifestyle. The community attracts families and professionals who want a suburban lifestyle with larger lots and a small-town feel.
Most popular remodeling projects in Star
- ✓Kitchen finish upgrades
- ✓Bathroom remodels
- ✓Outdoor living construction
- ✓Flooring replacement
- ✓Home office additions
Bathroom Remodeling Cost in StarHow Long Does Bathroom Remodeling Take in Star?Best Materials for Bathroom Remodeling in StarBathroom Remodeling Design Ideas for Star HomesKitchen Remodeling Cost in StarHow Long Does Kitchen Remodeling Take in Star?Best Materials for Kitchen Remodeling in StarKitchen Remodeling Design Ideas for Star HomesHome Additions Cost in StarHow Long Does Home Additions Take in Star?
How long after moving into a Star production home should I wait before remodeling the shower?
There's no required waiting period, and many Star homeowners choose to remodel the primary suite shower within the first one to three years of ownership — often as part of a broader primary suite personalization that includes flooring, paint, and lighting updates. The practical question is whether the original shower shows any structural failure indicators: soft subfloor near the drain, a cracked module base, caulk failures at the tub perimeter that return within 12 months of repair. If any of these are present, earlier is better because the structural damage progresses as long as the shower is in use. If the shower is structurally intact and the motivation is purely personalization, the timing is entirely the homeowner's preference.
What is the most impactful upgrade I can make to a Star builder shower?
The single most impactful upgrade in a Star builder shower conversion is the combination of large-format tile on the walls and frameless glass on the enclosure. The builder-grade 4x12 subway tile and chrome semi-frameless glass read immediately as production-standard to any visitor; large-format 12x24 or 24x48 porcelain in a stone-look or concrete-look pattern with a frameless glass enclosure reads as custom and expensive regardless of what the tile itself actually cost. If budget allows only one upgrade to the shower system rather than a full conversion, replacing the builder glass enclosure with a custom frameless enclosure provides immediate visual transformation; if a full conversion is underway, prioritize tile format over tile material cost — a large-format porcelain in a quality stone-look at $4/SF looks more impressive than a smaller-format premium tile at $12/SF.
Is a thermostatic shower valve worth the cost in a Star home?
For Star homeowners who use their primary suite shower as their primary daily bathing fixture — which is most of them — the thermostatic valve upgrade is consistently one of the most appreciated features of the completed shower. The ability to set a specific temperature digitally and have the shower reach that temperature before stepping in eliminates the cold-water transition that is the most reliably uncomfortable part of every morning shower. The additional cost over a quality pressure-balanced valve is $600 to $1,800 depending on brand and the number of outlets controlled. For a shower that will be used daily for the next 15-plus years, the quality-of-life return on this investment is genuinely high and is supported by the feedback we consistently receive from Star homeowners in their completed project reviews.
Do I need an architect or designer for a Star shower remodel?
For most Star shower remodels, no — a design-build contractor with strong tile design capability can take a project from first conversation to finished shower without a separate architect or interior designer. Iron Crest's design process begins with a discovery conversation about the homeowner's aesthetic preferences and daily-use priorities, moves to specific material samples and format options, and produces a written project specification before any work begins. For larger scope projects — a full primary suite bathroom gut-remodel with shower, vanity, flooring, and lighting — some homeowners choose to engage an interior designer for the broader design direction before engaging us for execution. This is most common in The Lakes neighborhood projects where the budget and design aspiration are both at the high end. We work efficiently with designer-specified projects and can accommodate designer-specified materials and configurations in our installation scope.
What tile format is most popular in Star shower remodels right now?
The most requested shower wall tile format in Star's current market is 24x48 large-format porcelain in a stone-look veined pattern — particularly warm-veined, light-background products in the Calacatta or Bianco Carrara aesthetic. These tiles deliver the look of natural marble slabs at a fraction of the material cost, require no sealing, and perform beautifully in Canyon County's hard water environment in a way that actual marble cannot. On shower floors, the 2x4 or 2x6 mosaic in a matching or subtly contrasting neutral is the most common pairing — it provides the slip resistance required for wet floor applications while creating a visual texture that contrasts pleasingly with the continuous large-format wall tile. The 1x1 mosaic that was the default floor tile five years ago has largely been replaced by the larger mosaic formats because the reduced grout joint density is easier to maintain in Ada County's water.
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.
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