Showers are one of the most used parts of any house, often being utilised several times each day. If you’re thinking of getting a shower installed, it can seem like there are a lot of moving parts. Whether it’s a new bathroom, a room renovation or simply replacing an old shower, you’ll want to make sure that you choose the right shower and tradie for the job.  

Read on for more information about showers, including:

• About shower installation
• What to consider when installing a shower
• How much does shower installation cost?
• How to hire a  shower installer
• What qualifications does my shower installer need?
• Getting quotes for shower installation

About shower installation

When it comes to shower installation, it’s not always as easy as hiring one tradie to get the work done. You may need more than one professional to install your shower for you.  

For example, you need a waterproofer to make sure that the shower is completely waterproof. A tiler will tile the walls of the shower, and maybe even the floor, if you want a tiled base. The plumber will take care of all the things such as installing and plumbing the tapware and shower head, and making sure that the shower drains correctly. The shower screen installer will install your chosen shower screens. 

If your new shower is part of a larger bathroom project, the project manager will ensure that all of the different professionals are coordinated so that the shower is installed smoothly and without delay. If you are hiring the professionals yourself, you will need to make sure that they are scheduled in the right order. 

What to consider when installing a shower

If you already know what you want from your shower then skip ahead but if you are still unsure then there are a couple of things you can consider to make the decision easier.  

Who will be using the shower? – will the shower be for the whole family? Part of an ensuite to the master bedroom? For guests? Depending on who will be using the shower, you may want to consider different styles or additions. Adding plenty of recesses for storage can be a great way to maximise storage if many people will be using it. You may want to give it a more open or luxurious style if you want to wow any guests. 

Water Pressure – different rooms in your house may have different water pressures. If your bathroom has low water pressure it may be worth talking to a plumber about your options so that you don’t have a shower that dribbles out slowly. You can solve water pressure issues with a shower pump, adjusting your boiler or even updating your hot water system.

Your Budget – an important part of any work you have done on your home is the budget you’re working with. Some options may cost more, like a custom tiled shower, while others are more budget-friendly, like a prefabricated shower. 

How much does shower installation cost?

The cost of shower installation will depend on several factors and can range anywhere from $700-$6,500 or more. In general, expect to pay an average of $35 per hour for your installation.  

The shower itself is a combination of many components that can be bought or sourced individually or included with your installation costs. Parts and costs include:

Shower heads, taps and drains

Fixtures can cost anywhere between $100 - $1,000 depending on your desired look 

Shower screens and doors

Shower screen costs will change depending on your choice of screen and may be:

• $250 - $400 for framed 
• $900 - $1,300 for frameless 
• $500 - $800 for semi-frameless  

Grouting and tiling

Tiling and grouting can cost roughly $25 - $35 per square metre.

Waterproofing

On the low end, Waterproofing can cost roughly $40 per square metre but costs may increase depending on the complexity of the job, materials used and the ease of access. 

What qualifications does my shower installer need?

All showers will need a licensed plumber to work on them. If your shower requires any electrical components or rewiring then your tradie will also have to be a licensed electrician. Ensuring that your shower installer is licensed is not only important for legally installing your shower, it’s also crucial for a safe installation. 

It's also a good idea to check if they have the insurance to cover the cost of any damage that may occur during or as a result of the installation. 

How to hire a shower installer

Hiring the right shower installer can make the whole process go smoothly and it’s a good idea to ask them a couple of questions to make sure you get the right person for the job. Some of these questions include:

• Do you have experience with the job?
• Are you licensed?
• Are you insured to work in my home?
• Can you provide a written quote?
• Do you have references I can follow up on? 

Getting quotes for shower installation

 At hipages, we always recommend getting at least three quotes before hiring a tradie. The cheapest option may not always be the best one and you may find that there are additional costs down the line that can add up. 

Don’t be afraid to ask questions about anything you’re unsure about. You can always ask about the quotes and get an itemised list of what you are paying for. One way to do this is to request a written quote. This will make it easier to compare the quotes you receive and choose the right installer for you.