If you’re a homeowner in Bismarck, Fargo, or Mandan thinking about converting your bathtub into a walk-in shower, the first question on your mind is almost always the same: what is this going to cost me?
The honest answer is that it depends — but we’re going to give you real numbers, not a vague range that leaves you more confused than when you started. At The Bathroom Store, we’ve completed hundreds of tub-to-shower conversions across North Dakota. Here’s exactly what you can expect to invest.
Tub-to-Shower Conversion Cost in North Dakota: The Short Answer
For a professionally installed tub-to-shower conversion in the Bismarck or Fargo area, most homeowners invest between $3,500 and $12,000, depending on the size of the project, the materials chosen, and the complexity of the plumbing work involved.
Here’s how those numbers break down by project type:
| Project Type | Estimated Cost Range | What’s Included |
|---|---|---|
| Basic prefab conversion | $3,500 – $5,500 | Standard acrylic surround, new shower pan, basic fixtures |
| Mid-range Onyx conversion | $5,500 – $8,500 | Custom Onyx panels and base, frameless glass door, upgraded fixtures |
| Premium custom conversion | $8,500 – $12,000+ | Full Onyx system, curbless entry, built-in seating, grab bars, premium hardware |
National averages typically show a range of $1,500 to $8,000, but North Dakota labor costs and the premium materials we recommend for our climate push that range slightly higher — and for good reason, which we’ll explain below.
What Affects the Cost of Your Conversion
No two bathrooms are identical, and several factors will determine exactly where your project lands in that range.
Material Choice This is the single biggest cost driver. A basic acrylic or fiberglass surround is the least expensive option upfront but requires more maintenance over time — especially given North Dakota’s hard water. We recommend The Onyx Collection for most of our clients because its non-porous surface resists the mineral buildup common in Bismarck and Mandan water supplies. It costs more upfront but eliminates the ongoing maintenance headache of grout scrubbing and resealing.
Plumbing Complexity If your new shower footprint stays in the same location as the tub, plumbing costs are minimal — typically just a drain upgrade from 1.5-inch to 2-inch pipe to handle modern shower flow rates. If you want to move the drain or relocate water supply lines, expect to add $500 to $1,500 to your project cost depending on the complexity.
Subfloor Condition In homes built before 1990 — which covers a large portion of Bismarck and Mandan housing stock — slow invisible leaks around the old tub surround often mean subfloor damage that isn’t visible until the tub comes out. We inspect every subfloor before installation and repair any damage we find. This isn’t a surprise add-on — it’s the right way to do the job. Budget a contingency of 10-15% for older homes.
Entry Style A standard low-threshold entry with a glass door is the most common and cost-effective choice. A curbless (barrier-free) conversion — where the shower floor sits flush with the bathroom floor — requires additional subfloor work for proper drainage slope and adds $800 to $2,000 to the project.
Accessories and Upgrades Built-in seating, recessed caddies, grab bars, handheld showerheads, and heated bases each add to the final number. We recommend building in the safety features from the start rather than retrofitting them later — it’s significantly less expensive to include a structural grab bar during installation than to add one after the fact.
Why North Dakota Homes Need More Than a Basic Conversion
This is worth addressing directly because you’ll find national cost guides showing tub-to-shower conversions as low as $1,500 to $3,000. Those numbers reflect basic prefab installs in favorable conditions. North Dakota homes present specific challenges:
Hard water in Bismarck and Mandan is tough on porous materials like tile grout and fiberglass. A $2,000 acrylic surround that looks great on day one can look stained and yellowed within five years without aggressive maintenance. Non-porous Onyx surfaces eliminate this entirely.
Older housing stock means subfloor issues are common. Cutting corners on the inspection phase creates expensive problems down the road.
Temperature extremes put stress on caulk, seals, and grout joints. Onyx’s solid-surface construction with silicone sealing handles North Dakota winters far better than grouted tile.
Does Removing a Tub Hurt Your Home’s Resale Value?
This is the most common concern we hear. The short answer: not if you have another tub in the home. In a two-bathroom home, converting one tub to a high-quality walk-in shower almost always increases value by modernizing the space. In a single-bathroom home, it’s a personal decision — but many buyers today, particularly those without young children, actively prefer a spacious walk-in shower over a cramped tub combo they’ll never use.
Bathroom remodels generally return 60-70% of their cost at resale, and a well-executed Onyx conversion positions your home as move-in ready compared to dated tub surrounds that buyers mentally discount.
How to Get an Accurate Quote for Your Project
The only way to get a precise number is an in-home consultation where we can assess your existing plumbing, measure the space, inspect the subfloor, and walk through your material preferences. There are no surprises with our process — you’ll receive a detailed estimate before a single tool comes out.
We serve homeowners throughout Bismarck, Mandan, Fargo, and surrounding North Dakota communities. Our conversions are typically completed in five days or less with minimal disruption to your home.
Schedule Your Free Tub-to-Shower Consultation →
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a tub-to-shower conversion take? Most of our conversions are completed in three to five days. Complex projects involving plumbing relocation or significant subfloor repair may take longer, but we’ll tell you upfront.
Is a permit required in Bismarck or Fargo? Permits are typically required when plumbing is being relocated. Standard conversions that keep existing drain and supply locations in place often don’t require a permit, but we verify this on a project-by-project basis and handle the process for you when required.
Can I keep my existing shower fixtures? In some cases, yes. We assess your existing valve and showerhead during the consultation and advise whether reuse makes sense or whether an upgrade would serve you better long-term.
What’s the difference between an Onyx conversion and a standard acrylic one? Onyx is a custom solid-surface system with no grout lines, a lifetime warranty, and far superior resistance to North Dakota’s hard water. Standard acrylic is less expensive upfront but requires more maintenance and typically needs replacement sooner. Learn more about The Onyx Collection →
Ready to stop wondering and start planning? Get a free, no-obligation estimate from The Bathroom Store — North Dakota’s tub-to-shower specialists in Bismarck and Fargo.
Andrew Sletten | Co-Owner, Fargo Division
Andrew Sletten serves as Co-Owner of the Fargo divisions for both The Bathroom Store and The Window & Door Store. With a comprehensive background in home performance and aesthetics, Andrew is a driving force behind our commitment to quality in the Red River Valley. He focuses on streamlining the remodeling process, ensuring that every project—from a custom bath oasis to high-efficiency window replacements—is executed with precision and a “customer-first” mentality.
