Bathtub to Shower Conversion Costin the Netherlands (2026)
A bathtub-to-shower conversion costs about €1,500 to €6,000 in the Netherlands. A standard installation often falls between €1,500 and €3,000. Replacing a bath with a tiled walk-in design is usually €2,500 to €5,500. Custom glass, moved drains or hidden water damage can raise the final cost.
By Arek
Updated August 6, 2026 · 11 min read
Average tub to shower conversion cost
The cost of a tub-to-shower conversion depends on the type of shower and the condition below the old tub. These 2026 ranges are planning figures, not fixed Dutch tariffs. The average cost of a tub conversion is not a national rate.
| Project type | Indicative cost | Typical scope |
|---|---|---|
| Standard installation | €1,500–€3,000 | Removal, standard tray, tap, enclosure and limited wall repair |
| Tiled level-access design | €2,500–€5,500 | New floor, drainage, waterproofing, tile work and a glass screen |
| Premium or complex project | €4,000–€6,000+ | Bespoke enclosure, premium fixtures, large glass panels or major base repairs |
| Tub cut-out | Quote separately | Part of the high tub wall is removed; the original fixture stays in place |
A tub cut-out is not a full replacement. It can lower the step into an existing bathtub, but it does not convert the footprint into a new wet-area floor. Check that quotes describe the same result.
If you plan to replace the whole room, use the bathroom renovation cost guide. A complete new bathroom cost includes more fixtures, surfaces and trades than this conversion project.
Cost breakdown by work stage
The overall cost is easier to compare when each work stage has its own line. Some prices overlap, so do not add every upper figure to create an average.
| Cost item | Indicative range | What can change the price |
|---|---|---|
| Bathtub removal | €200–€400 | Material, access and careful strip-out |
| Waste disposal | €100–€200 | Weight, stairs, parking and disposal method |
| Water and drain changes | €200–€700 | Reusing connections or moving the drain |
| Tray and drain installation | €300–€800 | Standard tray, low-entry pan or new floor build-up |
| Glass wall or door | €200–€2,500 | Stock size, custom glass, hinges and installation |
| Shower fixtures | €50–€600 | Tap, showerhead, exposed or concealed parts and product grade |
| Local tile work | €25–€100 per m² | Tile size, pattern, substrate and finish |
These are market benchmarks. A provider may bundle removal, a shower pan and fitting into one project cost. Another may list materials and labour separately. Check whether the quote includes sealants, trim, delivery and testing.
Ask whether each figure covers materials and labor, even if the quote uses the British spelling “labour”. This tub conversion excludes work on the toilet, vanity and the rest of the room unless those items are named.
The bathroom demolition cost guide explains strip-out and waste in more detail. For extensive pipe work, compare the scope with the Dutch plumber cost guide.
What do tub to shower conversions include?
A complete project should leave a safe, usable and watertight result. It normally includes:
- protecting the route through the home;
- isolating the water supply;
- disconnecting and removing the existing fixture;
- checking the wall, floor and visible pipework;
- adapting the water pipes and drain;
- repairing the base and forming the correct fall;
- waterproofing the direct wet zone;
- installing a tray, tiled shower floor or prefabricated unit;
- fitting the tap, shower head, screen or glass door;
- repairing tiles, panels or plaster around the former footprint;
- sealing, testing and removing waste.
Ask who coordinates the plumber, tiler and any electrician. You can compare the broader work on the bathroom renovation service page. If the job changes several rooms or structural elements, see the wider renovation service.
During larger bathroom renovations, this stage must fit the whole work sequence. The floor, wall and service routes should be agreed before products arrive.
Factors influencing tub-to-shower conversion costs
Existing layout and plumbing
Reusing the original position usually keeps conversion costs lower. The old drain may not match the new outlet. A level-access floor also needs enough fall towards it. Moving pipework or opening the base adds labour and reinstatement.
Converting a tub is simplest when the current water and drain points can stay. Their condition still needs checking after strip-out.
The type of tub also matters. Removing a light acrylic model is different from moving a heavy cast-iron one. Replacing your tub can expose an incomplete wall finish or an uneven base that was hidden beneath it.
The existing water supply must also suit the chosen fixtures. A concealed mixer or larger showerhead can need more wall work than a simple exposed set. For a plumbing-only comparison, review available plumbing services.
Shower type, materials and customization
A prefabricated shower tray is often the lowest-risk budget choice. It comes with a defined outlet and edge. A tiled custom option offers more customization, but its floor, fall and waterproof layer need careful design.
A level-access built-in shower can require a deeper floor alteration. A low tray may be easier where the base cannot be recessed. Choose the final design only after the installer checks the available depth.
Installing a shower in the old footprint does not always mean using a sealed shower stall. A provider may propose an open screen, an enclosed tray or a tiled wet area. Common shower door choices include hinged, sliding and fixed-glass designs.
Waterproofing and hidden damage
The area behind the old unit can hide damp boards, weak plaster or failed seals. Those defects are hard to price before strip-out. Agree how the provider will document and price unexpected repairs.
Do not cut the budget by skipping waterproofing. A water-resistant tile or panel is not a complete wet-zone system. If nearby walls need specialist preparation, compare the bathroom plastering cost guide.
Glass, tile and shower materials
Stock enclosures cost less than custom glass. Clear, fluted or coated panels can also have different prices. Natural stone, mosaics and large tiles need more handling than standard ceramic products.
The lowest product price may not produce the lowest overall cost. A non-standard door or drain can need extra fitting and later replacement parts.
Electrical changes and access
Moving a socket, light or electric floor control should be priced separately. Bathroom electrical work must suit the wet-zone location. The electrician cost guide gives a wider view of Dutch rates.
Narrow stairs, limited parking and a heavy cast-iron old tub can also increase labour. Tell providers about access before they quote.
Accessibility, safer access and Wmo
Converting your tub can remove a high step. Yet “walk-in” does not always mean level access. A tray may still have a small threshold. The door width, floor grip and space to turn also matter.
Useful accessibility options can include:
- a level or low-entry floor;
- slip-resistant tiles or a suitable tray;
- a stable seat;
- controls within easy reach;
- safety features like grab bars;
- enough room for support or mobility equipment.
Wall reinforcement may be needed for features such as grab bars or a folding seat. Discuss this before the walls are closed.
A municipality may fund a larger home adaptation under the Wmo. Small items, including basic handles and anti-slip material, are usually self-funded. Check the official Regelhulp guidance and contact your municipality before accepting a quote or starting work. Approval is not automatic, and an own contribution may apply.
How long does the work take?
The work often takes about two to five working days. A simple shower stall in the same position may be quicker. A custom shower remodel can take longer because waterproofing, tiling and sealants need separate stages.
Hidden water damage, plumbing changes or made-to-measure glass can extend the schedule. One-day offers normally rely on a narrow prefab scope and a sound base. Ask what is excluded before treating one day as a firm completion time.
The written plan should name demolition, plumbing, floor preparation, waterproofing, shower installation, drying periods and final testing.
VAT, permits and demolition rules in the Netherlands
Most of the work uses 21% VAT. This normally covers the tray, pipes, tiles, flooring and installation. The 9% rate may apply to separately qualifying painting or plastering in a home more than two years old. Check the current Dutch VAT rules and ask for each rate to be shown on the quote.
Do not assume that every project is permit-free. Structural work, a listed building or changes to shared systems can alter the answer. Use the Omgevingsloket permit check and ask the VvE or landlord when relevant. Dutch building rules apply; US building codes found in international guides do not.
Removing one fixture usually creates far less than 10 m³ of waste. Under the Bbl, a demolition notification is generally not required when the estimated waste is at most 10 m³ and no asbestos is involved. The asbestos exception is important. Check the official IPLO demolition rules before disturbing suspect materials.
How to save money without risking leaks
The best savings come from a clear design, not from removing essential wet-room work.
- Keep the new enclosure in the original footprint. This can limit drain and water-line changes.
- Choose a standard tray and stock glass size. Custom products raise material and fitting costs.
- Match every product before ordering. The items you choose for your new shower must work with the drain, tray and tap.
- Keep sound tiles outside the wet zone. Local repair can cost less than a whole-room remodel.
- Use one written scope for every quote. This makes the overall cost easier to compare.
- Set a reserve for hidden base repairs. Do not force unknown work into an unrealistically low fixed sum.
DIY decoration or clearing the room may reduce small costs. Removing the old unit, drain work and waterproofing carry a higher leak risk. Agree any homeowner-supplied work in writing so responsibility stays clear.
Dutch quotes use euros and often price the work as one project. A rate per square foot from an international guide is not a useful local comparison. Where tiling is measured, expect square metres.
Is converting a bathtub to a shower a good idea?
It can be a good home improvement when the old fixture is rarely used. The new layout can improve daily access and use the same footprint. It can also simplify cleaning.
However, the project does not guarantee higher resale value or automatically add value to your home. Removing the only fixture of this type may be less attractive to some households with young children. Keeping a tub with a shower may suit a mixed-use family bathroom. The right choice depends on daily use, accessibility and the rest of the home.
Frequently asked questions
Answers to common questions.
How much does a tub-to-shower conversion cost?
The usual Dutch planning range is €1,500 to €6,000. A standard project often costs €1,500–€3,000. Walk-in shower costs are often €2,500–€5,500. Major pipe, floor or wall repairs cost extra.
Why is this work expensive?
The visible enclosure is only part of the work. The project can include demolition, plumbing, drainage, floor fall, waterproofing, tiles, glass and testing. Several trades may be needed in a small space.
Can it be done without major demolition?
Sometimes. A standard tray can often use the existing footprint. The installer still needs to remove the old unit and inspect the base. A tub cut-out is less invasive, but it keeps most of the original fixture rather than creating a full replacement.
What does converting a bathtub into a walk-in shower involve?
The shower conversion project includes removal, drain checks, floor preparation, waterproofing and fitting the new shower. Custom glass and local tile repair may also be needed. The exact scope depends on what the installer finds below and behind the old unit.
Should I choose a prefab or custom tiled design?
A prefab shower is usually simpler and more predictable. A custom tiled design gives more choice in size and finish. It needs careful drainage and waterproofing, so the project price is often higher.
Do I need a permit for this work?
A simple internal replacement may not need a permit. Structural changes, protected buildings and shared systems can change this. Use the Omgevingsloket check and ask your VvE or landlord when relevant.
Can the Wmo pay for this work?
A municipality may support a necessary larger adaptation under the Wmo. Conditions differ by municipality. Apply before ordering work, because funding is not automatic and an own contribution may apply.
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