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Shower Remodeling in Las Vegas, NV
A custom shower remodel is more than new tilework and glass. The finished surfaces only work properly when the drain, shower pan, waterproofing, plumbing, substrate, slope and transitions behind them are planned correctly. Big Horn Remodeling rebuilds, enlarges and converts showers for Las Vegas homeowners seeking a custom tiled result, with construction coordinated from demolition through final walkthrough—not simply a surface-level update.
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We coordinate the shower as one complete construction system, from demolition and hidden-condition review through plumbing, waterproofing, tile, glass and final walkthrough. Whether you are replacing an outdated tiled shower, converting a tub area, creating a walk-in layout or evaluating a curbless shower, the first step is understanding what the existing structure will allow. Big Horn currently identifies itself as a Nevada B-2 licensed contractor, license #0091383, and its published project portfolio documents real shower and bathroom projects with construction scope, timelines and field conditions rather than relying solely on finished inspiration imagery. A shower remodel can involve demolition, plumbing, drainage, framing or substrate corrections, shower-pan construction, waterproofing, tile, fixtures, niches or benches, accessibility features and custom glass. The exact scope depends on what is being retained and what is discovered after the existing shower is opened.
- Nevada B-2 License #0091383
- Custom Tile Shower Construction
- Walk-In and Curbless Options
- Permit-Aware Shower Scope Planning
- Las Vegas Project Documentation
- View Completed Shower Projects
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Are You Remodeling the Shower—or the Entire Bathroom?
Not every shower project needs to become a complete bathroom remodel. If the vanity, toilet, flooring, lighting, and general room layout are staying in place, a focused shower remodel may make more sense. If the project affects most of the room, it belongs under a complete bathroom-remodeling scope.
Shower Remodel
Usually the better fit when the work stays in the shower area.
- This scope suits an outdated, leaking, damaged, or difficult-to-use shower when the vanity, toilet, flooring, and room layout remain intact.
- A custom tiled shower needs its shower pan, waterproofing, drain, valve, showerhead, handheld, and glass planned as a construction system.
- This scope suits an enlarged shower footprint or tub-to-shower conversion, including a low-threshold or curbless entrance for safer daily access.
- This scope suits incorporating a niche, bench, grab-bar backing, or custom shower glass while most surrounding finishes remain in place.
- This scope suits tearing out and rebuilding the shower while leaving most existing vanity, toilet, flooring, lighting, and layout intact.
Focused Shower Scope
A focused shower remodel keeps the vanity, toilet, flooring, lighting, and general room layout in place while the shower itself is rebuilt as one complete construction scope.
Planning centers on demolition, shower-pan construction, waterproofing, drainage, tile, fixtures, accessibility details, and custom glass, including a low-threshold or curbless entrance when appropriate.
Full Bathroom Remodel
Usually the better fit when the work reaches the entire room.
- This scope suits a bathroom where the shower, vanity, cabinetry, flooring, toilet, or other major room elements need replacement together.
- This scope suits room-wide work with new flooring, lighting, ventilation, electrical systems, cabinetry, and fixtures beyond the shower area itself.
- This scope suits moving the toilet, changing walls, or reworking the overall bathroom layout beyond the existing shower footprint alone.
- This scope suits redesigning both the shower and bathtub while coordinating changes throughout the complete bathroom as a single project.
- This scope suits rebuilding a complete primary, hall, or guest bathroom where room elements change together in a coordinated project.
Planning the Entire Room?
When changes extend beyond the shower, the bathroom benefits from one coordinated plan for the vanity, flooring, fixtures, and layout.
Explore the complete service scope, then browse completed bathroom projects with real construction details from our portfolio.
What Can Be Included in a Custom Shower Remodel?
Quick answer: A shower remodel can involve demolition, plumbing, drainage, framing or substrate corrections, shower-pan construction, waterproofing, tile, fixtures, niches or benches, accessibility features and custom glass. The exact scope depends on what is being retained and what is discovered after the existing shower is opened.
Existing Shower Tear-Out
A proper assessment becomes much easier once the old enclosure, tile or wall system is removed. Demolition can reveal previous repairs, damaged backing, framing irregularities, moisture intrusion or plumbing conditions that were impossible to verify from the finished surface. The goal should not be to assume everything behind the old shower is acceptable. The goal is to verify it before covering it again.
Shower Drain and Plumbing Changes
The existing drain and supply layout should be reviewed against the proposed shower configuration before tile work begins. Enlarging a shower, converting a tub area or creating a curbless layout can change where the drain needs to sit and how the shower floor needs to be constructed. Big Horn has documented a Las Vegas-area curbless project where it scanned a post-tension slab, lowered the shower area approximately 2.5 inches and relocated the drain before rebuilding the shower pan.
Shower Pan and Waterproofing
The visible tile is only one part of a shower assembly. The water-management system beneath and behind the finish must account for the shower pan, corners, penetrations, transitions, curb or entry condition and surrounding wet-area surfaces. Big Horn's existing project documentation includes waterproofing work and project-stage verification before finish materials covered the assembly.
Custom Tile Installation
Tile selection affects far more than appearance. Tile dimensions, substrate flatness, shower geometry, niches, benches, drain placement and glass transitions all influence the layout. The goal is to decide those conditions together before installation rather than solving them one cut at a time after the shower is already underway.
Niches, Benches and Blocking
Built-in storage, seating and future grab-bar locations should be planned before the walls are closed. On Big Horn's documented curbless shower project, wood reinforcement was installed behind grab-bar locations and the floating bench was supported into framing before the finished surfaces were completed.
Custom Shower Glass
Glass should be treated as part of the shower design—not as an accessory selected after tile is finished. The entry width, curb or curbless transition, fixed-panel location, hardware and attachment points all need to work with the completed tile assembly.
What Is Behind the Tile Matters as Much as the Tile You See
A durable custom shower is a water-management system first and a finish-material project second. Drainage, pan construction, waterproofing continuity, plumbing rough-in, wall conditions and penetrations all need to be addressed before tile and glass hide the work.
Existing Conditions
Drain + Plumbing
Framing / Substrate
Pan + Slope
Waterproofing
Inspection
Tile + Fixtures
Final Details
Waterproofing Continuity
Waterproofing must work as one continuous assembly, not as a series of isolated details. Corners, niches, benches, penetrations and transitions all need to connect. The shower pan, walls, curb or entry and surrounding wet-area surfaces should stay protected before tile and glass conceal the system.
Drainage
A beautiful shower that does not move water where it should is not a successful remodel. Drain position and shower-floor geometry should be designed together. A conventional point drain, linear drain or relocated drain can each change the slope strategy, tile layout and construction requirements.
Plumbing Rough-In
The best time to evaluate the valve, supply connections and drain configuration is while the wall is already open—not after new tile covers everything. The exact work should be based on field conditions and the applicable plumbing requirements rather than an assumed one-size-fits-all specification.
Verification
Recording hidden work gives homeowners a clear record beyond the finished shower. System checks and required inspections should occur before tile and glass cover the assembly. That record confirms the build stages, key details and actual conditions addressed before the final finishes are installed.
Walk-In, Curbless and Custom Tile Shower Options
Custom Tiled Shower
Best fit: Homeowners rebuilding an existing shower with a custom tiled finish and coordinated details.
Important construction consideration: Waterproofing, substrate preparation, drain placement and tile layout must work as one fully coordinated system.
Walk-In Shower
Best fit: Homeowners wanting a more open shower entry with comfortable daily access and custom details.
Important construction consideration: Glass position, entry width, splash control and fixture placement need early coordination with the overall layout.
Low-Threshold Shower
Best fit: Homeowners wanting a reduced step-over entry with easy daily access and custom details.
Important construction consideration: The threshold, shower pan, surrounding floor heights and drainage need coordination before construction starts.
Curbless Shower
Best fit: Homeowners wanting a near-flush shower entry with accessible daily use and custom details.
Important construction consideration: Floor elevation, drain placement, shower slope and waterproofing transitions need verification before construction.
Tub-to-Shower Conversion
Best fit: Homeowners replacing a bathtub with a dedicated shower for a more useful everyday layout.
Important construction consideration: Existing footprint, drain location, plumbing condition and desired entry shape determine the construction scope.
Oversized Custom Shower
Best fit: Homeowners expanding the shower footprint for more room, added fixtures and custom details.
Important construction consideration: Wall changes, added fixtures, custom glass and drain placement can materially increase the construction scope.
For homeowners still deciding on glass style, tile proportions, benches, niches, linear drains and other design details, Big Horn already has a dedicated walk-in-shower planning resource. That page should remain the site's design/inspiration authority while this service page stays focused on hiring Big Horn to build the shower.
Can an Existing Las Vegas Shower Be Made Curbless?
Sometimes—but the existing floor, drain and structural conditions have to be verified first. A true curbless shower needs enough elevation change to create drainage slope while maintaining a flush or nearly flush transition into the surrounding bathroom.
One documented Big Horn project involved a post-tension concrete slab. Before lowering the shower area, the slab was scanned; Big Horn then lowered the shower area approximately 2.5 inches, relocated the drain and rebuilt the pan to create a flush entry.
When Might a Shower Remodel Require Floor or Slab Work?
Quick answer: Not every shower remodel requires concrete or floor modification. It becomes more likely when:
- Drain relocation may be needed if drainage cannot support the new footprint, slope or plan.
- A former tub footprint is becoming a dedicated shower with a new entry and drainage layout.
- A curbless entry needs added depth for the pan, required slope and waterproofed transition.
- Demolition reveals floor, slab or substrate issues that need correction before rebuilding.
What Changes the Cost of a Shower Remodel?
Quick answer: Shower-remodel pricing changes with the existing shower condition, dimensions, drain and plumbing work, waterproofing system, tile complexity, glass, fixtures, accessibility features and whether structural or slab work is required.
Existing Conditions
Opening shower walls reveal water damage, poor workmanship, hidden issues, or plumbing that alters repair, preparation and reconstruction requirements.
Shower Size
More wall and floor area means added substrate preparation, waterproofing coverage, tile installation, glass costs, and additional material allowances.
Drain and Floor Work
Relocating a drain, lowering slab elevation, or creating curbless entry often requires concrete cutting, plumbing changes, and waterproofing work.
Tile and Layout
Tile size, materials, niches, benches, and mosaics affect layout, cuts, substrate preparation, grout work, installation time, and labor requirements.
Fixtures and Plumbing
Changing valve placement, adding a handheld shower, or moving fixtures expands plumbing rough-in, finish trim, permits, coordination, and installation.
Glass
Custom frameless glass varies with panel size, door swing, hardware, layout, wall conditions, precise measurements, fabrication, and installation needs.
Accessibility Features
Curbless entry, lower thresholds, benches, handheld fixtures, and grab-bar backing need early planning within the waterproofing and construction plan.
Need Specific Numbers?
Compare cost guides: Tub-to-Shower Guide or Bathroom Remodel Guide for your project scope, budget, existing conditions, and planning questions.
Our Shower Remodeling Process
- 1
Planning and Field Verification
We start with what exists—not an assumption about what is behind the finished surface. The initial review should establish the current shower footprint, desired layout, plumbing and drain changes, entry condition, tile direction, glass concept and whether the scope extends into the surrounding bathroom.
- 2
Scope, Selections and Permit Review
Once the intended build is clear, Big Horn can determine the trade scope, material decisions and whether the project requires permitting or inspection coordination. Permit requirements depend on the work and jurisdiction. Clark County states that a permit is required when regulated electrical, mechanical or plumbing systems are installed, altered, repaired, converted or replaced; exemptions and jurisdiction-specific procedures still need to be considered for the actual address and scope.
- 3
Demolition and Hidden-Condition Review
The old shower is opened and the underlying conditions are evaluated before reconstruction. This is the point to identify moisture damage, substrate issues, framing irregularities or plumbing conditions that change the intended scope.
- 4
Drain, Plumbing, Framing and Floor Work
Required rough work is completed before the new shower assembly is covered. If a curbless shower, relocated drain or other floor modification is involved, those conditions are addressed at this stage.
- 5
Shower Pan and Waterproofing
The shower pan and wet-area waterproofing are installed according to the selected system and project configuration. Critical details include changes of plane, penetrations, niches, benches, the entry and the transition to surrounding surfaces.
- 6
Verification and Inspection
Applicable inspections and system-specific verification happen before the critical work becomes inaccessible. Big Horn's published projects and current bathroom page emphasize documenting hidden conditions and waterproofing stages before finish materials conceal them.
- 7
Tile, Fixtures and Glass
Tile layout, fixtures and glass are installed according to the final geometry of the shower.
- 8
Final Review
The shower is reviewed as a complete system: drainage, finish work, fixture operation, glass, sealant details and remaining punch-list items.
Have a shower you are thinking about rebuilding?
Send Big Horn photos of the existing shower and schedule an in-home consultation to review what can stay, what needs to change and what has to be verified before the scope is finalized.
How Long Does a Custom Shower Remodel Take?
A custom tiled shower remodel is generally a multi-stage construction project rather than a one-day surface replacement. Big Horn's existing bathroom page currently gives a 2–4 week range for walk-in shower remodels, while one documented curbless project lists approximately 20 days. Actual duration depends on demolition findings, plumbing or slab changes, inspections, tile complexity, material availability and custom glass.
Fast Replace System
Uses prefabricated wall panels within an existing shower enclosure footprint.
Prioritizes a shorter installation and a simple scope with limited customization.
Offers standard finishes, dimensions, and a limited configuration range.
Fits homeowners who prioritize speed and a predefined shower project scope.
Big Horn Shower Remodel
Builds around existing conditions and a homeowner's preferred shower layout.
Coordinates drainage, waterproofing, tile, glass, and inspection stages.
Allows tailored tile, niches, benches, glass, and custom entry design details.
Fits homeowners planning a fully, long-term custom shower rebuild.
Does a Shower Remodel Need a Permit in Las Vegas?
Permit requirements depend on the jurisdiction and the work being performed. A finish-only update is not the same as altering regulated plumbing, electrical or structural systems. For Clark County projects, the county states that regulated plumbing, electrical, mechanical and building alterations may require an application and permit before the work is performed. Big Horn reviews the project address and planned scope before deciding which permit and inspection path applies.
Clark County also adopted its 2024 building-code family for new permit applications effective January 11, 2026, including the 2024 International Residential Code, 2024 Uniform Plumbing Code and Southern Nevada amendments, with the 2023 National Electrical Code among the listed current codes.
Learn more about Big Horn's permit and inspection process.
Recent Shower Remodels
Check out some of our recent shower remodels we've done:
Why Hire a General Contractor for a Custom Shower Remodel?
The Finished Tile Is Not the Only Work We Show
Big Horn's existing project pages document construction conditions such as slab work, drain relocation, waterproofing, framing reinforcement, permits, timelines and project investment in addition to finished photography.
Hidden Conditions Reviewed Carefully Before Tiling
Shower remodeling involves work that disappears behind tile and glass. Showing those stages helps homeowners understand what is being built, including waterproofing, drainage, structural reinforcement.
One Scope for Plumbing, Drainage and Finish Work
Drain, shower-pan, tile, glass and valve placement affect one another. Coordinating interdependent construction decisions within one scope keeps waterproofed shower systems aligned and helps prevent late-project conflicts.
Review Completed Local Shower Remodel Projects
Big Horn's completed local shower and bathroom projects document actual construction scope, field conditions, key timelines and finished results, offering homeowners real evidence beyond stock photography when considering a remodel.
Nevada Contractor Identity and License Details
Big Horn's current site identifies the company as a DBA of Graybeard Construction LLC operating under Nevada B-2 License #0091383, making contractor identity and licensing context visible before preconstruction planning.
Start With the Shower You Have Now
You do not need to arrive with every tile, fixture or glass detail selected before talking with a contractor. A helpful first conversation starts with the shower you use today and the changes you hope it will make. Start with these three things:
- What you dislike about the current shower.
- What you want the new shower to do differently.
- Whether the project stops at the shower or extends into the entire bathroom.
Remodeling more than the shower? See our complete Las Vegas bathroom remodeling service.
What We'll Review
Big Horn can then review the existing footprint, plumbing, entry condition, desired features and potential construction constraints before a final scope is developed.
Have photos of the current shower?
Send them with your inquiry so the initial conversation can focus on your actual layout and existing shower conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a shower remodel and a bathroom remodel?
A shower remodel concentrates on the wet area: the shower pan, waterproofing, drain, plumbing, tile, fixtures, entry, niches or benches and glass. A bathroom remodel covers the larger room and may also include the vanity, toilet, flooring, lighting, ventilation, cabinetry, walls and overall layout. If most of the room is changing, start with Big Horn's bathroom-remodeling service. If the shower is the primary construction scope, this shower-remodeling service is the better fit.
Can I remodel only the shower without remodeling the rest of the bathroom?
Yes, in many cases. A shower can be rebuilt while the vanity, toilet and most surrounding finishes remain. Whether that approach makes sense depends on the existing shower footprint, adjoining surfaces, plumbing condition and how the new shower will transition into the surrounding bathroom. Big Horn should verify those conditions before determining the final scope.
Can an existing shower be converted to a curbless shower?
Sometimes. A curbless shower requires enough room to create proper drainage while maintaining the desired transition to the bathroom floor. Existing floor elevation, drain location and structural conditions have to be evaluated first. In one Big Horn project, a post-tension slab was scanned and the shower area was lowered approximately 2.5 inches before the curbless pan was rebuilt.
When does the shower drain need to be moved?
Drain relocation may be considered when the shower footprint changes, a bathtub becomes a shower, the standing area is being reconfigured, a different drainage approach is selected or a curbless design requires a different floor geometry. The decision should be made from the proposed layout and existing plumbing conditions rather than automatically moving—or automatically preserving—the old drain.
What happens if water damage is found after the old shower is removed?
The affected area should be evaluated before it is covered by the new shower assembly. Depending on what is found, the scope can involve damaged backing, framing, substrate or other concealed conditions.
How is a custom tile shower waterproofed?
A tiled shower relies on a complete water-management assembly that addresses the shower floor, walls, corners, penetrations, entry, niches and benches as applicable. The specific materials and installation requirements should follow the selected system and project conditions. Big Horn's existing documentation shows waterproofing stages on completed projects rather than treating tile and grout as the only line of defense.
Do I need a permit for a shower remodel in Las Vegas?
It depends on the jurisdiction and scope. Clark County states that work altering or replacing regulated plumbing, electrical, mechanical or building systems may require a permit. Cosmetic work and other exempt scopes can be treated differently, and Las Vegas Valley properties can fall under different authorities having jurisdiction. The project address and planned work should therefore be checked before construction begins.
How long does a custom shower remodel take?
Big Horn's current bathroom-remodel page gives approximately 2–4 weeks for walk-in shower remodels, and a documented curbless project lists approximately 20 days. More complicated drain, slab, waterproofing, tile, inspection or custom-glass conditions can affect the schedule. The important distinction is that a custom tiled rebuild is a different scope from the one- or two-day panel replacement products advertised by some Las Vegas shower companies.
Is a tub-to-shower conversion the same thing as a shower remodel?
A tub-to-shower conversion is one type of shower remodel. It specifically begins with removing a bathtub or tub/shower combination and using that area for a dedicated shower. Big Horn already has a separate tub-to-shower conversion cost resource, so the service page should explain the option briefly and send budget-focused homeowners to that guide rather than duplicating it.
Can grab bars or a shower bench be planned without making the shower look institutional?
Yes. Accessibility features can be incorporated into a custom design rather than treated as add-ons. The important construction issue is planning them early. Big Horn's curbless case study documents wood reinforcement behind grab-bar locations, a floating bench anchored into framing, a handheld shower wand and an open curbless entrance as parts of one coordinated design.
Should I choose a custom tile shower or a one-day shower system?
They serve different needs. A prefabricated or panel replacement system can emphasize installation speed and standardized materials. A custom tiled shower allows much more control over layout, tile, niches, benches, drain placement, glass and entry configuration but involves additional construction stages. The homeowner should compare the actual scope rather than assuming the two bids represent the same product.