Walk-in showers are one of the most popular bathroom upgrades in Madison, Wisconsin. They're modern, accessible, and easier to maintain than traditional tub-shower combinations. But what exactly happens during a walk-in shower installation?
In this guide, we'll walk you through the complete installation process from start to finish, so you know what to expect when you hire a professional contractor.
Overview: Walk-In Shower Installation Timeline
Most walk-in shower installations take 5-10 business days, depending on:
- Whether you're converting from a tub or building new
- Material choices (acrylic vs. tile)
- Custom features (niches, benches, multiple shower heads)
- Plumbing complexity
Step 1: Initial Consultation and Planning
Duration: 1-2 hours
What happens: Your contractor visits your home to assess the space, discuss your goals, take measurements, and answer questions.
During the consultation, you'll discuss:
- Layout and size: How big should the shower be? Where should it be located?
- Materials: Acrylic wall systems, tile, or a combination?
- Features: Shower niches, benches, multiple shower heads, grab bars?
- Accessibility: Low threshold, barrier-free entry for aging in place?
- Budget and timeline: What's realistic for your project?
After the consultation, you'll receive a detailed written estimate with materials, labor, timeline, and payment schedule.
Step 2: Material Selection and Ordering
Duration: 1-2 weeks (while you review estimate and make decisions)
What happens: You review the estimate, make material selections, and sign the contract. Materials are ordered.
You'll need to select:
- Shower base: Pre-formed base or custom tile base
- Wall system: Acrylic panels, tile, or solid surface
- Shower valve and fixtures: Standard or thermostatic valve, single or multiple heads
- Glass door: Framed, frameless, or sliding
- Accessories: Shower niches, benches, grab bars, shelves
Tip: Your contractor can help you choose materials that balance style, durability, and budget.
Step 3: Preparation and Protection
Duration: Day 1 (first 2-3 hours)
What happens: The crew arrives, protects your home, and prepares the work area.
A professional contractor will:
- Protect floors: Cover floors with protective materials
- Seal off work area: Use plastic sheeting to contain dust
- Remove fixtures: Carefully remove old tub, shower, or existing fixtures
- Inspect for issues: Check for water damage, rot, or structural problems
This is when any unexpected issues (like water damage or old plumbing problems) are discovered and addressed.
Step 4: Plumbing Updates
Duration: Day 1-2 (4-8 hours)
What happens: Licensed plumber updates or installs new plumbing for the shower.
Plumbing work includes:
- Shower valve installation: New valve, mixing valve, or thermostatic valve
- Drain installation: Properly sloped drain for the shower base
- Water supply lines: Hot and cold water lines to the shower
- Permits and inspections: Licensed contractor handles permits and ensures code compliance
Important: All plumbing work should be done by a licensed plumber and pass inspection.
Step 5: Shower Base Installation
Duration: Day 2-3 (4-6 hours)
What happens: Shower base is installed and leveled.
The process:
- Subfloor preparation: Ensure subfloor is level and solid
- Base installation: Pre-formed base is set and leveled, or custom tile base is built
- Drain connection: Drain is properly connected and tested
- Leveling: Base must be perfectly level for proper drainage
A properly installed base is critical—it ensures water drains correctly and prevents leaks.
Step 6: Waterproofing
Duration: Day 3-4 (6-8 hours)
What happens: Waterproof membrane and backer board are installed.
This is one of the most important steps—proper waterproofing prevents leaks and water damage:
- Backer board installation: Cement board or waterproof backer board on walls
- Waterproof membrane: Applied to seams, corners, and around the drain
- Sealing: All joints and penetrations are sealed
- Testing: Some contractors do a water test to ensure no leaks
Why this matters: Improper waterproofing leads to leaks, mold, and expensive repairs down the road.
Step 7: Wall System Installation
Duration: Day 4-6 (varies by material)
What happens: Walls are finished with your chosen material.
For Acrylic Wall Systems:
- Panels are cut to size and installed
- Seams are sealed
- Corners and edges are finished
- Typically faster installation (1-2 days)
For Tile:
- Tile is laid with proper spacing
- Grout is applied
- Sealing (if needed for natural stone)
- Typically longer installation (2-4 days)
During this phase, custom features like niches and benches are also installed.
Step 8: Fixture Installation
Duration: Day 6-7 (4-6 hours)
What happens: Shower valve, shower head(s), and accessories are installed.
Includes:
- Shower valve trim: Handle and valve cover
- Shower head(s): Fixed, handheld, or multiple heads
- Accessories: Grab bars, shelves, soap dishes (if not built into walls)
- Testing: All fixtures are tested for proper operation
Step 9: Glass Door Installation
Duration: Day 7-8 (3-4 hours)
What happens: Glass door or enclosure is measured, cut, and installed.
Process:
- Final measurements: Precise measurements taken after walls are complete
- Door fabrication: Glass is cut to size (may be done off-site)
- Hardware installation: Hinges, tracks, or frame installed
- Glass installation: Glass panel(s) installed and adjusted
- Sealing: Proper seals to prevent water from escaping
Step 10: Final Details and Cleanup
Duration: Day 8-10 (2-4 hours)
What happens: Final touches, cleanup, and walkthrough.
Final steps include:
- Caulking and sealing: All seams and joints are properly sealed
- Final inspection: Contractor checks everything is working properly
- Cleanup: All debris removed, work area cleaned
- Walkthrough: You review the completed work with your contractor
- Warranty information: Review what's covered under warranty
What to Expect During Installation
Daily Schedule
Most contractors work during normal business hours (8 AM - 5 PM). You should expect:
- Crew arriving on time
- Work area protected and contained
- Daily cleanup at end of day
- Clear communication about progress
Disruption to Your Home
During installation, you can expect:
- Noise: Demo, drilling, and construction noise during work hours
- Dust: Properly contained, but some dust is inevitable
- Water shutoff: Brief water shutoffs during plumbing work
- Access: You may not be able to use the bathroom during installation
A professional contractor minimizes disruption and keeps you informed.
Quality Checklist: What Makes a Great Walk-In Shower Installation
When your walk-in shower is complete, check for:
- ✅ Proper drainage (no standing water)
- ✅ No leaks around base, walls, or door
- ✅ Smooth, even tile work (if tile) or seamless panels (if acrylic)
- ✅ Properly functioning fixtures and valve
- ✅ Clean, professional finish work
- ✅ Proper sealing around all edges
- ✅ Glass door opens/closes smoothly
- ✅ All accessories properly installed
Common Questions About Walk-In Shower Installation
How long will I be without a shower?
Typically 5-10 business days. If you only have one bathroom, you'll need alternative arrangements during this time.
Do I need permits?
Yes, for plumbing work. A licensed contractor will handle permits and ensure everything passes inspection.
Can I use my own materials?
Yes, but materials you supply have zero warranty. Contractor-supplied materials include manufacturer warranties.
What if problems are discovered during demo?
Your contractor should communicate any issues immediately and provide options. Budget 10-20% extra for unexpected issues.
Why Choose a Licensed Contractor?
Walk-in shower installation involves plumbing, waterproofing, and potentially electrical work. A licensed contractor:
- ✅ Knows Wisconsin building codes
- ✅ Handles permits and inspections
- ✅ Is insured (protects you if something goes wrong)
- ✅ Provides warranties on workmanship
- ✅ Has experience with proper installation techniques
Always verify: Ask for license number (EZ Remodeling: 513-DCFR) and proof of insurance.
Get Your Walk-In Shower Installed
If you're planning a walk-in shower installation in Madison, Evansville, or surrounding Wisconsin communities, EZ Remodeling can help. We're a licensed, insured contractor with experience installing walk-in showers of all types.
Ready to get started?
Call us at (608) 322-2002 or request a free consultation. We'll visit your home, discuss your walk-in shower goals, and provide a detailed written estimate.