Upgrading Your Shower in 2025: Beyond the Basics
- garytbyrne2
- Aug 28
- 3 min read
When most people think about a shower upgrade, they picture a simple swap: a new base, fresh walls, and maybe a nicer showerhead. But in 2025, bathroom renovations in Calgary are going far beyond the basics. Homeowners want showers that feel like spa retreats, designed with function and comfort in mind.
From rain showers to steam features, built-in storage to curbless walk-ins, there are more options than ever. Let’s look at what’s possible when you upgrade your shower — and I’ll share a recent project where we helped a client design and build a custom shower renovation that came in at around $50,000.
Luxury Shower Upgrades That Transform Your Bathroom
Shower Systems
A showerhead is no longer just a showerhead. Today’s options bring both luxury and practicality:
Rain Showerheads: Ceiling- or wall-mounted for that spa-like rainfall feel.
Dual Showerheads: A combination of fixed and handheld, perfect for versatility.
Steam Showers: Turning your shower into a full steam spa with custom controls.
Multiple Showerheads: Body sprays, handhelds, and overheads for a full experience.
Cost in Calgary: Expect to spend $2,500–$7,500 for upgraded fixtures, with steam showers adding $8,000–$15,000+ depending on size and system.
Shelving and Storage
Storage is one of the biggest functional upgrades in a shower. Instead of balancing bottles on the floor, you can choose from:
Niches: Built into the wall, clean and functional.
Shower Ledges: A full wall ledge for continuous storage and style.
Corner Shelving: Simple, effective, and budget-friendly.
Benches: Rectangle or corner designs for sitting, shaving, or just relaxing.
Niche with Shower Glass Built On: A modern design where the glass panel aligns with the niche for a seamless look.
Cost in Calgary: Simple niches start around $400–$800, while full ledges and custom benches can run $1,500–$4,000+.
Floors and Layouts
Shower floors make a big difference in both look and accessibility:
Curbs: Traditional step-over design, more affordable.
Mosaic Floors: Stylish, slip-resistant, and highly customizable.
Walk-In Showers: No curb, level transition to the bathroom floor — sleek and accessible.
Cost in Calgary: Standard curbed showers start at $8,000–$12,000, while custom walk-in or curbless showers are usually $15,000–$25,000+ depending on tile and drainage system.
A Personal Story: The $50,000 Shower
One of our standout projects at Calgary Home Renovations | LBProjects this year was a full shower upgrade for a client who wanted more than just a functional space. We worked with them to design a shower that included:
A dual showerhead system with both a rain head and handheld
A steam shower setup with custom controls
A full-wall ledge for storage, plus a built-in corner bench
Mosaic flooring with a curbless entry for a seamless walk-in feel
Custom glass panels and a niche designed directly into the glass line
The total came in just over $50,000. The key was careful planning: we worked side-by-side with the client to design every detail, from where the bench should sit to how the steam system would vent. The result was a true spa experience, built right into their home.
Rough Costs for Shower Upgrades in Calgary (2025)
Here’s what homeowners can expect:
Basic shower upgrade (base, walls, fixtures): $10,000–$15,000
Mid-range shower with niches, upgraded fixtures, and tile: $15,000–$25,000
High-end custom shower with benches, glass, and premium finishes: $25,000–$40,000
Luxury spa shower with steam, curbless entry, and full design build: $40,000–$60,000+
Why Plan Ahead?
A shower renovation is more than swapping out fixtures. Between waterproofing, plumbing, electrical, tile, and custom glass, every detail needs to be designed up front. That’s why working with a team experienced in Calgary bathroom renovations makes all the difference.
Whether you’re planning a bathtub to shower conversion, adding a steam system, or creating a spa-like retreat, we can help bring your vision to life.