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If you’re planning a shower remodel in Parkersburg, the shower is probably where you’re planning to spend your most relaxing time, and the money. Whether you’re planning to replace old tubs, fix waterproofing blunders, add walk-in showers, curbless entries, steam systems, and features like benches and rainfall heads,w e bet you’re spending a fortune to make all the efforts worth paying for. Walk-in showers are one of the most sought-after bathroom upgrades lately. Replacing old designs with more modern, functional designs that are perfect for daily comfort and support home resale value. This blog post talks about the top 10 shower remodeling ideas for Parkersburg homeowners, along with expected cost ranges and common mistakes to avoid.
Across Parkersburg and nearby West Virginia communities, homeowners are choosing shower upgrades over full bathroom remodels.
Why’s that:
Aging-in-place demand: Zero-threshold showers support aging in place by making bathrooms safer and more accessible for long-term living.
Resale value: New walk-in showers tend to appeal more to buyers than older garden tubs from the 1990s, which can support resale value.
Daily usability: Homeowners typically use showers much more than tubs, so upgrading the shower improves day-to-day comfort.
Faster ROI: A shower-focused remodel usually costs less than a full bathroom renovation while still creating a strong visual impact, which can support a faster return on investment.
Curbless showers remove the step between the tub and floor, creating an accessible, barrier-free feel. These are particularly popular in primary bathrooms among empty nesters and those considering universal design.
What to know:
Best for: homes where you can adjust the subfloor or lower it
Expect to see more 12″x24″, 24″x4,8″, or even slab porcelain used in showers. The larger the tile, the fewer grout lines to deal with.
What to know:
Best for: upscale, low-maintenance remodeling
Eliminate unsightly shower caddies by building in niches for shampoo bottles and dispensers. Some showers even include a built-in seat for sitting while washing your hair.
What to know:
Best for: families and anyone tired of dealing with slippery shower floors
The best of both worlds with a dual shower head system set up as a rainfall head plus a handheld shower wand on a separate but coordinated valve.
What to know:
Best for: upgrading to a more luxurious bathroom without spending the money for a steam shower
These low-profile drains run the length of one side of the shower, allowing you to slope the floor down towards the drain.
What to know:
Frameless glass showers offer an open feel plus the ability to see the beautiful tile job in your new shower.
What to know:
Best for: upscale remodels that want an open, non-claustrophobic feel.
Add luxury and comfort to your new shower by adding radiant heating underneath the tile.
What to know:
Best for: main-level primary bathrooms looking to provide extra comfort on colder mornings
A totally enclosed shower with a steam generator to fill the shower with hot, moist steam.
What to know:
This is the ultimate in open-concept bathrooms where the entire bathroom is waterproofed, allowing the shower to flow right into the rest of the bathroom.
What to know:
Need to use Schluter KERDI, Laticrete Hydro Bank, or RedGard waterproofing membranes.
Best for: larger bathrooms where water spray won’t reach the vanity or toilet
Many people mistakenly think that ADA-compliant showers only have utilitarian grab bars, but there are many stylish options for grab bars that double as towel bars.
What to know:
Best for: everyone! The universal design movement is making showers safer for all ages.
Shower remodel costs in Parkersburg depend on the size of the project, the materials chosen, and how complex the plumbing work is. Here’s an expected breakdown of what you can expect:
| Remodel Scope | Typical Cost | What’s Included |
| Refresh | $1,500 – $4,000 | New fixtures, door, reglazing; keep existing base |
| Replace Surround | $4,000 – $8,000 | New tile/surround, same footprint |
| Tub-to-Shower Conversion | $5,000 – $12,000 | Remove tub, move drain, build shower pan |
| Full Gut & Rebuild | $8,000 – $15,000+ | Down to studs, premium tile or stone |
| Curbless Upgrade | Adds $4,000 – $6,000 | Recessed sloping and waterproofing |
| Frameless Glass | $2,500 – $4,500 | Custom tempered glass enclosure |
| Steam System | Adds $3,000 – $6,000 | Generator, sealing, electrical |
Full bathroom remodels that include walk-in showers typically cost around $25,000 to $45,000 in the Parkersburg market. Primary suite projects can reach $45,000 to $75,000 or more when they include curbless design, steam system, and heated floor upgrades.
According to hundreds of contractors across the country, the following shower remodel mistakes are the costliest for homeowners:
In West Virginia, this error is the most common and results in thousands of dollars in losses due to mold remediation and structural repairs. Waterproof membranes should be installed behind the tiles, such as Schluter KERDI, RedGard, or similar systems.
It is not recommended to use big tiles and leave grout lines on the floor of the shower area. It will be slippery and may cause serious injuries.
The floor inside the bathtub or shower should slope toward the drain at a rate of ¼ “per foot.
Homes in Parkersburg, WV, tend to have high humidity, so it is critical to install a properly functioning exhaust fan. A timer control is a must.
Avoid buying low-quality DIY equipment on Amazon. Instead, invest in the brand-name plumbing and electrical fixtures to avoid future leaks and power failures.
Before hiring a local contractor to remodel your shower, make sure to ask the following five questions:
What exact waterproofing membranes do you use?
Mentioning specific membranes means the contractor is not afraid of difficult tasks associated with moisture control in the bathroom.
Are there any permits required?
In most cases, remodeling jobs in Parkersburg, WV, require permits. Make sure your contractor is up-to-date with local regulations regarding shower units and plumbing.
How long will the job take?
Remodeling a medium-sized bathroom usually takes about a month, but it can extend to two months depending on the square footage.
Can I see your portfolio?
A seasoned remodeling contractor should have plenty of before-and-after photos of jobs done in the Parkersburg area.
Do you offer any warranty?
Ask about the standard warranty for labor and materials, ideally not less than one year for labor.
Hiring a local contractor is the best decision for shower remodeling in Parkersburg, WV. The area has many challenges compared to the rest of the state. For example, older homes may have plumbing made of galvanized metal or iron. Upgrading such systems to modern PEX pipes is necessary but requires expertise. Hard water is another issue in the area that contributes to the buildup on fixtures and tiles. A qualified contractor will know what equipment to choose so as not to ruin the surface. Also, everyone in Parkersburg is familiar with local building codes, so permits for plumbing and electrical work will be processed without delays.
C&C Wirth Contractors has decades of experience helping homeowners plan and complete shower remodels with long-term durability. We handle projects ranging from tub-to-shower conversions to curbless walk-in showers and steam upgrades. Our services cover everything from plumbing and waterproofing to tile and glass installations.
Contact C&C Wirth Contractors for a free consultation. Our team members will assess the space, discuss design options, and provide a clear estimate without unexpected additions.
