Range covers professionally installed, permitted projects. Tub-to-shower conversions trend lower; full gut remodels with layout changes trend higher.
How to use this guide
The fastest path through: skim the service guide closest to what you're actually considering, tub-to-shower, walk-in shower, full remodel, or aging-in-place upgrades. Then open your county or town page for the local cost, permit, and housing-stock context. About 10 minutes of reading saves multiple hours of contractor small talk.
Rather skip the reading? Julia will run you through the guided BathGuide, seven short questions, one at a time, and hand back a personalized remodel profile you can use to compare quotes fairly.
Tub-to-shower, walk-in shower, or full remodel, which fits?
Most homeowners come into this thinking they need a full remodel and end up doing something narrower. The right project usually maps to how the bathroom actually gets used today.
If the tub hasn't been used in a year, a tub-to-shower conversion typically lands in 1–3 days, in the existing footprint, and removes the step-over. If aging-in-place is the real driver, a walk-in shower with a low-threshold base and grab-bar blocking is often the better long-term call. A full remodel makes sense when the layout itself is the problem, bad ventilation, an unusable vanity, or water damage behind the walls.
| Project | On-site time | Typical cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tub-to-shower (acrylic) | 1–3 days | $7.5k–$14k | Speed + aging-in-place |
| Walk-in shower (tile) | 2–3 weeks | $14k–$28k+ | Design-forward, resale |
| Full remodel, layout unchanged | 2–4 weeks | $15k–$35k | Cosmetic + functional refresh |
| Full gut, new layout | 5–8 weeks | $25k–$60k+ | Reconfigured floor plan |
What actually drives the cost of a bathroom remodel
Bathroom remodel pricing depends on a handful of choices, not a single line-item. The biggest swings come from the scope of demolition, the type of shower or tub system, plumbing relocation, tile vs. acrylic surfaces, and any accessibility features.
A like-for-like tub-to-shower swap in an existing footprint is the most predictable. A full gut down to the studs, moving plumbing, replacing the subfloor, adding new vanities and fixtures, is where prices start to spread.
- Scope: cosmetic refresh vs. full gut to the studs
- Shower system: acrylic insert, semi-custom acrylic, or tile build-out
- Plumbing: keeping the existing layout vs. moving drains or supply lines
- Accessibility: grab bars, low-threshold pans, comfort-height fixtures, seats
- Finish materials: stock vanities and fixtures vs. semi-custom selections
- Permits, disposal, and site conditions (older homes often need more)
Source: Cost drivers reflect line-item data from full-service bathroom remodels in the Greater Columbia market ((HomeGuide, 2024), (Angi, 2024)), with housing-age context from the U.S. Census American Housing Survey ((U.S. Census AHS, 2023)).
Remodeling considerations in Greater Columbia
Greater Columbia homes span a wide range of ages and construction styles, and that mix is usually a bigger driver of remodel scope than ZIP code. Older homes more often have plaster walls, original cast-iron drains, and tighter footprints; newer subdivisions are typically clean framed-alcove conversions on slab.
A careful site visit matters more on the older end of the spectrum. Things like vent-fan routing, prior moisture damage behind a tub surround, hard-water wear on glass and fixtures, and whether the plumbing sits over a basement or a slab all affect the honest quote you get back, alongside South Carolina's permit and licensing rules.
How long does a bathroom remodel actually take?
Most acrylic tub-to-shower conversions are completed in 1–3 days on site. Semi-custom acrylic walk-in showers usually take 2–4 days. A tile build-out runs 1–3 weeks because of dry time between waterproofing, mortar, and grout. A full gut remodel, new layout, plumbing relocation, vanity, flooring, typically lands at 3–6 weeks from demo to punch list.
Lead time from signed contract to crew on site is usually the bigger variable. Plan for 4–10 weeks depending on material availability and the company's backlog.
Source: On-site install durations and lead-time ranges from full-service remodeler scheduling data across Greater Columbia ((HomeGuide, 2024), (Angi, 2024)). Your project's timeline depends on scope and product availability.
Questions to ask before signing a bathroom remodel contract
The fastest way to compare bids is to make sure they're scoped the same way. Ask each company the same questions, in writing, and pay attention to what's included vs. what shows up as a change order later.
- Is the price for one full day of install, or staged over multiple visits?
- Who pulls permits, you or the company?
- What's the warranty on labor vs. materials, and is it transferable?
- Are subfloor repairs, plumbing relocation, and disposal included?
- What financing options are available, and what's the APR, not just the monthly payment?
- Will the same crew be on site every day, and is it employees or subcontractors?
Service area
This branch covers Greater Columbia, Richland County, Lexington County. BathGuide also serves homeowners in other metros across the country. View all BathGuide service areas →
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Frequently asked questions
Does BathGuide do the remodel itself?+
No. BathGuide helps you compare options and produces a personalized remodel profile. If you want, we'll match you with a vetted local provider after your guide.
Do I have to talk to a contractor?+
No. Many homeowners use BathGuide just to clarify their thinking before getting quotes on their own.
How long does the guide take?+
About two minutes. Seven short questions, one at a time.
Ready to see your remodel profile? BathGuide is a 2-minute guided conversation, not a contractor form, you'll see your personalized plan before sharing anything. Matching with a local provider is optional.
See your personalized remodel plan in 2 minutes
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