What should I look for when hiring a shower door installer?
When looking for a professional to install a shower door, complete these steps:
Verify their license and insurance: Depending on where you live, shower door installers may need to have specific licenses, such as a general contractor’s license or a glass/glazing contractor license. Requirements depend on your local area so be sure to do your research. Also, make sure your pro is bonded and insured.
Get several estimates: Your bids should include the cost of materials, labor, and other associated fees.
Read their reviews: Seeing what others have to say about a service can be beneficial for discovering which companies to use and which to avoid. Red flags include poor communication, unprofessional workers, and installation problems such as misaligned tracks, baps between the door and the shower frame that causes leaks, and more.
Look at their portfolios: The pictures provided in a portfolio can help you confirm the quality of a contractor's prior work. Look for showers similar to yours, and judge the pros’ craftsmanship.
Find out if they have warranties: Improperly installed shower doors can lead to problems, such as leaks or doors that don’t open or close correctly. Make sure your pro provides a warranty for their workmanship, and find out if there are warranties available for the materials. Carefully look over the fine print to understand what’s covered and for how long.
Ask important questions: For example, find out what previous experience they have, if they include removal and disposal fees in the quote, and how long the project will take.
For more tips, visit Thumbtack’s Smart Hiring page.
How much does it cost to install a shower door?
The national average cost to install a shower door ranges from around $316 to $921*, according to Thumbtack data.
There are several factors that might impact the cost of this project, including:
Door size: The size of your shower door and glass thickness can impact cost.
Door type: There are numerous shower doors to choose from. For example, enclosures are usually more expensive, and framed shower doors are often less expensive.
Glass type: You often have several choices, such as tempered, laminated, or annealed glass. Tempered glass is typically the standard.
Upgrades: You typically have the option to add extras that may increase the price, such as water spot prevention, low-iron glass to remove the greenish tint, and custom hardware.
You might be able to save money on your project with these tips:
Stick with standards: If you’re looking to save money, keeping a standard-size shower door can often help reduce your costs.
Door types: Choose a door type that fits your needs and budget. For instance, a pivoting shower door is often less expensive than a bypass door.
No-frills approach: Choose a less expensive clear finish instead of frosted glass. You can always use a sticker or paint meant for frosting window glass to get the look later on.
*Data on file at Thumbtack. For a personalized cost estimate, request a quote from a professional.
What are the benefits of installing a new shower door?
Some of the biggest benefits of installing a new shower door include:
Aesthetics: A new shower door can work wonders to make your bathroom feel newer and fresher.
Ease of cleaning: As coatings wear away and scuffs develop, older shower doors can become harder to clean.
Increased space: If you have a dated, clunky shower door, a modern frameless shower door may help save space.
Water damage prevention: Installing a new shower door can help prevent seepage and leaks that damage walls and floors around the door.
Durability and maintenance: Shower doors are much more durable and often easier to maintain than shower curtains.
If you're ready to upgrade your shower, get quotes from local shower door installers today.
Why should I hire a pro to install my shower door instead of doing it myself?
In most cases, it’s best to hire a professional for shower door installation. Here are several reasons why it’s worth hiring a pro:
Tools and materials: Pros often have greater access to a wide range of door options, and they'll also be equipped with any specialized tools (like glass-cutting equipment) that may be needed to install your door.
Less risk of leaks: An improperly installed shower door can cause hundreds or thousands of dollars in water damage due to leaks around the frame or gaps in the door itself. A professional can help ensure the door is watertight.
Less risk of damage: Installing a shower door often means drilling into tile, fiberglass, or acrylic shower surrounds. Most professionals have the right tools and techniques to do this without damaging your shower.
What can I expect during the shower door installation process?
In most cases, a professional will take the following steps when installing a shower door:
Initial consultation: Shower door installers typically begin by visiting your home to take measurements and discuss your options. Once you've chosen a shower door that fits the available space and your aesthetic (or provided specifications for a custom-built shower door), the installer will likely order it for you.
Installation: When the shower door arrives, your installer will bring it to your home and fit it into place. For most shower doors, this means installing the frame first, and then fitting the door.
Wrapping up: Once installation is complete, your installer may finish the job by caulking and sealing around the edges of the frame to prevent leaks. You’ll probably need to wait a day or so for the caulk to dry before you can use your new shower door.
How long does it take to install or replace a shower door?
Typically, it will take between two and three hours for a professional to complete your shower door installation or replacement project. However, there are a few factors that may impact how long it takes. For example:
Location of shower door: Installing a shower door in a tricky area with little wiggle room may take longer, even for a professional.
Size: Larger shower stalls may take additional time to install due to the potential for extra panels or other adjustments.
Customizations: A custom shower door can take a long time to arrive before installation. In addition, installing a custom door in a more complex bathroom setup may take additional time as it may need special adjustments.
Replacement vs. installation: Replacing a shower door may take longer than installing a new door due to the time and labor required to remove the old shower door.
Remember: The timeline for your project will vary depending on many factors. Always ask your pro to provide an estimate.