Bathroom to Shower Conversion Prague: 2026 Costs

A bathroom to shower conversion in Prague typically costs between 45 000 and 120 000 Kč in 2026, depending on the size of the space, the type of shower enclosure, and whether plumbing needs rerouting. It's one of the most popular upgrades in Prague apartments — especially in older panelák buildings where bathtubs take up precious floor space and accessibility is a concern.

This guide covers everything you need to know: realistic costs, what the project involves, how long it takes, and how to find the right tradespeople in Prague — even if you don't speak Czech.

Why Convert a Bathtub to a Shower in Prague?

Prague apartments — particularly those built during the communist era — tend to have compact bathrooms with full-size bathtubs that dominate the room. Replacing a bathtub with a walk-in shower or shower enclosure is one of the most effective ways to reclaim space and modernise a bathroom without a full renovation.

Common reasons expats and locals choose this conversion:

• Space saving: A shower tray or wet-room setup frees up floor area, making the bathroom feel significantly larger
• Accessibility: Walk-in showers are easier to use for elderly residents or anyone with mobility issues — no stepping over a high tub rim
• Water savings: Showers use roughly 40–60 litres per use compared to 120–180 litres for a bath
• Modern aesthetics: Glass-enclosed showers with large-format tiles give a contemporary look that adds value to a property
• Faster project: Compared to a full bathroom renovation, a bathtub-to-shower conversion can be done in 3–7 working days

Bathroom to Shower Conversion Cost in Prague: 2026 Breakdown

The total cost depends on what you're installing and how much plumbing work is needed. Here's a detailed breakdown of typical 2026 prices in Prague:

Labour Costs

• Bathtub removal and disposal: 2 000–5 000 Kč
• Plumbing rerouting (drain relocation, new mixer valve): 5 000–15 000 Kč
• Waterproofing (hydroizolace): 3 000–8 000 Kč
• Tiling (walls and floor): 8 000–25 000 Kč, depending on area and tile size
• Installation of shower tray or wet-room drain: 3 000–8 000 Kč
• Glass enclosure or screen fitting: 2 000–5 000 Kč

Materials Costs

• Shower tray (akrylátová vanička): 3 000–12 000 Kč
• Walk-in glass panel or enclosure: 5 000–20 000 Kč
• Shower mixer and head: 2 000–10 000 Kč
• Tiles: 300–1 500 Kč per m² (budget to premium)
• Waterproofing membrane and adhesives: 1 500–4 000 Kč
• Linear drain (for wet-room style): 2 500–8 000 Kč

Total Cost Ranges

• Budget conversion (standard shower tray, basic tiles, minimal plumbing changes): 45 000–65 000 Kč
• Mid-range conversion (quality shower enclosure, modern tiles, some plumbing rerouting): 65 000–90 000 Kč
• Premium conversion (wet-room with linear drain, large-format tiles, rain shower, underfloor heating in shower area): 90 000–120 000+ Kč

These prices include both labour and materials. If your bathroom needs additional electrical work — for example, relocating a socket or adding a heated towel rail — expect to add 3 000–10 000 Kč. Note that prices in central Prague tend to run 10–20% higher than in outer districts or surrounding areas like Brno or Ostrava.

What the Conversion Process Looks Like: Step by Step

Understanding the process helps you plan, set realistic timelines, and ask the right questions when getting quotes.

1. Assessment and planning: A plumber or bathroom fitter visits to assess the current setup — drain position, wall condition, waterproofing state. They'll advise whether the existing drain can be reused or needs relocating.
2. Bathtub removal: The old bathtub, tiles behind it, and any damaged substrate are removed. In panelák buildings, the walls behind bathtubs are often in poor condition and may need re-plastering.
3. Plumbing work: The drain is adapted or relocated for the new shower tray or wet-room drain. Hot and cold supply pipes are adjusted to the new mixer valve position.
4. Waterproofing: This is the most critical step. The entire shower area — floor and walls to at least 200 cm height — must be sealed with a waterproofing membrane (hydroizolace). Skipping or rushing this step leads to leaks, mould, and expensive damage to neighbouring apartments.
5. Shower tray or wet-room floor installation: Either a prefabricated shower tray is set in place, or the floor is built to slope toward a linear drain for a seamless wet-room finish.
6. Tiling: Walls and floor are tiled. Larger tiles (60×30 cm or bigger) create a more spacious look and have fewer grout lines to maintain.
7. Fitting glass enclosure and fixtures: The shower screen or enclosure is mounted, the mixer valve, shower head, and any accessories (niches, shelves, grab bars) are installed.
8. Silicone sealing and finishing: All joints are sealed with sanitary silicone. A final check ensures the drain flows correctly and there are no leaks.

For a straightforward conversion, expect 3–5 working days. If plumbing needs significant rerouting or walls need replastering, allow 5–7 working days.

Key Decisions Before You Start

Shower Tray vs. Wet Room

A shower tray (vanička) is the simpler, cheaper option. It sits on the floor or is recessed slightly into it, with a standard drain. Installation is faster and less risky in terms of waterproofing because the tray itself is watertight.

A wet-room setup (bezbariérový sprchový kout) eliminates the tray entirely. The floor is tiled to slope toward a linear drain, creating a seamless, modern look. It's more expensive and demands flawless waterproofing — but the result is striking and fully accessible.

In older Prague buildings with concrete floors, wet rooms work well. In buildings with wooden subfloors (some pre-war apartments), a shower tray is usually the safer choice because creating a perfectly level, waterproofed slope on wood is significantly harder.

Permissions: Do You Need SVJ Approval?

If you live in a bytový dům (apartment building) with a společenství vlastníků jednotek (SVJ — owners' association), you should check the building's rules before starting work. A straightforward bathtub-to-shower swap that doesn't alter the building's shared plumbing risers or structural elements usually doesn't require SVJ approval — but moving a drain to a completely different location or modifying shared pipes might.

Always inform your SVJ about planned work, especially regarding noise and water shutoffs. Most SVJ rules require written notice to neighbours at least a few days in advance.

Waterproofing: Don't Cut Corners

Waterproofing is the difference between a successful conversion and a disaster. In Czech construction, the standard approach uses a liquid-applied membrane (e.g., Mapei Mapegum or Sika products) on both the floor and walls of the shower zone. The membrane must extend at least 15 cm beyond the shower area on the floor and cover walls to full shower height.

A good bathroom fitter will apply two coats with reinforcement tape at all corners and pipe penetrations. If a tradesperson suggests skipping waterproofing or "just using good tile grout," find someone else immediately.

Hiring the Right Tradespeople in Prague

A bathtub-to-shower conversion typically involves a plumber and a tiler, or a bathroom fitter who handles both. If electrical work is needed, you'll also need an electrician.

Here's what to look for when choosing tradespeople for this project:

• Ask for photos of previous shower conversions — specifically wet rooms or walk-in showers, not just general bathroom work
• Request a written quote (cenová nabídka) that itemises labour and materials separately
• Check their IČO (company registration number) on ares.gov.cz to confirm they're a registered business
• Ask about waterproofing — a professional will be able to name the specific products they use and explain their method
• Agree on a timeline in writing, including start date, milestones, and what happens if the project runs over
• Clarify waste disposal — who removes the old bathtub, tiles, and debris? This should be included in the quote

For expats who don't speak Czech, communication is often the biggest challenge. Look specifically for tradespeople who speak English or are comfortable communicating through a translation app. Getting at least three quotes lets you compare not just prices but also how clearly each tradesperson communicates and understands your requirements.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Having seen many bathroom projects go right and wrong in Prague apartments, these are the pitfalls to watch for:

• Inadequate waterproofing: The number one cause of problems. Leaks may not appear for weeks or months, by which time the damage to your floor and your neighbour's ceiling can be extensive.
• Wrong drain position: If you're switching from a bathtub drain to a shower drain, the fall (slope) needs to be sufficient. A minimum 2% gradient toward the drain is standard. If the drain can't be repositioned, a raised shower tray may be the only option.
• Ignoring ventilation: Showers produce more localised steam than baths. Make sure your bathroom has adequate ventilation — ideally a working extractor fan (digestoř / ventilátor). In older Prague buildings, natural ventilation shafts may not be sufficient.
• Choosing style over function: Frameless glass looks beautiful, but a poorly installed panel will leak at the edges. Make sure the glass is at least 8 mm thick and properly sealed where it meets the wall and floor.
• No contract: Always get a smlouva o dílo (work contract) or at minimum a written agreement covering scope, price, timeline, and warranty terms. This protects both you and the tradesperson.

Post Your Job and Get Quotes on TraderPoint

If you're ready to convert your bathtub to a shower, you can post your bathroom conversion job on TraderPoint and receive quotes from local bathroom fitters and plumbers in Prague. Describe your current bathroom, what you'd like to achieve, and your budget range — tradespeople will respond with their offers, so you can compare prices and communication style before committing. TraderPoint verifies traders' phone numbers and email addresses, and traders can add their IČO for additional transparency.

Key Takeaways

• A bathtub-to-shower conversion in Prague costs 45 000–120 000 Kč in 2026, depending on complexity and finish level
• The project typically takes 3–7 working days
• Waterproofing is critical — never skip it, and verify your tradesperson's method before work begins
• Decide between a shower tray (simpler, cheaper) and a wet room (sleeker, more expensive) based on your building's floor type and budget
• Check SVJ rules if you live in an apartment building, especially if drain relocation is involved
• Get at least three written quotes, verify the tradesperson's IČO on ares.gov.cz, and agree on a contract before work starts
• Don't forget ventilation — a working extractor fan prevents mould problems after the conversion