I need to install a new shower (appr. 34″x 60″, no tub, nothing extravagant) as part of my whole house remodel. My wife thinks it would save time and money to just buy a prefab shower module and be done with it. She prefers a one-piece module so she doesn’t have to clean mildew from the caulking of a multi-piece unit.
However, I prefer the look of a custom built shower. I think it adds more interest to the room and more value to the home. Admittedly, I have no experience with tiling or building a shower pan. But, I consider myself a “professional diy’er” and really want an opportunity to say that I’ve done this before. My wife says she will support either decision.
I’ve relied on your judgement many times throughout this project and I haven’t regretted it so far. With that in mind, I’d really appreciate your advice and/or suggestions on this matter.
Is a custom built shower worth the effort, or am I likely to regret not buying the prefab?
Michael
New knowledge is priceless.
Used knowledge is even more valuable.
Replies
It's really a question of what you want. I would only put in a pre fab in a rental unit or something like that. In my own house, I would want something that looks nice and that certainly isn't a prefab. I would use the kerdi and their drain, etc setup. Thats a really nice system and not much of a learning curve, also the the customer service reps and sales reps are very helpful if you need it. It will cost more but how much depends on what tile you choose. Check out johnbridge for some more info on the kerdi too. I think your wife would like the tile much better if she saw the options she would have.
Note that a single-piece unit is hard to install in an existing structure (hard to physically get it into the building, etc). However, also note that multi-piece units don't necessarily have exposed caulk.
Also note that the wife is always right. Trumps all other rules.
Though the rule that trumps that is this: Don't bite off more than you can thoroughly chew and swallow before the wife is ready to leave the restaurant, whether you're leaving or not.
Compromise, and get the oveall look you're looking for. (Note that I am not affiliated with the prduct/company I'm about to recommend).
Laurel Marble and Tile will sell you a pre-formed, "cultured stone" shower base that already has the tile of your choice installed in the base. (There also may be a number of competing products -- do a little web research.) The base gets fitted with a standard shower drain, just like the prefab units.
You then build the stall, and tile the walls to match (buying the tile from one of the places that cater to contractors -- that's how you and Laurel Marble end up getting the same stuff). Or tiling with a contrasting color works well too.
Because it is a china base, it will never leak. Because the drain fitting is standard, repair parts can be bought from Home Depot. Because there is almost no caulk, there will be almost no mildew to worry about, and you can prevent that with proper treatment. Because it looks very much like a custom shower, your home value reacts accordingly.
And because you did it yourself, the DW might even appreciate it.
Politics is the antithesis of problem solving.
Our local cultured marble manufacturer is busier'n, well, heck installing shower stalls, pans and all, from custom cut slabs. Looks good, no grout, fast, expensive.
Check your local listings.
Troy Sprout
"A free people ought not only to be armed and disciplined, but they should also have sufficient arms and ammunition to maintain a status of independence from any who might attempt to abuse them, which would include their own government."
-- George Washington
Hi Mike,
Take a look at this site http://www.schluter.com/.
They make pre-fab bases and supply material for making custom
bases as well. I have used it and think it's terrific stuff.
Good Luck!
Tom
You Don't Want to Know.
You Aren't Going to Know.
Geezzz...being I already have this loaded in my copy and paste I may as well show you...I used Schluters preformed pan and the Kerdi. Makes things move along really quickly.
Personally in my own home I'd only do custom but its always a lot of work any way you slice it...but you'll see it every day for years so...
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In our previous house I installed a custom shower with tumbled marble, 2 shower heads etc... , and absolutely it was worth the effort. We loved having showers in it. I certainly never felt the same way about the other bathrooms that had 1pc shower units in them. When it came time to sell, everyone ooh'd and ahh'd about the shower room ( never heard anyone say that as they entered the bathrooms with the 1pc units).
However, the 1 pc units are far easier to clean, and do not require any maintenance. This may be an issue to the person assigned to those tasks.
Thanks to all of you for the very helpful comments on Kerdi and and the pre-tiled bases. I think you've convinced me to custom build my shower. Don't be surprised if you get a lot more questions when that project gets underway. :)
Michael
New knowledge is priceless.
Used knowledge is even more valuable.
One other method to consider, a little of both. I did a simple bath remodel last year using a multi-part corner shower unit and a 12X12 porcelain tile floor. To feature the tile, I cut some 6X12s for the base and some 4X12s as trim around the shower unit.
Of course I'm prejudiced but I thought it looked very nice, particularly considering the short amount of time it took to add the features.
The debate, or complaint, will always come down to maintenance time. If I were you, I'd be very careful to explain the difference to DW, before settling on a custom job. Otherwise you'll be the one, cleaning the tile and the grout, about once a month, for the rest of your natural life. ;-)