Week zero

Before the first day

Most of what makes a week go well happens before we pick up a tool.

The visit
About an hour at your home. We measure the tub opening, check the floor and the walls, find the drain and the valve, and ask how you'd like to use the shower.
Your choices
You pick acrylic or tile, the color, the fixtures, and whether you want a seat, grab bars or a glass door. We bring samples, so you don't have to decide on the spot.
Getting ready
Before day one you get the written quote and the day-by-day schedule. We order everything, then confirm the start date. You clear the bathroom and the path to it.

A tile shower, day by day

The crew is there on weekdays, in the daytime. Some jobs run a day longer or shorter, and we tell you if yours does.

Day 1
Step 1: Cover, shut off, tear out
We cover the floors and the hall, shut off the water and take out the tub and the old walls. You use another bathroom from today. If you don't have one, tell us at the visit and we plan around it.
- You: use the other bathroom and keep pets away from the work area.
Day 2
Step 2: Plumbing and waterproofing
The new valve and drain go in, and we look behind the old walls. If there is rot or a leak, we stop, show you a photo and write you the price before we go on. Then the waterproof layer goes up.
- You: say yes or no to any change we show you.
Day 3
Step 3: Tile goes up
Walls and floor are tiled. The tile needs to set overnight, so it is a quiet evening in the house.
- You: nothing. The bathroom stays closed overnight.
Day 4
Step 4: Grout, sealer and glass
Grout and sealer go in. If you chose a glass door, it is measured now and installed a few days later, once it is made.
- You: choose a day for the glass fitting, if you chose glass.
Day 5
Step 5: Fixtures and walk-through
The shower head, handle, drain cover and any grab bars go on. We run the water with you, clean up and show you how to care for the tile.
- You: check the work with us and ask anything.

Acrylic needs no tile to set, so the job is shorter. It is usually two or three working days.

Day 1
Step 1: Tear-out and plumbing
We cover the floors, take out the tub and old walls, and set the new valve and drain. If we find rot, we stop and show you first.
Day 2
Step 2: Base and walls
The new base and the acrylic wall panels go in and are sealed.
Day 3
Step 3: Fixtures and walk-through
Shower head, handle and drain cover go on. We run the water with you and clean up.

Someone needs to be there on day one to let us in and make decisions, and on the last day for the walk-through. In between, you don't have to be.

Tear-out on day one is the loudest part. We close the bathroom door with plastic sheeting, cover the path through the house and vacuum every evening.

Yes, most people do. You need another bathroom for the days the shower is out.

We write it down for you after the visit.