Contractor Quote Checklist
Walk-In Shower Quote Checklist Before Remodel
Short answer: a walk-in shower quote should spell out demolition, waterproofing system, drain location, floor slope, tile allowance, glass enclosure, fixture model assumptions, ventilation, wall repair, permit responsibility, warranty terms, and change-order triggers before work starts.
This guide is for a homeowner replacing a tub, old shower, or builder-grade surround with a walk-in shower. The finished photo is easy to imagine. The quote is harder because the expensive mistakes are often behind the wall or under the tile.
Do not approve a shower quote that only says “remove tub and install shower.” Ask how the contractor will handle waterproofing, drainage, framing, fixtures, glass, ventilation, and surface repairs.
Start With Demolition And Discovery
The quote should say what is being removed: tub, surround, tile, drywall, backer board, valve, drain, floor covering, trim, and disposal. It should also explain what happens if hidden damage is found.
Water damage, mold-like staining, subfloor problems, old plumbing, or framing repairs can change the scope. Ask whether discovery work is included, excluded, or handled by written change order.
Waterproofing Is The Core Of The Job
Ask the contractor to name the waterproofing system, not just the tile. Tile and grout are finish materials. The quote should explain the backer board or substrate, membrane, seams, corners, niches, curb, pan, and drain connection.
EPA moisture guidance is a useful reminder: moisture control matters inside homes. A shower quote that treats waterproofing as a vague line item is not detailed enough.
Drain Location And Slope Should Be Written Down
If the project moves from a tub to a shower, the drain may need to move. Ask whether plumbing relocation, trap access, floor cutting, patching, and inspection are included.
The quote should also describe shower floor slope, curb or curbless assumptions, and whether structural changes are needed. Curbless showers can be excellent, but they are not just a glass decision.
Tile And Fixture Allowances Need Boundaries
Tile, trim, niche size, grout, edging, valve, showerhead, handheld spray, and grab-bar blocking can all change the job. If the quote uses allowances, ask what happens if the chosen materials require different labor, layout, cuts, or waterproofing details.
Do not compare two shower quotes unless each one states what material choices are assumed.
Glass Enclosure Details Affect The Final Result
Ask whether glass is included and whether it is framed, semi-frameless, frameless, sliding, hinged, fixed panel, or a curtain-ready opening. The quote should state measurement timing, hardware finish, installation responsibility, and whether wall blocking is needed.
Walk-In Shower Quote Table
| Quote area | Ask for | Risk if vague |
|---|---|---|
| Demolition | Removal, disposal, hidden damage rules | Discovery costs arrive late. |
| Waterproofing | System name, seams, pan, curb, niche details | Leaks can be blamed on finish materials. |
| Drain | Location, relocation, slope, access, inspection | Floor work expands after demolition. |
| Materials | Tile, grout, trim, fixtures, allowance limits | Selections trigger labor changes. |
| Glass | Type, hardware, measurement, installation timing | Final enclosure becomes a separate surprise. |
Ventilation And Finishing Should Not Be Afterthoughts
Ask whether the quote includes exhaust fan review, drywall patching, paint touch-up, trim, flooring transition, threshold, and cleanup. A shower can be watertight and still leave the bathroom unfinished if surrounding work is excluded.
Questions To Ask Before Approval
- What waterproofing system is included?
- Will the drain move, and who handles plumbing permits?
- What tile, grout, trim, and fixture assumptions are included?
- Is glass included, and when is it measured?
- What happens if hidden water damage is found?
- Are ventilation, drywall, paint, flooring transitions, and cleanup included?
- What warranty covers labor and waterproofing?
Source Links
- EPA: Mold, moisture, and your home
- EPA: Renovation, Repair and Painting Program
- FTC: How to avoid a home improvement scam
- CDC: Mold health basics
FAQ
Should a shower quote name the waterproofing system?
Yes. The quote should describe the substrate, membrane, seams, pan, drain connection, niche, curb, and warranty assumptions.
Is glass usually included?
Sometimes. Ask whether glass is included, what type is assumed, when it is measured, and whether hardware finish is included.
What is the biggest hidden cost risk?
Hidden water damage, plumbing relocation, structural floor changes, and material selections that require extra labor are common change-order triggers.
Should ventilation be reviewed?
Yes. A bathroom remodel that adds a new shower should consider exhaust fan condition, moisture control, and paint or wall repair around the shower area.
Can I compare quotes by tile allowance alone?
No. Tile allowance matters, but waterproofing, drain work, layout complexity, glass, fixtures, permits, and finishing scope can matter more.
Internal Link Candidates
- Bathroom remodel cost planning before contractors
- Kitchen cabinet installation quote checklist before approval
- Drywall repair quote checklist before approval
Before approving a walk-in shower quote, ask the contractor to show the waterproofing scope as clearly as the tile and glass selections.