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Hassin Bin Sober

(26,272 posts)
12. That makes a little more sense re: $1000 for materials.
Sun Apr 28, 2013, 08:11 AM
Apr 2013

The good news is that is a state of the art system for building showers. So we know you are dealing with someone who knows how to build a shower. That Kerdi stuff is suitable for a steam shower and will keep the moisture AND water inside the shower where it belongs.

I can't tell you how many nightmare stories I've seen or read about regarding poorly constructed showers that leak and turn moldy because the installer had no idea how to build a leak-proof shower. Apparently there are still people out there who think tile and grout are meant to stop water from migrating to your floor and walls.

I always say I would never but a home with a walk in shower unless I saw it built. I had a client almost buy a condo with three walk-in showers. They moved in and didn't close due to financial troubles with the builder - by the time they moved out six months later, every shower was leaking. I used to think tubs with showers were kind of dummy-proof but I just replaced a tub for a friend in a ten year old condo. The tub (and drywall below) had been "repaired" over and over since the condo was purchased.

When I heard $1000 dollars for material, I thought that was really steep for some dry pack mortar (4 bucks a bag) and a $60 dollar pan liner. But I know that Kerdi stuff is expensive. And that is a good sized shower.

Not sure what to tell you regarding his oops/price. I'm of two minds on the subject. I've been on both sides of the equation and can understand mistakes and mis communications happen. I also know there are unscrupulous contractors that like to play games.

I suppose you could always bring in another contractor to give you a price for a similar build. That could get messy. Especially if you can't find another Kerdi guy.

You could also post over at the John Bridge tile forums. There are a bunch of pros over there who do Kerdi. In fact, it's their favorite system. They are a REALLY friendly bunch over there.

Question on dealing with contractors [View all] Ruby the Liberal Apr 2013 OP
Depends on where you live. OffWithTheirHeads Apr 2013 #1
Thanks for the heads up. Ruby the Liberal Apr 2013 #2
I don't think he forgot anything. Wash. state Desk Jet Apr 2013 #3
Thanks for another set of eyes/ears on this for me. Ruby the Liberal Apr 2013 #4
Is he pouring a concrete shower base or installing a pre-made pan? Hassin Bin Sober Apr 2013 #5
Heya HBS Ruby the Liberal Apr 2013 #8
That makes a little more sense re: $1000 for materials. Hassin Bin Sober Apr 2013 #12
Yikes! Ruby the Liberal Apr 2013 #13
Tell him the oops belongs to him, and he will need to eat that. mbperrin Apr 2013 #6
A bit too extreme ! Wash. state Desk Jet Apr 2013 #7
In 15 years, I never had a client fail to pay in full what they owed. mbperrin Apr 2013 #10
Your method was as good as it gets. Wash. state Desk Jet Apr 2013 #14
Generational knowledge is a great thing, and it gives us a special bond. mbperrin Apr 2013 #15
Thank you for adding your thoughts/experience to this dilema. Ruby the Liberal Apr 2013 #9
Sorry you're having trouble at all. mbperrin Apr 2013 #11
What I am seeing over those numbers Wash. state Desk Jet Apr 2013 #16
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