From a Tile Pro: How to Tell If Your Shower Remodel Is on the Right Track

I am a second-generation tile contractor with decades of hands-on experience, I’ve been called to evaluate countless showers that were mid-construction, or worse, recently “finished” but already showing signs of poor craftsmanship.

Homeowners often reach out when they start noticing something that just doesn’t feel right during their remodel. They are searching for answers, sending pictures, and asking for advice. An honest recommendation.

Before We Go Further: Who Are You in This Process!

What Kind of Homeowner Are You?

To better understand this article and apply it to your own situation, take a moment to identify which type of homeowner you are.

Doing this will help you better interpret the things you may be seeing in your shower project, and why you’ve ended up here searching for answers.

A. You’re someone who values planning and education. You like to understand the process before jumping into a project, making sure everything is done right the first time. You’re here to gather knowledge and avoid mistakes before they happen.

B. You’ve already been through a bad experience. Maybe a shower leak, a failed remodel, or you’re currently in the middle of a project where things just don’t feel right. You’ve hired a contractor, but now you’re starting to second-guess their work.

Whichever one you are, welcome. This blog is designed to help you. Whether you’re planning ahead or trying to make sense of a job already in progress, the goal is the same: to give you the tools and insights to protect your home, your investment, and your peace of mind.

Who Did You Hire: A Remodeler or a Specialized Tile Contractor?

There are two common types of contractors homeowners turn to for a project like this:

• General remodelers, who take on all kinds of home renovation jobs and include tile as one part of their services.

• Specialized tile contractors, who dedicate their craft exclusively to tile installation and related systems like shower systems or traditional PVC liner methods.

The difference matters. A lot.

A true tile specialist tends to cost more than a general remodeler, and for good reason. Specialization brings deeper understanding, better technique, and no shortcuts, if he's a true professional with integrity. When you hire someone who works with tile every day, you’re hiring someone who knows how to build a shower that functions and lasts, not just one that looks finished.

Why Shower Work Is Not Like Any Other Tile Job

If you install a tile floor poorly, it’s often just cosmetic. But a failed shower install? That’s a much bigger problem.

Surface imperfections like crooked tile or bad grout are already red flags. But what’s more alarming is what may be happening underneath. Improper slope, missing waterproofing, and poorly sealed seams are where real damage begins.

Once water penetrates a weak point in the system, it can silently destroy your framing, subfloor, and walls for weeks before you notice.

That’s why this is not the place to hire based on price alone. The tile is just the skin. The true strength of your shower lies beneath it.

The First Sign: Punctuality Says a Lot

That first visit is crucial. It’s not just a walkthrough. It’s where mutual respect begins. If the appointment was made days in advance, there’s no excuse for being late.

Professionals treat that moment with seriousness. They consider the date, time, and context. (8 a.m. on a Saturday is not the same as 8 a.m. on a Monday.)

If a contractor doesn’t respect your time before work begins, what can you expect once the project starts?

Ask This Before It’s Too Late: “Who’s Doing the Plumbing Work?”

During the first meeting, ask this simple but essential question:

“Who will be handling the plumbing?”

This question not only protects the homeowner, but also reveals the true character and professionalism of the contractor.

In many states, general contractors and tile contractors don’t need licenses. That means some take on electrical or plumbing work without qualifications. A major liability for you as a homeowner.

If your tile contractor says,“I’ll handle the plumbing too,”that’s a red flag. It may save time or money on paper, but it puts your home at risk. His insurance does not pay for damages in the event of a water pipe breakage.

A true professional knows their limits and works with licensed trades when needed. Anything else shows a lack of ethics and a disregard for your safety.

Common Warning Signs That Something’s Not Right

• Uneven tile layout. Poor planning or rushed work.

• Improper slope to the drain. Water should always flow toward the drain.

• Exposed or incomplete waterproofing. Unsealed corners, visible seams, or loose fabric.

• Premature grouting. Shows impatience or lack of understanding.

• Cheap or unapproved materials. Substandard thinset, backer boards, or liners.

If the Wrong Materials Show Up, That’s Your Cue to Stop Everything

If the waterproofing isn’t what you agreed on, the thinset looks unfamiliar, or the tile boxes don’t match the product you selected, stop the job immediately.

This is not a misunderstanding. It’s a breach of trust. If they’re cutting corners, they’re doing it with your money. Letting it slide sends the wrong message and opens the door to more problems.

If Your Contractor Is Tiling Over a PVC Liner Without Proper Prep, Stop Everything

A contractor who installs tile walls directly over a PVC liner with no mud bed, no flood

Tile Installed over PVC Liner. Credits to photo owner.

test, and no waterproofing is skipping the most critical steps in building a shower.

If they respond with, “That’s how I’ve always done it,” that’s not a method. That’s a shortcut.

Document what you see and stop the work immediately. The longer they continue, the worse the damage could be.

Smell Alcohol on the Jobsite? Don’t Hesitate. End It Immediately

If you smell alcohol or find evidence of drinking on-site, stop the job on the spot.

Allowing work to continue under the influence puts your project, your safety, and your insurance at risk. If someone is injured on your property, your homeowners insurance may be held responsible. That’s a risk no one should take.

A contractor who drinks on the job is not just careless. They’re dangerous.

Every Shower Is Unique, But You’re Not Alone

There are many more scenarios, systems, and warning signs we could discuss. Every shower is different, and every homeowner deserves clarity.

Whether you’re in Houston or anywhere else, you can reach out to us with questions. If you have concerns about your contractor, process, or materials, just send us an email.

We’ll respond with honest, experienced insight. No pressure. No upsell. Just guidance from a professional who knows showers inside and out.

At Houston Tile Works, we believe in doing things right. We’re here to help you make sure your shower is too.