Tub to walk in shower conversion

[joel2000]

I was in the flooring/tile installation biz for 40 yrs. Unfortunately heart surgery in 2019 ended that. I built many custom showers & always left my customers with a big smile. Always used old school methods. If you do the tearout/cleanup yourself ,then have your plumber relocate the controls & drain you will save $$$. When interviewing tile men ask lots of questions (about procedures & leak prevention) even though every job is different preparation is basically the same & is very important! Be sure they use a moisture barrier/anti fracture membrane product. Know in advance what you want - shelves,seat,recess,soap dish,grab bars,etc. Add ons or surprises are good excuses to charge more after they’ve started. Have them make you a complete material list & have it on the job when started. Check progress daily , if you see something ask questions. Most people who know what they’re doing don’t mind answering questions or explaining procedures. I always gave customers options & let them make decisions never tell them to do it like it’s theirs, always act like you know what you want & what’s going on even if you don’t. There’s a lot of half assed workers around that produce half asset results out there. Take time to try to find somebody competent it makes a difference in the end.

Great advise. I was a GC for over 30 yrs. As the saying goes… Good work is not cheap, cheap work is not good. Pros stay busy.

 

[gh1950]

I was a GC for over 30 yrs.

Good advice.

Not knocking GC, my father worked for two major commercial GC in Atlanta for a combined 60 years, and my brother does the same. Both did well.

But my recent experience with a major house project has left me a little jaundiced.

GC said he had a regular crew of undocumented guest workers, he contracted with them, and added 20% to "manage" them - I paid for all the materials directly. Respectfully declined.

 

[joel2000]

Good advice.

Not knocking GC, my father worked for two major commercial GC in Atlanta for a combined 60 years, and my brother does the same. Both did well.

But my recent experience with a major house project has left me a little jaundiced.

GC said he had a regular crew of undocumented guest workers, he contracted with them, and added 20% to "manage" them - I paid for all the materials directly. Respectfully declined.

Smart move I would say. Looks like you learned from your Dad. One thing you don't want is a GC or Sub you have to chase down if there is an issue that should be warranty. If you would even find them ...