Why choosing a certified tile installer saves you money
What a certification means for your lake home investment
When you’re planning a renovation for your lake home, comparing quotes makes sense. Nobody wants to overpay. But the lowest bid doesn’t always save you money, especially when it comes to tile work.
A builder we know made his decision based primarily on price. A quote for a curbless shower with heated floors came in well below ours. Three years later, he called us back. The shower was leaking into the basement. By the time we completed the repairs, he’d spent nearly twice as much as hiring a certified tile installer would have cost initially.
At Glen’s Diamond Tile, we see this more often than we’d like. Homeowners deserve to understand what separates a good value from the costly mistake of hiring a cheap contractor.
The hidden cost of the lowest bid
The previously mentioned builder needed to install a curbless shower with heated bathroom floors. Our estimate included a Schluter waterproofing system with certified installation. Another bid came in significantly less and used older methods.
The finished work looked fine initially. But three years later, when the home went on the market, an inspection revealed water damage in the basement.
Behind the shower walls, we found mold, wet drywall, and cracked tile from repeated water exposure. The heated floor wiring was damaged. To make matters worse, the original tile had been discontinued, and we couldn’t source a match. The entire shower floor and part of the wall needed replacement.
The builder paid for installation twice, plus electrician fees, plumbing work, drywall, and painting. Proper shower waterproofing from the start would have saved money and weeks of disruption.
Proper installations vs. shortcuts
Quality waterproofing uses systems engineered for wet environments. Schluter has developed a complete system where components work together: the Kerdi membrane, board, and drain integration all function as one solution.
Manufacturer certification training teaches not just installation steps, but why each matters and what happens when corners get cut. This education separates certified professionals from those who learned through trial and error. It’s critical when integrating luxury features like heated shower benches or heated floors. Many homeowners choose heated shower benches for that spa-like comfort, but improper installation can compromise both the heating element and the waterproofing.
Some tile setters use liquid waterproofing that rolls on like paint. When applied correctly and at the right thickness with multiple coats, some products can work. Many who use these methods can’t explain proper application methods. In lake homes where temperatures fluctuate seasonally, improper applications fail more quickly.
Your shower sees more water than your roof
Most people assume roofs are exposed to the harshest water conditions. But your shower actually endures more.
Daily temperature swings and freezing-thawing cycles in vacant lake homes create consistent stress. Your roof sees occasional rain with dry periods in between. This is why waterproofing tile deserves the same attention you’d give to decisions about your roof.
Red flags to look for when comparing quotes
- Immediate availability: Quality professionals stay booked weeks or months out.
- No manufacturer certifications: Certified tile installers have invested in learning proper techniques, not just surface-level work.
- Vague about waterproofing: When you ask what system they’ll use, listen for specifics. Value terms like “waterproof coating” or “the roll-on kind” should raise concerns.
- Can’t explain the process clearly: Well-trained professionals walk you through their approach with confidence.
- Timeline seems unrealistic: Proper installation takes time. Unusually fast promises indicate shortcuts.
Five questions worth asking
- What waterproofing system will you use? Listen for specific answers. Generic responses require follow-up questions.
- Are you certified by the manufacturer? Certification proves completed training and proper understanding of the product.
- How will you prepare the substrate? This determines whether waterproofing works. Good answers include details about inspection, repairs, and drainage.
- What’s your typical timeline? The response should account for proper preparation. Be cautious of promises that sound too good to be true.
- Walk me through your installation process. A craftsman, like Glen, explains each phase confidently.
The real cost of failure
When waterproofing fails, the expenses extend beyond fixing the shower itself.
Structural damage requires subflooring replacement, mold remediation, and drywall removal and reinstallation. You’ll also need to coordinate multiple trades, like electricians to repair damaged heated-floor systems and plumbers to replace fixtures.
If you use your lake home as a rental property, you’ll lose income during weeks of repairs. If you’re selling, inspectors will flag issues, which may delay your closing or require credits for buyers.
Material challenges add another layer of complexity. When the original tile gets discontinued, you can’t just patch the damaged area. You’re forced into complete replacement, extending your timeline and multiplying labor costs.
For lake owners who aren’t on-site regularly, small leaks become major problems between visits.
When investing more saves you money
One of our customers compared quotes for a custom shower made with tile he’d already purchased. Two bids came in below ours. One wouldn’t commit to using all his tile. The other struggled to explain the installation process clearly.
Despite our higher quote, he chose us because we answered every question thoroughly. We explained how we’d work with his materials and create the custom bench he wanted.
During installation, we hit an unexpected challenge. We found a solution that integrated seamlessly. It looked intentional, not improvised.
The cheapest bid rarely delivers the best value.
Protecting your investment
Even perfectly installed tile benefits from professional care. Our customized maintenance program includes cleaning and resealing as needed to prevent minor issues from becoming expensive problems.
Lake-home clients often schedule annual service before summer arrives. Our team cleans, inspects, and reseals your tile so it’s perfect when you arrive. Learn more about how maintenance protects your tile.
Before you decide
Consider these questions:
How will you feel about this shower day in and day out? Done beautifully, it’s something you’ll appreciate constantly. With problems, it’s a daily frustration.
What’s the real savings if you hire a cheap contractor and repairs are needed in five years? Factor in the cost of original installation, repair costs, disruption to your schedule, discontinued materials, and coordinating tradespeople again.
How important is getting this done once? Bathroom renovations often disrupt your space for weeks. For seasonal lake homes, managing a second round gets complicated.
You’re investing in waterproofing that protects your home’s structure and quality, lasting for decades.
Making the best choice
You’ve made a significant investment in your lake home. The installations protecting it deserve certified craftsmanship.
The team at Glen’s Diamond Tile completes manufacturer certification for the systems we use. We explain our process so you understand what you’re getting. We answer questions in detail because we’ve seen what happens when work is done poorly.
Your home deserves custom tile showers built with proven systems and attention to detail.
Comparing quotes can feel overwhelming. Get in touch with the team at Glen’s to answer questions about your project. We’ll share what proper installation looks like and why using a certified tile installer matters.