If you’ve been thinking about upgrading your bath or shower, you might be wondering what the installation process actually looks like. Will it be messy? How long will it take? What challenges could arise?
The good news is that while every home is different, an experienced team—like the one at Joyce Windows, Sunrooms & Baths—has the expertise to handle everything smoothly and professionally.
Let’s walk through what you can generally expect from start to finish when installing a new bath or shower in your home.
Preparing Your Home and Bathroom for Installation
Prior to the installation team’s arrival, it would be helpful if you could clear any personal items in your bathroom, especially in the bath or shower area. Also if possible, if you could designate a workspace—such as a garage or a driveway—for cutting materials for your bath project. Completing these two tasks prior to arrival will save everyone a little time.
Pro Tip: Take a few before pictures; it is a great way to measure the impact of your new bath or shower.
The installation team arrives at your home ready to protect your space before any work begins. They’ll introduce themselves, lay down drop cloths from the front door to the bathroom, and inspect adjacent rooms for fragile items like pictures or decorations that could be affected by the vibrations of demolition and installation.This preparation typically takes about an hour, ensuring everything is set up for a safe and efficient installation.
The Demolition Process
Once the setup is complete, the team moves into demolition. The difficulty of this step depends on the type of existing bath or shower.
A fiberglass unit can often be removed in under an hour, while older cast iron tubs with tile and plaster walls may take an entire day to tear out. Some older homes have mud-set tile, which can be as thick as two inches—similar to breaking up a concrete driveway inside your bathroom.
The goal is to strip everything down to the studs, preparing the space for new materials.
Plumbing Evaluation and Adjustments
With the space now opened up, the next step is evaluating the plumbing.
The water is shut off, and the existing valve is replaced. This process is straightforward if your home has modern copper or plastic piping. However, additional adaptations may be needed if the plumbing is older galvanized or cast iron pipe.
In homes with concrete slab foundations, moving a drain even a few inches may require jackhammering to properly move the drain. Depending on the complexity of your home’s plumbing, this phase can vary in time and effort.
Installing the Shower Base or Tub
Once plumbing adjustments are complete, the new base or tub is installed. This involves mixing and laying a mortar bed to provide a solid foundation. This step is crucial because the mortar needs time to cure overnight before the team can proceed. This is often the final step of the first day, ensuring the base is secure and adequately supported.
Shower Wall Installation and Accessories
Day two begins with installing moisture-resistant drywall, followed by measuring, cutting, and fitting the wall panels precisely to your space. These panels are secured with special adhesive and trim pieces.
Next, the team installs shelving, seats, grab bars, and other accessories you may have chosen.
Finally, the plumbing trim—such as showerheads and handhelds—is attached, and the curtain rod or shower door is installed.
If a custom glass shower door is part of your design, accurate measurements for your door will be taken upon completing the above steps. There is minimal play with the measurements of these doors, and it’s essential to get it right the first time. This requires that a return visit be scheduled for the installation of your shower door. However, a temporary shower curtain could be viable while waiting for your new doors.
Final Walkthrough and Cleanup
Before wrapping up, the team meticulously seals all seams with high-quality silicone caulking. They then conduct a walkthrough with you to ensure everything functions properly. This is your opportunity to ask questions and ensure the job meets your expectations. Once complete, the team cleans up the space, leaving your new bath or shower ready for use.
Post-Installation Follow-Up
After your installation, we send out a customer survey to ensure you’re satisfied with your new bath or shower. While we don’t make individual follow-up calls, we always encourage you to reach out with any questions or concerns.
Ready for Your Bath Transformation?
When it comes to remodeling your bathroom, we understand that the process and installation can feel overwhelming. You want a high-quality upgrade that enhances your home, but you also need reassurance that it will last. Now that you know what to expect, you can feel confident starting your bath or shower renovation.
At Joyce, we specialize in providing premium bath and shower solutions that are designed for long-term durability and are backed by expert installation and a commitment to customer satisfaction.
Our team is here to provide a seamless, stress-free experience with high-quality craftsmanship. If you’re ready to take the next step, reach out to Joyce Windows, Sunrooms & Baths today to schedule your free consultation!
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