When a Bathroom Remodel Goes Wrong:

Homeowners often assume that once a remodel is complete, the hard part is over. Unfortunately, that is not always the case.

Each year, we are brought in on several remodel takeover projects where a recently completed renovation begins to fail, sometimes within months, sometimes within a year. These situations are stressful, expensive, and completely avoidable with the right construction practices from the beginning.

One of the most common spaces we see these issues occur is the bathroom.

The Hidden Risks Behind a “Finished” Bathroom

Bathrooms are among the most technically demanding rooms in a home. While tile, fixtures, and finishes are what homeowners see, the real work happens behind the walls and under the floors.

Improper waterproofing, especially at the shower pan, is one of the leading causes of bathroom failures. When a shower pan is not installed correctly, water does not immediately show itself. Instead, it slowly migrates into framing, subfloors, and surrounding areas, causing damage long before visible signs appear.

By the time homeowners notice leaks, musty odors, or loose tile, the damage is often extensive.

A Common Scenario We See Too Often

We recently began work on a bathroom that had been renovated approximately one year earlier. On the surface, the bathroom appeared complete. However, the shower pan had been improperly installed, leading to ongoing leaks and water damage behind the walls and beneath the flooring.

This is not an isolated incident.

We see similar patterns across many remodel takeovers:

• Shower pans installed without proper slope or waterproofing systems

• Missing or improperly applied waterproof membranes

• Fasteners placed through waterproofing layers

• Inadequate prep beneath tile and stone

• Work that passes a visual inspection but fails functionally

None of these issues are immediately visible to a homeowner. That is what makes them so costly.

Why “Bad Builders” Are Hard to Spot at First

Most homeowners are not experts in construction, nor should they be. The challenge is that poor workmanship often looks acceptable in the short term.

A bathroom can photograph well and still be fundamentally flawed.

In many cases, issues arise because:

• Projects are rushed to meet tight timelines

• Proper materials are substituted with cheaper alternatives

• Waterproofing steps are skipped or simplified

• Work is performed by inexperienced crews without oversight

This does not always stem from bad intentions, but the outcome is the same. The homeowner pays twice.

What a Remodel Takeover Really Means

A remodel takeover is rarely just a repair. In most cases, it requires removing recently installed materials to access and correct the underlying problem.

That often means:

• Demolition of tile, showers, or flooring

• Repairing water-damaged framing or subfloors

• Rebuilding the space correctly from the ground up

It is frustrating for homeowners to undo work that was just completed. Our role in these projects is not to assign blame, but to diagnose the issue, explain the solution clearly, and rebuild the space properly so it lasts.

Our Philosophy: Do It Right, Even When No One Can See It

At the core of our work is a simple principle: the parts you do not see matter the most.

We follow proven installation methods, manufacturer specifications, and best practices for waterproofing and construction. That means taking the time to prep correctly, using proper systems, and ensuring every layer works together as it should.

This approach protects our clients long after the project is finished.

How Homeowners Can Protect Themselves

If you are planning a bathroom remodel or any major renovation, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Ask how waterproofing is handled, not just what tile will be used

• Request details about shower pan systems and installation methods

• Make sure permits and inspections are part of the process when required

• Choose a builder who explains the process, not just the price

A well-built bathroom should perform just as well behind the walls as it does in photos.

Turning a Setback into a Proper Solution

While it is unfortunate when homeowners experience failed renovations, we are grateful when we are trusted to step in and make things right. These projects allow us to do what we do best: solve problems, restore confidence, and deliver spaces that are built to last.

We will be sharing the progress and final results of this bathroom remodel soon. What began as a frustrating situation is being transformed into a space that truly earns its five-star rating.