Shower remodels for Tacoma homes.

Signs your shower needs more than new grout

Regrouting is a band-aid when the problem is behind the tile. These are the clues we look for on a Tacoma walkthrough:

• Tiles that flex or sound hollow when pressed
• Black staining that comes back days after cleaning
• Soft drywall or paint bubbling outside the shower
• A ceiling stain on the floor below
• A valve that drips or will not hold temperature

What a rebuild looks like

We remove the tile and backing down to studs, check and repair framing, set new backer board, and cover every wet surface with a bonded membrane that ties into the drain. Then the tile goes on. If the valve is old, this is the moment to swap it, since the wall is already open.

The result is a shower that is waterproof because of what is underneath, not because the grout is fresh.

Old valves in old houses

Many older Tacoma homes have two-handle or early single-handle valves for which replacement parts are hard to find. A modern pressure-balancing or thermostatic valve keeps the temperature steady when someone flushes downstairs. If supply lines to the valve are galvanized, we will recommend replacing at least the section inside the wall.

Niches, benches and glass

A recessed niche keeps bottles off the floor and gets framed before any tile goes up. A bench can be built into the shower if the footprint allows. For glass, we plan the tile and curb so a fixed panel or door fits cleanly; ask about glass when you get your estimate.