Skipping any step can cost you big down the road. Seen too many “budget” jobs end up way over budget after leaks show up...
Can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen this play out. I once worked with clients who wanted to save on waterproofing, and—no surprise—a year later, water damage meant ripping out half the new tile. They ended up paying twice. My own remodel ran about $20k, mostly because I insisted on top-notch prep and a good membrane. Corners and seams are always where things go sideways, in my experience. Worth every penny to get it right.
- I’m deep in my first reno and already learned the “cheap now, pay later” lesson.
- Thought about skipping the fancy membrane… then saw horror pics online and freaked out.
- My budget was $10k, but I’m already at $13k and not even done.
- Anyone else have sticker shock when they saw the price of grout and caulk? Like, how is that stuff so expensive?
- Curious—did anyone DIY the waterproofing or just leave it to the pros?
Anyone else have sticker shock when they saw the price of grout and caulk? Like, how is that stuff so expensive?
Man, I still remember standing in the aisle at the hardware store staring at a $40 tube of “premium” caulk like it was liquid gold. I swear, they must mix in unicorn tears or something. I went into my last bathroom reno thinking $8k would cover it—ha! Ended up closer to $14k once all the little stuff added up.
About waterproofing: I did it myself after watching a ton of videos and reading horror stories like you mentioned. It’s not rocket science, but you do need to be super thorough. The membrane felt pricey at first, but after seeing what happens when water gets behind tile... yeah, not worth skimping on. My only regret is not budgeting more for “surprises”—like the ancient plumbing that crumbled as soon as I touched it.
Hang in there. The pain fades eventually and you’ll forget about the cost every time you step into your awesome new shower.
I hear you on the sticker shock—my last bathroom redo, I thought I was being clever by buying “mid-range” everything, but those little things like grout, caulk, and random plumbing bits just kept piling up. Ended up at $11k when I’d hoped for $7k. Honestly, I almost skipped the membrane too, but after seeing a neighbor’s mold disaster, I bit the bullet. No regrets there. It’s wild how fast the budget can spiral once you start opening walls...
It’s wild how fast the budget can spiral once you start opening walls...
That’s the truth. I’ve seen “simple” bathroom jobs double in cost just because of hidden water damage or old plumbing that needs replacing. Membrane is one of those things people regret skipping—worth every penny for peace of mind.
