I get the frustration with epoxy grout, but I actually prefer it for showers—less maintenance down the line, even if install is a pain. I’ve seen regular grout, even sealed, start to break down after a few years in high-moisture spots. Did you notice any issues with mold or cracking before you switched? And about those supply lines—sometimes I wonder if folks skip them to save money, but then regret it when a leak pops up later. Ever had that happen?
Funny you mention the supply lines—I've seen more than a few “budget” flips where someone tried to save a couple hundred bucks by skipping them, and then they end up with a water stain on the ceiling six months later. Not worth it, in my opinion. I always swap them during a remodel, just for peace of mind.
As for grout, I used to be in the regular camp until I had to redo a shower in one of my rentals after only three years. Mold city, and some cracks too. Epoxy’s a pain to work with (and yeah, my tile guy grumbles every time), but it’s been holding up way better. Have you noticed any yellowing with epoxy over time? That’s the only thing I’ve heard complaints about.
Curious—did you DIY or hire out? Labor costs seem all over the place lately...
I hear you on the supply lines—I've seen too many horror stories from people trying to cut corners. It’s such a small percentage of the overall cost, but skipping it can really come back to haunt you. I always tell friends, if you’re already tearing things apart, just do it right the first time.
On the grout, I’ve actually had decent luck with epoxy, though I get what you’re saying about yellowing. In my last place, the white grout in the shower did start to look a little off after a couple years, but it was more noticeable in spots that didn’t get much light. The rest held up really well and never got moldy, which was a huge relief compared to the old stuff.
As for labor, I did a mix—hired out plumbing and electrical, but handled demo and tiling myself. Prices were all over the map, especially post-pandemic. Some quotes were double what I expected. Doing parts myself saved a chunk, but it definitely dragged the timeline out. If I had to do it again, I might just bite the bullet and pay for a full crew...
I totally get the temptation to DIY as much as possible, but man, the time trade-off is real. I did my own tiling once and it took me forever—looked good in the end, but I was over it halfway through. Honestly, paying for pros can be worth it just for your sanity, even if it stings a bit up front. And yeah, those supply lines are such a small thing to cheap out on... not worth the risk of a leak down the road.
- Totally agree on the time trade-off—DIY can eat up your weekends for months if you’re not careful.
- I’ve seen a lot of folks get halfway through and realize they’re in over their heads, especially with plumbing or tile work.
- Paying for pros isn’t just about the finish, it’s about avoiding headaches down the line.
- Those supply lines? Yeah, not the place to save a few bucks. I’ve seen $10 parts cause $2k in water damage... not worth it.
- If you’re going to DIY, at least splurge on quality materials and double-check your work. Sometimes peace of mind is worth every penny.
