8k sounds pretty reasonable, especially if you outsourced plumbing and electrical. Those two can really add up fast. But honestly, I think sealing is one of those things that's worth taking your sweet time on—moisture issues can be a real headache down the road.
I get why you'd rush it though; by the end of a remodel, you're just ready to be done already. But here's a thought: sometimes it's not just about how carefully you seal, but also about what materials you're using underneath. Did you use cement board or waterproof membranes behind your tile? I've found that even if your sealing job isn't perfect, having solid waterproofing layers underneath can save you from bigger moisture problems.
When I did my own bathroom last year, I was tempted to skip some steps (because who isn't?), but I forced myself to slow down and double-check everything. Even then, I still had a minor leak around the shower niche—turns out I'd missed a tiny spot with the waterproofing membrane. Luckily it was an easy fix, but it taught me that sealing alone isn't always enough.
Anyway, if you're noticing moisture now, don't panic yet. You might be able to address it without tearing everything apart. Maybe try resealing the grout lines or adding better ventilation first? A good exhaust fan upgrade can sometimes make a huge difference in moisture control.
Either way, sounds like you learned a valuable lesson for next time... and hey, every remodel has its hiccups.
8k isn't bad, but honestly, I'd say it's on the lower end if you're outsourcing plumbing and electrical. Those two trades alone can chew through your budget faster than you'd think, especially if you're dealing with older homes or unexpected issues behind the walls.
I get your point about sealing and waterproofing, but I'd argue that ventilation is just as critical—maybe even more so. I've seen plenty of bathrooms with meticulous waterproofing jobs still end up with mold and moisture issues because the ventilation was an afterthought. A lot of folks underestimate just how much steam and humidity a hot shower generates daily. If your exhaust fan isn't powerful enough or isn't vented properly to the outside (and you'd be surprised how many aren't), you're basically trapping moisture in there no matter how well you sealed everything.
Last year I worked on a client's bathroom remodel where they'd done everything right—cement board, waterproof membranes, careful sealing—but they skimped on ventilation. Within six months, they had mold spots popping up on the ceiling and upper walls. We upgraded their fan to something stronger and quieter (because let's face it, nobody likes a loud fan), and it solved the issue almost immediately.
So yeah, sealing matters for sure, but don't overlook airflow. If you're already noticing moisture buildup now, I'd seriously consider checking out your ventilation setup before you start resealing grout lines or tearing anything apart. Could save you a lot of headaches down the line...
"If your exhaust fan isn't powerful enough or isn't vented properly to the outside (and you'd be surprised how many aren't), you're basically trapping moisture in there no matter how well you sealed everything."
Couldn't agree more—learned this the hard way with our 1920s place. Upgrading ventilation was a game changer...who knew airflow mattered so much?
Ventilation definitely makes or breaks a bathroom remodel. Learned this myself after dealing with mold in a place we fixed up a few years back—thought we had everything sealed tight, but nope, moisture still found its way in. Ended up having to redo some drywall...not fun.
Couple things I found helpful:
- Investing in a fan with a higher CFM rating than the minimum recommended for our space.
- Making sure the ductwork was short, straight, and insulated properly to avoid condensation buildup.
- Adding a timer switch so the fan runs longer after showers (easy and cheap upgrade).
Curious if anyone here has tried those humidity-sensing fans? Wondering if they're worth the extra cost or just another gimmick...
Haven't tried the humidity-sensing fans myself, but your timer switch idea is spot-on. We did the same, and it made a noticeable difference. Mold's sneaky...glad you caught it early before things got worse.
