In these inflationary times, who doesn’t like to save money? ‘Er that’d be no one – except if you’re a billionaire elite and have plenty of money to spare (and if that’s a fact, I doubt you’re reading this article about cheap shower kits).
And when it comes to shower replacement kits it can be tempting to jump on the best ‘deal’ – only to find out it was ‘fools gold,’ or maybe I should say tarnished silver!
In this article I’ll look at 13 reasons a cheap shower replacement kit, can cost more than a high quality shower kit. As my business professors at Carnegie-Mellon University used to say when it comes to buying cheap it can be a ‘caveat emptor’ situation (which in Latin means ‘let the buyer beware) where you actually end up getting bad value for your money.
Or to put it in a more ‘real’ analogy, you don’t want to have a ‘Fram Oil Filter’ experience which can be….. instead of paying more now, you end up paying A LOT more later when you’re ‘re-remodeling’ the cheap shower kit you already purchased. And while I know ‘re-remodeling’ isn’t a word, but it happens more often than you’d think. And for those of you not familiar with this old Fram (yes, I’m showing my age here!) TV commercial, or you’re nostalgic, I’ve included it below.
Now let’s dig into the 13 reasons a cheap shower replacement kit can cost more in the long run.
Reason #1 a Cheap Shower Replacement Kit Can Cost More– You get a flimsy shower pan, and it fails
I know shower pans ARE NOT the sexy part of a shower, but they’re the ‘foundation’ (literally) of your shower. If they fail – Houston (or whatever your name is) you have a Notorious B.I.G. problem!
To not end up with this challenge, make sure you know the warranty of the shower pan in your kit and if it’s ‘solid pan.’ It’s for this reason, I like solid surface shower pans, like this low profile one below. They’re built like a rock.
Reason #2 a Cheap Shower Replacement Kit Can Cost More– You don’t get all the parts you need
I’m sure you remember putting toys together for your kids or grandkids and got to the end of the ‘assembly odyssey’ at midnight on Christmas Eve and were confronted with the evil ‘batteries NOT included’ message on the box. Then you muttered (or thought) a few choice words you DO NOT say in church!
And similarly, when it comes to shower replacement kits, it’s way too often essential elements are not included. They can include (but aren’t limited to) the correct sealants and adhesives (which ensure the waterproof integrity of wall panel and base systems). Or you don’t get trim to finish the ends and top of the wall surrounds and/or to hide ceiling height irregularities.
Also – it’s common to not get a drain, and/or strainer cover for the drain.
Or maybe you don’t even get major components like a glass shower door.
So, before buying a kit compare and contrast lines to see what you’re NOT getting before plunking money down.
Reason #3 a Cheap Shower Replacement Kit Can Cost More– Your (formerly) white walls and shower pan, yellow
There’s NOTHING attractive about yellowed fiberglass shower walls and a shower pan. And we’ve all seen them in the cheap one piece units installed by production builders to save costs in countless homes in this country.
This is why you need to pay attention to what the walls are made of AND their warranty.
My recommendation is to stay away from fiberglass walls and pans. Better alternatives to eliminate yellowing include acrylic, rigid PVC, or laminate wall panels (which even have fun patterns, like you’ll see below) for a quality shower panel kit.
Reason #4 a Cheap Shower Replacement Kit Can Cost More– Your resale value is trashed because your fiberglass shower looks cheap and mass-produced
Ask a realtor and they’ll tell you the rooms which matter most are kitchens and bathrooms. And if either looks cheap and/or outdated, it hurts your resale value.
There’s a reason cheap shower replacement kits don’t look high value. It’s because they’re molded. And it doesn’t take a detective to know these wall surrounds – are ‘trying to look’ real but are failing miserably.
Or maybe the system is made of fiberglass, is yellowed, dirty, or squeaks when someone steps on the shower base.
Or maybe the surrounds don’t reach the ceiling and the walls above are moldy, and the paint looks dirty.
And as my dad tell me, “Michael, being penny-wise and pound foolish will cost you more in the long run.”
Reason #5 a Cheap Shower Replacement Kit Can Cost More– There’s no trim kit to work around a window
1/3 of tub/shower alcoves have windows. And these windows (while offering the benefit of light, and air flow) – can be a nemesis when installing a cheap shower replacement kit because there’s no trim pieces offered to waterproof around the thin flimsy wall surrounds (and no sill to ensure water is pitched away from the window and falls onto the shower pan).
So, how can you make sure you don’t buy a shower kit without a solution for your window? Ask your potential supplier if they have matching materials to properly waterproof around a window. Because after you buy the kit, it may be too late (or too expensive) to return it. And as you know, nobody wants problems with their new shower installation.
Reason #6 a Cheap Shower Replacement Kit Can Cost More– It won’t work with the custom size you need
You were soooo excited about the ‘deal’ you got on your standard shower replacement kit for the old, dingy, tile shower in your basement. You removed the old tile and mortar shower base. You excitedly brought the new shower pan down the stairs only to find the base was 2” too large and the drain was in the wrong spot (and cutting your concrete basement floor would put your costs through the roof).
And to make matters worse, you found out the shower pan wasn’t returnable.
The question becomes how can you make sure this (great deal, which wasn’t a great deal) doesn’t happen to you?
First, get (or approximate) a measurement (stud to stud) of the rough opening from side to side and front to back to determine your overall shower pan size.
Then estimate the approximate location of the shower drain.
And lastly think about the curb height for the shower pan (more about this in reason #8). These are all critical elements in knowing how to install a walk in shower kit.
Reason #7 a Cheap Shower Replacement Kit Can Cost More– The wafer-thin wall surround panels crack during shipment or installation
Wall surrounds used in cheap shower replacement kits are usually 1/8” or less thick and made of fiberglass or acrylic. These panels are not only more likely to crack in shipment, but they’re also prone to cracking when you’re maneuvering them around tight corners and into a tiny bathroom.
To prevent against this problem, look for wall panels which are at 50% thicker. Products like laminate wall panels or rigid PVC systems are wonderful options to prevent against breakage during shipment and installation.
Reason #8 a Cheap Shower Replacement Kit Can Cost More– It may become impossible for a family member to use who suffers an accident, or needs an age in place shower pan
A critical – yet often overlooked detail of a shower replacement kit system is not only the height of the shower curb – but also whether it’s ‘flexible’ enough to accommodate someone who needs a walker or wheelchair down the road.
Most cheap shower replacement kits have shower pans with 3” to 4” curbs, which aren’t bad for ‘most’ people, but can become an impossible hill (‘err curb) to climb for an older adult, or someone who suffers an injury.
Look for a shower replacement kit program which gives you choices between curb heights. And if you think you may need an accessible shower in the future, look for a base which has optional ramp extension kit. For example, this standard sized solid stone pan below is one such option.
Reason #9 a Cheap Shower Replacement Kit Can Cost More– You may get a wobbly, thin, shower door which is a ‘PITA’ to clean
It’s amazing how many people HATE, HATE, HATE their existing shower doors.
They wobble to and fro.
They’re pitted, and outdated.
They’re a magnet for dirt and water spots you CANNOT remove no matter how hard you try.
And some people (erroneously) think ‘glass is glass’ when buying a shower door. Nothing could be further from the truth.
Better quality shower replacement kits use better quality doors. These doors are 3/8” thick. They have glass surface protection (like RainX for your glass shower doors). They come in matte finishes (like brushed nickel, matte black, or brushed brass) which are simple to clean and don’t show spots.
These glass doors are taller so the tall people in your family aren’t ducking or bumping their heads while getting in.
Reason #10 a Cheap Shower Replacement Kit Can Cost More– The shower storage is practically non-existence
I bet if I surveyed homeowners how happy they are with their shower storage, 9 out of 10 would say it SUCKS…..or some variation of that.
And the reason it’s so bad is most cheap shower surround walls have uber-shallow ‘bump outs’ on the surround panels where your soap and shampoo bottles are hanging on for dear life. They can plop to the bottom of your shower pan with the slightest bump of your elbow and then land directly on your foot…. OUCH!
Let’s face it – these pre-formed shower storage surround panels are TERR-I-BLE!
So, instead of settling for this (quote/unquote) ‘storage system,’ ask your shower replacement kit supplier for better options. A popular alternative are recessed niches which get the most from unused wall cavities.
Another option – which is space-effective are corner shelves.
Reason #11 a Cheap Shower Replacement Kit Can Cost More– The operating style of the shower door does not work for your space
Shower door styles with cheap shower replacement kits are limited.
And when it comes to choosing the right operating style for a shower door, it’s NOT a ‘one-size-fits-all’ proposition. In some bathrooms, you need the wider opening offered with a pivoting shower door. But in others, a pivoting door will bang into your partner, or the in-swing door from the hallway.
In some cases, a single opening slider door will work OK, but in other instances not having two sliding glass shower doors (also called a bypass shower door) will make it impossible to turn on the water without getting blasted with cold water.
And in still other cases, you’ll need a very large opening (even with a standard tub to shower conversion) to help a caregiver assist a loved one – or just for the opening to be big enough for the former Defensive Tackle who lives with you (whose ‘playing weight’ has gone up a ‘few pounds’ over the years).
Reason #12 a Cheap Shower Replacement Kit Can Cost More– It’s impossible to clean!
If only the maid or butler showed up today to clean your shower. Ok, you just woke up from your dream and realized you ARE THE MAID AND BUTLER. Lucky you.
And when it comes to cleaning showers, it’s a job everyone loves to hate.
And if you’ve ever had a fiberglass shower you can’t clean no matter what crazy chemicals you’ve tried, you know how frustrating that is!
So, what can you do to guard against the ‘impossible-to-clean’ shower kit?
And lastly look for shower doors in matte vs. gloss finishes which also have glass surface protection to help water bead off the glass.
Image Credits: JTEK Solutions
Reason #13 a Cheap Shower Replacement Kit Can Cost More– You (or your contractor) screws up the installation because you can’t for the life of you find a real live human to help with installation questions.
When you order a shower replacement kit on line do you have any idea who(m) you can contact if the proverbial ‘crap hits the fan’ and the installation isn’t going your way?
Often the reason systems are cheap is because support is non-existent.
Before ordering see if there’s a phone number on your potential vendor’s site you can call with shipment, or installation questions. Then call it and see if there’s an actual human who answers and actually knows what they’re talking about.
With cheap shower replacement kits expect the worst, and hope for the best.
With better quality systems, you may not only find a Shower Kit Support Specialist, but also ask if they have installation support from the product manufacturers as well. And see if the person who helps you with your shower kit will give you their personal cell phone you can even call AFTER you’ve bought the shower kit system.
So, are you now better prepared to make sure you don’t get ‘taken to the cleaners’ buying a cheap shower replacement kit?
I hope you’re now in a better position to see a ‘cheap kit’ can actually become a very expensive kit. The key (just like buying anything) –is to get a good value for your money.
President of Innovate Building Solutions a nationwide supplier and regional (Cleveland and Columbus) remodeling contractors. Some of our product lines include glass counters, floors, backsplashes, glass blocks and grout free shower and tub wall panels
