The Email That Made Me Cringe
I get photos from homeowners almost every week. Some make me proud. Others make me wince.
This one was bad.
A nice couple in Northeast Philly had their bathroom remodeled six months ago. They were starting to notice problems and sent me pictures. Within 30 seconds I spotted five clear issues that should never have left the job site.
A bathroom built right once is a bathroom you forget about. That’s the point. This bathroom was reminding them of the contractor every single day.
Let’s go through what I saw.
The Five Problems
1. No Pre-Slope on the Shower Pan
Water was pooling in the corners instead of flowing to the drain. Classic sign of no (or improper) pre-slope. This will lead to leaks eventually.
2. Hollow-Sounding Tile on the Floor
You could hear it when tapping — poor thinset coverage. The installer probably didn’t back-butter the tiles or used the wrong trowel. This leads to cracking grout and loose tiles over time.
3. Inconsistent Grout Lines
Some areas had 1/8" joints, others nearly 1/4". Looks sloppy and suggests the installer didn’t use spacers or didn’t care about layout.
4. Wrong Waterproofing at the Curb
The membrane wasn’t properly turned up and sealed at the curb. Water will eventually get behind the tile here.
5. Cheap Caulk Used in Wet Areas Instead of Proper Sealing
They used standard painter’s caulk in the corners instead of a quality silicone or the manufacturer’s recommended sealant.
What This Will Cost to Fix
Realistically: $3,800–$5,500 to do it properly. That’s painful after already paying for the original job.
The worst part? Most of these issues could have been prevented with basic attention to detail and following manufacturer instructions.
What Should Have Happened
Proper pre-slope and double-sloped mud bed
100% thinset coverage with correct trowel
Consistent layout and spacers
Correct membrane detailing at all transitions
Quality materials in high-wear areas
Lessons for Homeowners
Ask for photos during rough stages — especially waterproofing and pre-slope.
Hire based on process, not just price.
Get references and actually check them.
Be present for key milestones if possible.
Trust your gut — if something looks off, speak up immediately.
My Message to Contractors
Do better. These kinds of jobs hurt the entire industry’s reputation. Take the extra hour to do it right. Your clients (and your future callback list) will thank you.
If you’re a homeowner with recent work you’re unsure about, feel free to describe the issues or send photos (I can’t promise to review all, but I answer as many as I can).
What problems have you spotted in your own bathroom reno? Share below.
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