Waterproofing, tile and plumbing fixtures. Eric explains why these three are where a cheaper choice costs you more later.
Read what Eric says Transcript
Do not go cheap on these three items for your bathroom remodel.
The first one is a waterproofing system. So what we're using is Schluter, they're a German-based company, and this is KERDI-BOARD. So this is a fully waterproof board, whereas what builders typically use is a cement or Durock. This is a porous material. This is water resistant, but it's not waterproof. So using something like this could cause leakage in your shower, which leads to wood rot, which leads to mold, which could cost several thousands of dollars to replace.
Second is tile. Cheaper tile is typically bowed, inconsistent sizing, and when installing, the grout lines typically don't match up. So buying a more quality product will lead to a more professional installation.
And lastly, plumbing fixtures. It's just like people. It's not the outside, it's the inside what matters. So inside, we have a cartridge, and cheaper cartridges can last one to five years, while more expensive ones can last 15 to 20 years. Saving your money in the long run.
Every bathroom budget has places to save. These three aren't among them, because a cheap choice here shows up later as a leak, a sloppy finish or a fixture you replace twice.
1. The waterproofing system
We build showers on a fully waterproof board system from Schluter, the German company behind KERDI-BOARD. What builders often use instead is cement board such as Durock. Cement board is water resistant, but it is porous, not waterproof.
That difference matters behind the tile. Water that gets through can lead to wood rot, then mold, and fixing that can cost several thousand dollars.
2. The tile
Cheaper tile is often bowed or inconsistently sized. On the wall, that means grout lines that don't match up no matter how careful the installer is. A better-quality tile is flatter and truer, and it leads to a more professional installation.
3. The plumbing fixtures
With faucets and shower valves, it's not the outside that matters, it's the inside. The cartridge controls the water, and in Eric's experience cheaper cartridges can last one to five years while better ones last 15 to 20. That saves you money in the long run.
For what a full bathroom costs, see how much a bathroom remodel costs in Tampa.
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Questions people also ask
Is cement board waterproof?
No. Cement board such as Durock is water resistant but porous. A waterproof board system like Schluter KERDI-BOARD keeps water out of the wall behind the tile.
Why do grout lines not line up?
Often because the tile itself is bowed or inconsistently sized, which is common in cheaper tile.
What makes a faucet last longer?
The cartridge inside it. Better cartridges last far longer than cheap ones, so the inside matters more than the finish.