Bathroom Shower Remodel Contractors in Franklin, TN
Hiring a bathroom shower remodel contractor means bringing in a professional to handle demolition, substrate preparation, waterproofing, and tile installation for wet areas. Established in 2011, Craftsman Tile and Stone focuses on proper moisture protection and artisan tile installation so your new shower functions correctly and looks precise. Oleksiy Kolesnyk personally manages custom bathroom remodels across Franklin and Williamson County. Whether you need a full tear-out or are updating vanity surrounds alongside a custom shower pan, knowing what to expect during the estimate and construction phases helps you plan effectively.
What Happens During a Custom Shower Installation
A proper shower remodel requires more than just setting new tile over old walls. The process starts with a complete tear-out to expose the framing and subfloor. We check for hidden structural rot, mold, or a bouncy floor under the old tile. Once the area is clean, we install cement backerboard and apply a TCNA-standard waterproofing membrane. This moisture protection layer is critical for wet-area tile to prevent future leaks.
After the substrate prep is complete, we move to layout planning. Every tile is set with purpose to ensure symmetry, level grout joints, and proper slope toward the drain. We use polymer-modified thin-set mortar to bond the tile securely. Custom shower pans are built to fit the exact dimensions of your bathroom, ensuring water flows correctly. Finally, we apply grout and seal the joints. Clients consistently praise our cleanliness and attention to detail throughout this process, reflecting our 5-star Google rating with 50+ verified Google reviews. We contain work areas, cover surfaces, and clean up at the end of each day. You can learn more about our approach on our Bathroom Remodel page.
Planning Your Remodel and Material Selection
Before requesting an estimate, it helps to narrow down your material choices and layout preferences. Tile price, shape, and quality drive a large share of the overall cost. Large-format tiles require a flatter substrate to avoid lippage, while smaller mosaic tiles on a shower floor need careful alignment to maintain consistent grout lines.
You will also need to decide on repair versus replacement criteria. If your current shower has a squishy floor or missing tiles, a surface-level repair will not fix the underlying water damage. A full replacement allows us to address substrate conditions discovered on site. Mid-project changes, like adding custom niches or benches, also impact the timeline and material requirements.
When you prepare for a consultation, have your room dimensions and inspiration photos ready. This helps us discuss layout and pattern complexity, including cuts, corners, and trim. Because every home is different, the final price is set only after an on-site inspection and a mutually approved work plan. For more details on planning, review our Bathroom Design resources.
Common Mistakes to Avoid During a Shower Update
One frequent mistake homeowners make is assuming all tile installers handle waterproofing the same way. Skipping a dedicated moisture protection membrane often leads to leaking showers and ruined subfloors. Tile and grout are not inherently waterproof on their own.
Another error is ignoring the substrate condition. Installing heavy stone or large porcelain tiles over a flexible or uneven wall guarantees lippage and cracked grout joints later. We always verify that the walls are plumb and the floor is rigid before mixing any thin-set mortar.
Finally, rushing the layout planning causes awkward cuts and asymmetrical corners. We take the time to dry-fit and measure so the final grout lines look intentional and clean. Taking these steps seriously separates a lasting installation from a quick cosmetic fix. If you are exploring different project scopes, our Bathroom And Remodeling guide covers what to watch out for.
Signs You Need a Professional Tile Contractor
Certain bathroom issues require a professional tile and stone contractor rather than a surface patch. If you notice a squishy shower floor or a bouncy floor under your tile, water has likely compromised the subfloor. This requires immediate demolition and structural repair before any new tile goes down.
Mold or mildew persistently growing behind caulk lines or cracked tiles is another signal that moisture is trapped behind the wall. A leaking shower can cause extensive damage to the rooms below it if left unaddressed.
You should also call a professional when planning complex custom work, such as building a custom shower pan or installing heavy natural stone. These tasks require specific substrate prep and artisan tile installation techniques. If you notice uneven floors or toe-stubbing tile edges from a previous job, a Shower Remodeling Contractor can assess the area and recommend the right replacement strategy.
Related Services and Guides
Discuss Your Tile Project
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average cost for a shower remodel?
What does a bathroom remodel look like?
How long does a bathroom tile remodel take?
How do I request a bathroom remodel estimate?
Keeping Your Custom Shower Clean
Maintaining your new shower tile ensures it looks great and functions properly for years. Use a pH-neutral cleaner for routine washing to protect the grout and any natural stone surfaces. Harsh acidic chemicals or abrasive scrubbing pads can degrade the grout joints and strip away sealers.
Check the caulk lines around the corners, niches, and where the floor meets the wall every few months. If the caulk begins to peel or separate, remove and replace it promptly to maintain your moisture protection barrier. Good ventilation is also critical. Run your bathroom exhaust fan during and after every shower to reduce humidity and prevent mildew from forming on the grout. For broader cost and planning considerations, you can read our Bathroom Remodeling cost guide.