Replacing a shower pan (subfloor, how much, heating, drain)

[Caladium]

I need to hire someone to replace a shower pan in a stabnd-up shower. Also, we might have the tiles replaced too (depending on cost). I've never hired someone to do remodeling work in a bathroom before and need guidance.

Like:

Who do you hire to do this sort of work, and what sort of questions should I ask while interviewing?

How much should I expect to spend for a project like this?

Is it better to get one of those "bath fitter" type surroinds or have the pan replaced?

Any other advice for a project like this?

[akck]

Your options are to have a tile setter, handyman, and possibly a plumber do the job. Of the three, a tile setter will do the best job. Cost can range from say $300 to redo the pan going on up to $3,500+ for a full replacement. It mainly depends on the cost of the tile you select and if you're replacing fixtures (shower heads go from $125 to $1,500+). It might be cheaper to get one of those fiberglass surrounds, but it will also look cheaper.

Questions to ask:

Years in business
How many showers done
References
What's a pre-slope?
What materials he uses
Liability insurance

I'd also check out www.johnbridge.com to see what advice they might have. It's a site where professional tilers help DIYers to do their own jobs.

[PacificFlights]

Originally Posted by Caladium

Is it better to get one of those "bath fitter" type surroinds or have the pan replaced?

Shower pan replacement varies depending on the old system and what's under it. I went with one of those premade/presloped kits that included the preslope foam shower pan, curb, drain assembly, fleece membrane and fitted corners. I hired a local contractor to help with the things I wasn't comfortable with. Overall it took a couple of hours over a few days to get it all installed with contractor help and me doing the grunt work.
This is an example of the kits:
Schluter Systems Ditra Kerdi Pro Source Center distributor Abrasives Power Tools, Flooring Materials

[ESPLUMBING]

I would look for licensed professionals for the job. A good start for locating them is thru a local chamber or BNI group. I belong to a BNI group here in Trinity, Fl.

looks like these group may be close to you:

Loudoun Chamber of Commerce

BNI Northern Virginia - Business Networking and Business Referrals - Business Network International

[Wilson513]

A shower pan needs to be set skillfully so that there are no voids below it that will crack the floor tile you will no doubt put over it. And it must properly seal the drain. A tile setter or a plumber.

The rest of the tile in the shower is cosmetic and you can DIY.

[texdav]

Normanyy a tile set repalce the pan and a plumber does nay plumbig needed. Most plumbers have tile setters they can recommend if you know your plumber.

[greenfuture]

For how much tile you need do the calculations yourself
[url=http://www.flooringsupplyshop.com/index.php?main_page=calculator]Flooring Calculator : Flooring Supply Shop, Flooring and Floors Heating Supply Discount Warehouse[/url]
you should also ask how much the tile contractor charges per square feet...
bargain...may be even get the materials and just get him to do the job . i think it can save you money.

[KAILANI]

We did ours ourself. I hope it sounds right, but I was the laborer.
Here's what I remember.

Good subflooring
black waterproof paper
lotsa cement stuff, goop it all around where the pan is going to sit, (cover drain 1st!)
set pan, jiggle it to get cement in all the voids.
Let set

Drain install (?) I didn't pay attention

cement backerboard for tile on walls
grout, tile, let set before grouting, seal grout in a couple days

ah, just have it done, it was way too much work........

good luck!
(yes, mine is still holding up and lookin' GOOD!!!!!)

[playnice]

Hire it out but buy your own tiles. Depending on where you are located, about $650.

[Innertuber]

Rip it out yourself and save some too