Is Shugarman’s Bath Qualified to Remodel My Bathroom’s Tub or Shower?

If you’ve ever tried to get a good home improvement job done by the professionals, you’ve likely realized that the industry has its full share of cost issues or shoddy work (or both). Or worse, you’ve dealt with both. Or you may have heard from friends or neighbors about bad experiences hiring an incompetent general contractor. 

So, now you’re asking yourself: Is Shugarman’s Bath even qualified to do the tub or shower remodel in my bathroom?

Here’s the short answer to your question: Yes, we are. 

Long answer: Yes, especially after completing over 4,000 tub and shower remodels since first opening in 2019. We’ve been voted by the people as San Diego’s Best for four years in a row. Our specialty is in tub and shower remodeling, meaning we have trained installers, in-house plumbing, upfront pricing, proper waterproofing, and long-term support after your job is done. We might not be the right fit for every client. However, we are definitely qualified to remodel your tub and shower.

In this article, you’ll learn:

1. If you can hire a contractor who does everything
2. Shugarman’s Bath licensing and certifications
3. How we waterproof tubs and showers
4. Why plumbing matters
5. Our installer training
6. How we don’t hit you with hidden costs
7. How dust and debris are handled
8. Warranty information
9. How we handle negative feedback

By the end, you’ll understand how Shugarman’s Bath is well qualified to do your tub or shower remodel and determine if we’re the right fit for you.

Can I Just Hire a Contractor That Does Everything?

Sure, you could. But here’s something to consider when comparing general contractors and specialists: general contractors who do everything tend to be masters of nothing. 

Think about it. You have GCs who work in kitchens one week, roof the next, and then fix up a bathroom a month after that. They likely have subcontractors coming to your home as well. They don’t practice the same task repeatedly. 

At Shugarman’s Bath, we don't do full bathroom remodeling. Our focus is exclusively on tub and shower remodeling. It’s what we specialize in.

So why does this matter?

• Installers repeat the same type of installation every day- meaning they have a significant amount of practice in the specialty, and an efficient process.
• Mistakes are caught early since the process is familiar, saving you time and money.
• Installers have mastered the waterproofing steps, ensuring the portion of this job most likely to fail is in good hands.
• Shugarman’s Bath builds systems focused on tub and shower remodels rather than multiple trades.

Does Shugarman’s Bath Have Licensing and Certifications?

Yes. Yes, we do. 

In California, contractors need to meet strict requirements to earn and keep their licenses. This includes passing exams, carrying proper insurance, and following state construction laws.

Licensing

Shugarman’s Bath has B-General Building and C36 Plumbing licenses issued by the Contractors State License Board. 

A general building license allows us to manage and coordinate bathroom remodeling projects involving multiple trades legally. 

A plumbing license is further proof that we are qualified to do your plumbing around the tub and shower area. We won't have to go about hiring a subcontractor to do it. 

We do everything in-house. We do installation, waterproofing, plumbing, and can work on everything inside and outside the walls in the tub and shower area of your bathroom. So you don’t have to worry about subcontractors going in and out of your home.

Certifications

We also have certifications to get the job done. For one, we’re certified by manufacturers to install materials. So you’ll know the installation teams are trained to install the wall systems, bases, and waterproofing components to the manufacturer's requirements. On top of that, we’re certified to take care of the mold in the tub or shower area.

Does Shugarman’s Bath Waterproof Properly?

We have more than a fair share of horror stories we’ve heard from clients about GCs and remodelers who rely on moisture-resistant drywall and surface sealants to keep moisture out. Over time, the materials (especially the silicone) break down, especially in the corners and seams where movement and water are constant. 

Shugarman’s Bath waterproofs the tub and shower area before the wall panels are installed. The system seals the seams and corners behind the wall, so water is less likely to reach behind the walls. And while we apply silicone to the visible walls, it’s to tie everything together and make your space look nice. 

We don’t want the silicone to act as the primary barrier to moisture. We make sure everything is sealed tight before applying the aesthetically pleasing touches. 

So, Do You Do Plumbing Inside My Tub and Shower Area Walls?

As said before, we have our C36 plumbing license. But you might be asking, “Well, do I really need to care about that?”

Let’s put it this way: Many tub and shower remodelers, let alone those bathroom remodelers, don’t put too much into plumbing work. Either they A) hire a subcontractor to do the plumbing work, or B) more commonly reuse existing pipes and only swap out visible fixtures. If those pipes fail, you’re often responsible for the repairs.

Those repairs involve removing the existing walls, performing plumbing repairs (and possibly other repairs behind the walls), and reinstalling everything. This isn’t a cheap repair.

Having someone in-house replace plumbing reduces the chance of future leaks in the tub and shower area. And if there is an issue behind those walls because of the plumbing we installed, it’s covered under our warranty.

Note: We don’t always change out the plumbing. Our installers assess if the pipes are in good condition and determine if they need to be replaced. However, it is still covered under our warranty since we did the work in the tub and shower area.

How Good Are Your Tub and Shower Installers?

Your tub and shower remodel is only as good as the people doing the work. This is to say, our installers are highly skilled at what they do. 

Some contractors provide their installers with limited training and send them to jobs quickly. So the quality of the results may vary. 

Shugarman’s Bath requires our installers to complete rigorous training. They start as installer assistants. Once they have proven themselves capable of becoming an installer, they transition to apprentice installer. They’re then promoted to installer roles and lead tub-and-shower remodeling projects.

Our installers also document the entire project from start to finish, including what’s behind the walls. This allows us to check our work as it progresses and correct issues early.

Do I Need To Worry About Shugarman’s Bath Giving me “Hidden Costs”?

No. Goodness, no. 

You’ve probably heard horror stories or experienced contractors presenting themselves as “more affordable,” only to be hit with change orders.

Shugarman’s Bath eliminates the risk of hidden costs with our Never Any Extras Guarantee. We account for behind-the-wall issues with the price we quote the first time. Our goal is to protect you from surprise costs when the work is already underway.

We take pride in giving you the final price before the project starts. If there were to be a change order, it’s because you want to make something different in your project. 

How Does Shugarman’s Bath Handle Dust and Debris?

Some contractors are notorious for leaving a mess after a remodel is done. Heck, some straight-up say “you’re responsible for the cleanup.” And the last thing you want to do is clean up a mess someone else made, especially in your own home. 

Shugarman’s Bath crews are expected to keep job sites clean throughout your project. Work areas and debris are contained as much as possible. We put up barriers to protect from dust and debris. And with those protections comes easy cleanup. 

Respecting your space is important to us. 

How Does Your Warranty Apply to My Remodeled Tub or Shower?

A warranty should be able to clearly explain what is covered and for how long. In the home improvement industry, some warranties are one-and-done. You call the contractor to resolve a defect once, only to make the warranty void after that. That, or contractors will have a manufacturer’s warranty, meaning the manufacturer is responsible for covering any issues after the install.

Shugarman’s Bath offers a lifetime warranty covering materials and labor. We’ll respond after an installation whenever you need help, covering:

• Silicone replacement every five years
• Valves, cartridges, and in-wall plumbing that we install
• Fixes for leaks, material issues, or workmanship problems

We have an in-house service department that is ready to support you for life. It’s important that we give you peace of mind with an installation designed to last.

Does Shugarman’s Bath Take Accountability If Something Goes Wrong?

I wish we could say we do everything perfectly. There are those rare occasions where something doesn’t go as planned, and we respond appropriately. Look at our Google Reviews to see how we respond to customers who gave us low stars.

When something happens or if Shugarman’s Bath receives negative feedback, we investigate the issue. We contact you directly and do our utmost to address the problem. We take your concerns seriously. 

Schedule a Free Consultation With Shugarman’s Bath

You might have previously thought that anyone could do a tub or shower remodel for your bathroom. Unfortunately, there have been too many stories of homeowners going with a jack of all trades, only to have leaks behind walls, subpar plumbing, surprise costs, and contractors disappearing like Batman when a job is finished (if they finished it).

Now, homeowners are more inquisitive than ever, wanting to know who does the work and how contractors are qualified to do the job well. Not all bathroom remodelers are built the same. Because of this, homeowners are asking better questions and taking a closer look at the qualifications a contractor has.

Up next, read our article on whether you need to pay for your tub or shower remodel in full upfront. That way, you can understand how payment and financing options work with Shugarman’s Bath.

Want to work with a remodeler that specializes in your bathroom’s tub and shower area? You can schedule a free consultation with Shugarman’s Bath today!