You might have been researching bathroom remodeling, only to stumble upon a company like ours that offers 1-2 day bathtub and shower remodeling. For the amount of time it takes to install, you’re left with a reasonable question:
If the project is only a couple of days, why does it cost so much?
Well, it’s a little complicated. More than just time, there are other factors such as planning, expertise, and labor. The 1-2 day remodel is a small portion of the overall project cost.
At Shugarman’s Bath, we’re specialists in bathtub and shower remodeling, completing over 100 projects per month in San Diego County and Orange County. Our systems, materials, and training are designed to deliver lasting performance in your bathtub and shower area.
This article will break down the factors that drive the cost of your 1-2 day shower remodel. You will learn about factors such as:
- Extensive Behind-the-Scenes Planning
- High-Quality Materials
- Skilled, Specialized Labor in California
- Proper Waterproofing and Structural Prep
- Long-Term Warranty and Service Support
By the end of this article, you’ll understand where your investment goes and how your home is protected for years to come.
We recommend watching our video that breaks down the cost of your bathtub and shower remodel.
A 1-2 Day Bathtub or Shower Install Isn’t the Whole Project
We get it. When you read or hear “one to two days,” the small amount of time and efficiency shouldn’t be that big of a cost, right?
Well, that’s only a day or two of visible labor with the installer. There’s more behind the scenes that goes into your project.
Every project requires:
- Detailed measuring and design work
- Multiple layers of contract review to prevent errors
- Ordering, tracking, receiving, and inspecting materials
- The cost of materials used to make a 1-2 job is expensive.
- Quality assurance checks
- Storing and organizing the full system for installation
- Coordinating schedules between the homeowner, production, and installation teams
These steps are necessary to prevent delays, missing parts, or mistakes that cost more money. Installation days are efficient because many people have done their part before the installer arrives at your door.
Quality of Materials Used
Materials used in your bathtub and shower area need to withstand conditions like heat, soaps, oils, sediment buildup, and, of course, water.
Shugarman’s Bath uses:
- Moisture-resistant backer boards
- Commercial-grade valves and cartridges that resist corrosion
- Type L copper piping
- Advanced, non-porous wall systems that resist mold
- High-grade silicone that lasts far longer than typical caulking
- BP Cor2 for your shower walls instead of acrylic or fiberglass
While these materials cost more now, they are meant to reduce mold, plumbing failures, prevent structural damage, and have a lifetime warranty on them.
Skilled Labor In California is at a Premium
Our bathtub and shower installers have specialized training so that everything is done right. They go through rigorous training to be proficient in:
- Waterproofing
- Plumbing
- Structural corrections
- Material-specific installation
- Mold remediation
- Building code compliance
Here’s a quick rundown of the process of someone becoming an installer:
- The employee is first hired as an Installer Assistant.
- We hire employees who align with our values here at Shugarman’s Bath.
- When they have proven themselves capable, they transition to an Apprentice Installer.
- It can take a year or more for an assistant to transition into an apprentice.
- The apprenticeship can last 1-2 months.
- They’re then promoted to become an installer, where they lead projects.
Other contractors might do something similar to Shugarman’s Bath when training installers.
There are different contractors who don’t do anything like this at all. They use untrained or unlicensed labor. There’s a lower cost but higher risk. You risk leaks, mold, or structural failures.
Other aspects to consider are California’s labor costs, insurance requirements, and safety standards, which are among the highest in the United States. Contractors in California typically invest in training and retaining certified installers. Highly skilled labor does cost more and is incorporated into your remodel.
Efficient Installations Require More Experienced Teams
Even though installation is one to two days, that doesn’t mean it’s a simple task. There’s an entire support system built in to keep your project moving smoothly.
This support system includes:
- Highly trained bathtub and shower installers
- An organized operations team
- Staff dedicated to materials, ordering, and inventory
- Quality assurance staff
- Scheduling and customer support teams
- A service department ready to assist after the installation
We ensure all areas in this chain are well developed. With some lower-cost contractors who have smaller teams and/or subcontractors, projects can take 2-4 weeks (or more). Often, this can leave you without a functional bathroom.
Proper Waterproofing and Prepwork for Your Bathtub or Shower
If remodel failures are going to happen anywhere, it’s behind the wall. Proper waterproofing requires:
- Removing damaged or improperly installed materials
- Installing the correct substrate
- Leveling and reinforcing subfloors
- Replacing valves and plumbing in the bathtub/shower area
- Sealing all seams and corners
- Using durable, mold-resistant materials
You won’t see behind the walls, but this work takes time, knowledge, and the right products. Properly installed waterproofing determines whether your shower lasts for decades or fails in a few years.
Your Lifetime Warranty and Reliable Service After Your Installation
A high-quality lifetime warranty requires a full service system that is staffed, funded, and ready to respond quickly whenever you need help. We include several protections for your bathtub and shower remodel.
Shugarman’s Bath covers:
- Silicone replacement once every five years
- Yes, we will have someone come to your home five years after completing your installation to seal your bath or shower.
- Fast service response, often within two business days
- Coverage for valves, cartridges, and in-wall plumbing we install
- Fixes for leaks, material issues, or workmanship problems
- A dedicated, in-house service department ready to support you for life
Keep in mind that all this ongoing support requires trained maintenance service technicians, vehicles, inventory, and scheduling staff.
How Warranties Work in the Industry
Many “lifetime warranties” in the industry cover far less than you might expect. There are common limitations such as:
- Surface-only or manufacturer-only coverage
- Meaning the warranty applies to the product. Not the installation or plumbing work.
- No support for long-term maintenance, such as silicone or resealing
- Valve-only installation, with no warranty on the piping behind it
- Slow or outsourced service, often taking weeks or months for a technician to show up
- No coverage for conditions discovered later, like moisture damage, rot, or mold that result from improper installation
Also, keep in mind that many contractors may offer only a single service visit, meaning they’ll repair the issue once. That’s it. After that, the warranty is void, and you’ll be financially responsible for any further repairs after installation.
A Cheap Bathtub or Shower Remodel Can Cost You More Later
You came here wondering why a remodel that can take a couple of days comes at a higher price tag. Now, you should have a clearer understanding of the full scope. You have to account for extensive planning, premium materials, California-level labor standards, waterproofing requirements, hidden damage protection, and long-term warranties.
While it might be intimidating to see the cost now, the truth is, hiring a substandard contractor or doing this as a DIY project can cost you more later.
Now that you have a better understanding of the cost, check out our article on financing routes you can take with Shugarman’s Bath.
When you’re ready, Shugarman’s Bath is here to help walk you through options, answer any questions, and build you a tub or shower that lasts a lifetime.
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