How can I address the severe issues with my new house’s shower, like leaks, moisture buildup, and no vent, without breaking the bank?
Asked by Emma Moore 
3 months ago
Last Updated: August 21, 2024
Hey, just got my hands on my first house and I’ve got a bit of a situation with the shower that needs some serious attention. Any ideas on how I can fix it up? There’s no vent, and the previous owner, who’s been in a nursing home for a while, didn’t really keep up with maintenance. The shower head leaks, there’s moisture buildup, and the walls are covered with vinyl or linoleum fake tile panels. I’m not even sure what the shower floor is made of. To top it off, there’s no water closet! Any advice on how I can tackle this? I’m all for DIY to save some cash. Any tips would be much appreciated!
It’s going to require a complete renovation.
I think we should gut it and start over. There’s a lot of hidden damage.
Before buying, I would make sure that issue is taken care of. I hope they reduced the price by $10,000 for it. How did it pass inspection?
Oh wow, seriously?? It’s one out of 2 bathrooms, maybe that’s why. Do you think new sheet rock behind and new paneling could work instead?
When I sold my previous home, we had to repair the underground pipes. It’s a common request when buying or selling a house.
The owners didn’t want to take any action (the owner’s son was the power of attorney, and his mom was in a nursing home). I guess it was overwhelming for him to handle everything while living far away.
It appears to be a significant problem with the gut and water damage. If you skipped the home inspection, you might be able to file an insurance claim for mold and water damage.
I got a home inspection but it was sort of informal. What exactly does a complete gut renovation involve? I’m a novice at this.
Your son could have waited until after selling the house if money was tight. I’m surprised the realtor didn’t offer any advice in that direction.
You might want to consider filing an insurance claim if there’s a leak, especially if you don’t have any documentation.
Hey , I’m starting to think my realtor might have taken advantage of me in some way 😫. The whole thing is just terrible.
Hey , what exactly does a complete gut entail?
Hey , I’m not exactly sure which state you’re in, but skipping an inspection might actually work out in your favor in this case. You might consider shutting off the water to that bathroom and then filing a claim in about six months.
Hey , a bathroom renovation can cost anywhere from 10 to 20,000 dollars depending on the extent of the damage and the size of the project. We actually postponed our bathroom remodel in favor of getting new siding and a new roof.
Hey , did your insurance company come by to do a walkthrough?
Keeps deleting my comment. What type of repairs are needed? It’s a simple one-door walk-in shower. I assume the Sheetrock in all walls needs to be replaced, along with the shower head and handles.
No, my insurance hasn’t arrived yet
I would recommend waiting a few months before filing a claim
Hey , you might want to consider deleting it 😉
Let’s begin with some bleach.
Is it possible to remove the paneling and install new sheet rock instead?
Hey , it looks like this will be a complete gut and remodel
Hey , can you explain what a complete gut involves? Sorry, I’m new to all of this
Completely gut everything down to the studs, eliminate any mold, install a new shower pan and plumbing, properly waterproof the new walls, and then finish with your choice of materials like tile.
Is a one door walk-in shower really that expensive?
You should consider replacing the drywall behind due to mold, but you can use a shower unit for the rest, which is cheaper and easier to install than a pan and tile. Remember to have a plumber inspect it before putting up new drywall to avoid future issues.
It looks like a complete renovation is needed.
Hey , what exactly does that involve?
Be sure to check behind the drywall and keep an eye out for mold.
I totally agree, a complete gut job is the way to go. However, if you’re only doing demolition and replacements, the costs hopefully won’t be too high. Removing the shower walls completely will make it easier for a plumber to work on the plumbing, potentially reducing costs if a full replacement is necessary. Personally, I’m not skilled in plumbing, so I opted to hire a contractor. As for ventilation, it’s a good idea to hire a professional, especially for venting through the roof. If there’s a window in the bathroom, that could explain the lack of a vent as it’s common to have one or the other. While it may be pricier, using a kerdi board or similar material will make the job much easier. The foam material is more manageable and cuts easily, saving time and effort.
Alright, based on the feedback in the comments, it seems like you need some clarification. Those suggesting to “gut it” are on point. Since you’re already planning to install new sheet rock, the additional step is to remove the wall behind the paneling (or whatever that is) to reach the studs. This won’t incur any extra costs, just labor. It might be a good idea to do the same for the ceiling, especially if there’s moisture damage. While the walls are open, it’s a good opportunity to address any plumbing issues. It’s much easier without the walls in the way. After that, proceed with hanging new sheet rock and finishing as originally planned. When it comes to the shower pan, cleaning it with a mold-preventing product could do the trick. Best of luck with your project.
Thank you so much!
First time homeowner, what details are in the inspection report?