3 Decisions That Make or Break a Shower Remodel

By Bestbath

Remodeling your shower? Before you start picking tile samples or scrolling through fixture finishes, make sure you’ve locked in the right fundamentals.

A great-looking shower isn’t just about design, it’s about how everything works behind the walls and beneath the surface. And the decisions you make early in the process can save you time, money, and major frustration down the line.

Here are three of the biggest choices homeowners face during a shower remodel and how to get them right the first time.

1. Shower System Type: Tile vs. Pre-Fab

Tile showers are a popular choice, but they come with tradeoffs. Grout lines can crack,
waterproofing needs to be perfect, and installation takes time, usually across multiple days and trades. That can increase both your costs and your risk of long-term issues like leaks or mold.

Pre-fabricated (or “pre-fab”) shower systems offer a different approach. These are high-quality units made from materials like composite or solid surface, designed for faster installs and fewer failure points. Many come in tile-look or stone-look finishes without the grout lines.

The right choice for you: If you’re prioritizing speed, durability, and low maintenance, a
pre-fab system may be the better long-term investment.

2. Drain Placement and Layout

It may not be the most exciting part of your remodel, but where your drain sits — and how your shower base is sloped — has a huge impact on performance. Misaligned drains can cause pooling water, awkward plumbing adjustments, or expensive rework after installation starts.

If you’re converting from a tub to a shower, this is especially important. Your contractor will need to confirm that the new base fits both your space and your plumbing layout.

The smart move: Talk to your contractor early about layout, slope, and drainage. A small
tweak now can prevent major headaches later.

3. Storage and Accessory Placement

Most people think about what goes in their shower but not on it. Grab bars, shower seats, and even soap niches all need to be properly supported. In tiled showers, that usually means adding wood backing inside the wall before the tile goes up. If it’s skipped, your accessories may loosen over time or not be installable at all.

Pre-fab systems often come with reinforced areas or built-in accessory options, so you don’t have to open up finished walls later.

Plan ahead: Even if you don’t need a grab bar now, you might down the road. Backing for future accessories is a smart, future-proof investment.

Final Takeaway

It’s easy to get caught up in the look of a new shower but the decisions that matter most often happen before the first tile is laid or panel is set. Ask the right questions. Choose materials that last. And plan for how you’ll use the shower, not just how it’ll look on reveal day. Your remodel should make your life easier, not add more to your to-do list.

That’s where Bestbath comes in. Our pre-fabricated shower systems are engineered for
performance, designed to last, and built with real-world install challenges in mind so you get a beautiful result without the hidden headaches.

Avoid the costly mistakes—start with the right product and installer.

Find a Bestbath Dealer Near You.