▪ Some building inspectors require that the shower pan lining (the rubber lining that waterproofs the shower floor) be installed at the rough-in stage. The problem with this is that there is a good chance that the lining will get torn or punctured as the work in the house progresses. I suggest asking your tile contractor to install a new shower pan lining when she installs the tile.

▪ Lately, I have found that plumbers have been trying to "up-sell" me fancy plumbing gadgets that I don't need, claiming that they are standard issue. Multiple body spray shower heads, steam-sauna fixtures, tankless water heaters, etc. In my opinion, these expensive gadgets are not going to increase me resale value enough to justify the expense.

▪ You can save money by supplying as many of the plumbing fixtures as possible, rather than having the plumber buy them and bring them to the job himself. I do like to have the plumber provide the following, however: the water heater and the tubs, since they are too big for me to move around the house by myself.

▪ Check the internet for great deals on fixtures, sinks, and appliances! You'll find lower prices than those at home improvement stores like Home Depot or Lowe's.

▪ The following need to be available for the plumber to install at the rough-in stage: tubs, tub/shower combinations, and shower valves.

Plumbing in House Renovation- Part 2

Former builder and instructor of "Save Time and Money in Home Remodeling" cont. ed. course at Emory University