Top 20 Questions You Need Answered Before Hiring A Shower Contractor
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Hiring a contractor for a shower remodel may seem straightforward, until you're faced with dozens
of choices, unexpected costs, and confusing quotes. From custom glass sizing to waterproofing,
there are a lot of moving parts that can make or break your project. Whether you're replacing a standard tub with a sleek frameless shower or transforming an outdated bathroom into something modern and functional, these 20 questions will help you hire the right pro for the job, especially if you're located in Denver or anywhere along Colorado's Front Range.
1. Are you licensed and insured in Colorado?
Colorado law requires any professional contractor to carry a valid license and general liability
insurance. This protects you from liability and ensures they've met a minimum standard of
workmanship. Don't just take their word for it, ask to see documentation!
2. How much experience do you have installing frameless shower enclosures?
Installing frameless shower enclosures is not the same as installing a pre-made shower kit. It
requires laser-accurate measurements, high-quality hardware, and detailed knowledge of structural
support and water flow. Experience matters more than ever when the glass is custom and the
margins are tight.
3. What parts of the Denver metro area do you serve?
Traffic and travel fees are real factors in project scheduling. Some contractors focus on central
Denver, while others regularly work in suburbs like Lakewood, Aurora, Arvada, and HighlandsRanch. If you're in a more rural area like Morrison or Evergreen, ask about service availability and
trip charges.
4. Can you build a fully custom shower glass setup, or do you stick to standard sizes?
A lot of homeowners in Denver's older neighborhoods, like Wash Park or Baker, run into oddly
shaped or tight bathrooms that require custom shower glass. Don't settle for something that "kind of
fits." Ask if the contractor provides templated, cut-to-measure solutions.
5. Do you use tempered glass that meets safety codes?
Tempered glass is stronger and shatters into dull cubes rather than sharp shards. It's required by
Colorado building code for any shower or wet-area glass. If they're using anything else -- run.
6. Do you offer protective coatings like Diamon-Fusion?
Hard water in Colorado leaves streaks and mineral spots quickly. Glass coatings like Diamon-Fusion
create a hydrophobic surface that repels water and keeps your glass cleaner longer. It's especially
useful in areas with well water or older plumbing systems.
7. What finishes do you offer for hinges, handles, and brackets?
Choosing between brushed nickel, matte black, chrome, or gold-toned finishes can help tie your new
enclosure into the rest of your design. Ask to see physical samples or a style guide before
committing.
8. Do you have photos, reviews, or testimonials from past jobs?
Seeing real work (not just manufacturer brochures) gives you confidence in the contractor's
craftsmanship. Look for images of past projects, especially bathrooms that match your space or
design goals.
9. Will you remove my old shower enclosure?
Demo might be messy, but it's an essential part of the process. Confirm that the contractor will
remove the existing unit, dispose of materials, and prep the space without damaging tile or drywall.
10. How do you ensure waterproofing and leak prevention?
Frameless shower installation should always include high-grade silicone, proper slope toward the
drain, and attention to caulk lines. Ask how they address long-term leak resistance, especially at
corners and seams.
11. What's the timeline from measure to install?
Most custom shower installs in Denver take 1 to 3 weeks after measurements are finalized. Delays
can happen with glass fabrication or material sourcing -- get a realistic timeline upfront and find out
how scheduling is handled if delays pop up.
12. Will you coordinate with my remodel contractor or tile crew?
For remodels involving tile, electrical, or plumbing work, your shower contractor needs to coordinate
timing and measurements with the other trades. Lack of communication here can lead to rework or
costly delays.
13. Do I get a mockup or design proof before installation?
If your glass layout includes multiple panels or custom angles, request a drawing or diagram before
fabrication. This helps you visualize where the doors will swing, how much clearance you'll need,
and what the final product will look like.
14. What kind of warranty do you offer on materials and labor?
A solid shower contractor will stand by their work. Glass typically carries a manufacturer warranty,
and labor should come with a 1-year workmanship guarantee. Get this in writing.
15. Can you work with tight layouts or angled ceilings?
Denver homes, especially those in historic districts, often come with layout challenges. An
experienced contractor should be able to offer creative workarounds and specialty mounting
hardware to make the most of your space.
16. What steps do you take to keep my home clean during the install?
Glass dust, silicone, and metal shavings can get everywhere. Ask what the crew does to protect
your floors, counters, and vanities. Drop cloths, clean-up time, and shoe covers should all be
standard.
17. Who takes the final measurements?
Precision is everything. The person doing the measuring should be part of the install team, or at
least held accountable for measurement accuracy. This avoids finger-pointing if something doesn't
fit.
18. Can I speak with any of your recent clients?
Word-of-mouth is still one of the best ways to vet a contractor. Ask for references -- especially from
people in your neighborhood or city.
19. What exactly is included in your estimate?
Some contractors lowball you, then add charges later for demo, coatings, hardware, or removal. Ask
for a complete line-item quote before you agree to anything.
20. What makes your shower installs better than the rest?
This open-ended question helps you gauge their passion and attention to detail. The best
contractors won't just talk about price, they'll mention things like customer care, communication,and craftsmanship.
Hiring the right shower contractor isn't just about price. It's about peace of mind. Whether you're
adding a frameless glass shower to a luxury master bath in Cherry Creek or installing a
semi-frameless model in a rental unit in Thornton, knowing what to ask puts you in control.
Bookmark this list, ask every question, and don't set
