Hello,
we are nearing the end of our build with a general contractor and have encountered the following issue:
The width of the shower niche in the family bathroom measures only 117.9cm (46.4 inches) after tiling. The rough opening was specified as 124cm (48.8 inches). The shower enclosure we selected for 120cm (47.2 inches) wide niches has a tolerance of only 15mm (0.6 inches) and, based on our current understanding, will not fit. This tolerance seems to be typical, as we haven’t been able to find any alternatives quickly.
The plumbing company we informed about the discrepancy has now sent us an additional quote for a custom-made unit, including measurement costs, totaling over €600 net.
We would like to avoid these extra costs and are seeking to understand where things went wrong. Was the rough opening already too tight? Who should have been responsible for monitoring the accuracy of the measurements? In our opinion, the site manager (who has unfortunately been quite slow). Should the plumbing company have pointed out when installing the shower tray that sufficient clearance needed to be maintained (perhaps using less tile adhesive or thinner tiles)? Should the tiler have been aware that the dimensions were critical?
We are quite frustrated at the moment because, towards the end, several issues have arisen regarding coordination and promised deadlines that have not been met. This situation is just adding fuel to the fire, which we might otherwise have accepted in an otherwise smooth process.
Tomorrow we have an on-site meeting with the site manager (originally to locate a missing boundary marker). I would like to calm down beforehand so that the meeting can be productive.
Thank you for your insights and suggestions!
Nina
we are nearing the end of our build with a general contractor and have encountered the following issue:
The width of the shower niche in the family bathroom measures only 117.9cm (46.4 inches) after tiling. The rough opening was specified as 124cm (48.8 inches). The shower enclosure we selected for 120cm (47.2 inches) wide niches has a tolerance of only 15mm (0.6 inches) and, based on our current understanding, will not fit. This tolerance seems to be typical, as we haven’t been able to find any alternatives quickly.
The plumbing company we informed about the discrepancy has now sent us an additional quote for a custom-made unit, including measurement costs, totaling over €600 net.
We would like to avoid these extra costs and are seeking to understand where things went wrong. Was the rough opening already too tight? Who should have been responsible for monitoring the accuracy of the measurements? In our opinion, the site manager (who has unfortunately been quite slow). Should the plumbing company have pointed out when installing the shower tray that sufficient clearance needed to be maintained (perhaps using less tile adhesive or thinner tiles)? Should the tiler have been aware that the dimensions were critical?
We are quite frustrated at the moment because, towards the end, several issues have arisen regarding coordination and promised deadlines that have not been met. This situation is just adding fuel to the fire, which we might otherwise have accepted in an otherwise smooth process.
Tomorrow we have an on-site meeting with the site manager (originally to locate a missing boundary marker). I would like to calm down beforehand so that the meeting can be productive.
Thank you for your insights and suggestions!
Nina
H
HilfeHilfe22 Jun 2021 06:12Such custom-made parts are usually ordered only once the construction is finalized... In craftsmanship, things keep changing all the time.
kbt09 schrieb:
Who decided on the 124 cm (49 inches)? Who coordinated the selection of the shower door?We decided on the shower size, the general contractor’s draftsman specified the 124 cm (49 inches). danixf schrieb:
Have you already bought it? If it’s not a standard door, usually someone comes to take measurements, and then it’s custom made to fit.We signed the offer in January, which includes the shower enclosure with delivery and installation. We selected the enclosure at a bathroom showroom; unfortunately, no one from the general contractor was there to coordinate, and during the consultation, it was never mentioned that measurements would be taken again or that a custom size might be required. We always had the plans with us. Even then, we felt left “on our own” because the general contractor only said we could pick something from here and there. We checked many measurements carefully but did not consider the shower size to be critical.
HilfeHilfe schrieb:
Custom-made items like these are usually only ordered once the construction is finalized... trades tend to have constant changes.We assumed we would get a standard shower and wanted the bathroom to be completely finished by the time the property was handed over.The selections were reviewed and signed off in the bathroom showroom according to the plan. However, the glass doors were naturally only manufactured and installed after the tile installer completed the on-site measurements.
Just check with your supplier how they handle the utility connection box.
Just check with your supplier how they handle the utility connection box.
H
hampshire22 Jun 2021 08:21NKB2020 schrieb:
We want to avoid these additional costs and would like to know at which point it went wrong???This insight won’t get you any further. What’s the point of searching for the mistake if you won’t make it twice? The opening won’t get any wider because of that. I agree with @pagoni2020 and @HilfeHilfe: continue with the construction and have the glazier install a solution at the end. The plumber will take measurements, also visit the glazier, propose something, and bill you for it. You might as well go directly to the glazier and shorten the value chain. The price difference compared to your planned solution should be minimal.NKB2020 schrieb:
We signed the contract in January, which includes the shower enclosure with delivery and installation. We chose the enclosure at a bathroom showroom, but unfortunately no one from the general contractor (GC) was present to coordinate, and during the consultation, there was never any mention that another measurement would be taken beforehand or that a custom fit might be necessary. We always had the plans with us. However, even at that point, we felt “left on our own” because the GC only said that we could pick something here and there.
We checked many measurements but did not consider the dimension inside the shower critical. Who issued you the invoice? The bathroom showroom or the GC? If the whole process was handled by the GC, then they are responsible for ensuring it fits in the end. If you bought it directly from the showroom and pay the installer separately, it gets more complicated. Then try politely asking if you can cancel the order or possibly buy a different door directly from the showroom.
H
hampshire22 Jun 2021 13:23If the shower enclosure doesn’t fit, simply remove it from the contract and arrange the installation yourself. It should be just a formality. Otherwise, the companies involved in the construction would have to agree on who covers the additional costs – this can take time, cause a lot of stress, and potentially affect the overall quality of the build.