Project Junkeez

Shower niches are legitimately one of the more frequent waterproofing failure points in showers. When you recess storage into a shower wall, you create extra corners, seams, and horizontal surfaces where water can pe*****te if not handled carefully. Without proper waterproof membrane coverage on every angle, water can seep through tile grout and behind the niche into wall cavities, potentially causing mold, insulation damage, and structural rot.

Most niche leaks stem from issues like flat shelves that allow water to pool, failing to waterproof internal corners, or using incompatible membrane systems. Integrating the niche directly with the shower’s waterproofing system and ensuring slope toward the interior helps reduce those risks.

Bathrooms often cost more per square foot than kitchens, and it’s not just a rumor. All those showers, tubs, wet areas, plumbing, waterproofing, tile, ventilation, and custom cabinetry add up fast in a small space. Kitchens spread costs over more square footage with fewer wet area complications, so the per-square-foot number is usually lower.

Have you ever been surprised by how expensive a bathroom remodel was? What’s the one feature you think drives costs the most?

Think your cement board is waterproof? Think again. Concrete backer boards like HardieBacker or Durock are water-resistant, not waterproof. That water your grout misses can seep into the board, feed mold, and damage framing before you even notice. True waterproofing comes from foam backer boards or composite panels paired with a membrane.

Have you checked your shower substrate lately? Are you using real waterproofing or just hoping cement board is enough?

Shower layout is one of the most overlooked aspects of bathroom design. Oversized showers, awkward shapes, or poorly placed doors can make your bathroom feel cramped, awkward, or hard to use. We often tape out the shower footprint after demo so clients can walk through and experience the space before construction begins.

Careful planning of shower size, orientation, and door placement saves headaches and ensures your bathroom is both functional and visually appealing.

Have you considered how your shower layout affects the overall flow of your bathroom?

Most shower leaks are caused by failures in the waterproofing system rather than the tile or grout itself. Tile and grout are porous and allow water to pass through. Without a continuous waterproofing membrane behind your tile, water reaches the substrate and framing, often remaining hidden for months or even years before mold, rot, or stains appear.

Common mistakes that lead to leaks include skipping the waterproofing membrane, using incompatible products that fail to bond, not sealing fasteners, corners, niches, or penetrations, and rushing the waterproofing before materials are fully cured. Even small gaps become major problems when moisture accumulates over time.

Do you know if your shower’s waterproofing is continuous, fully sealed, and compatible with the products used?