Chapter 7: The Importance of Skilled Installation
At Trends Kitchen & Bathroom Specialists, we know that even the highest-quality materials can fail if they aren’t installed correctly. That’s why we emphasize the skill, precision, and craftsmanship of installation as much as the products themselves. A remodel isn’t just about what goes into your home—it’s about how it’s put together.
Why Skilled Installation Matters
A beautiful tile or premium fixture can only perform if installed properly. Small errors—like uneven grout lines, poor waterproofing, or improperly leveled vanities—can lead to big problems down the road. Water damage, leaks, premature wear, and misaligned finishes are the result of cutting corners on installation.
By contrast, a skilled installer brings:
- Precision – Every cut, every seam, every placement matters.
- Durability – Proper waterproofing, leveling, and fastening ensure your remodel lasts.
- Beauty – Clean grout lines, balanced layouts, and aligned fixtures elevate the final look.
- Peace of mind – When installation is done right, you don’t have to worry about costly repairs later.
Our Philosophy on Craftsmanship
With 35 years of residential construction experience, we bring a professional eye to every detail. Tile is a perfect example—it’s man-made, and no two pieces are ever truly identical. That means a skilled installer must find balance and create layouts that appear seamless, even when working with natural variation.
At Trends KBS, we don’t just “put tile on a wall.” We design layouts that flow with the room, ensuring that patterns, cuts, and grout lines make sense. From fixture height in the shower to towel bar placement, every decision is intentional and custom-tailored for the homeowner.
Case Study: Precision in a Primary Bathroom
A client hired us to remodel their primary bathroom with a $45,000 mid-range investment. The design included a floating bench, Infinity niche, and frameless shower glass. While the materials were top-tier, the success of the project relied on execution.
- Tile Layout: Instead of simply starting in one corner, we dry-laid the tile to balance cuts and ensure the decorative accent band flowed evenly across all walls.
- Floating Bench: Proper reinforcement and waterproofing were critical to supporting the bench without visible brackets.
- Infinity Niche: Perfect alignment of grout lines and trim ensured the niche looked intentional, not like an afterthought.
- Fixture Placement: Kohler shower fixtures were installed at ergonomic heights, designed for the homeowner’s use rather than generic “standard” placements.
The result was a bathroom that not only looked stunning but functioned flawlessly. Years later, the client still remarks on how the shower feels custom-built just for them.
The True Cost of Poor Installation
Some homeowners are tempted by the lowest bid, but poor installation often ends up costing far more in the long run. Here are real-world examples of common failures—and what it costs to fix them:
| Issue | Cause | Repair Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Shower leak / water damage | Improper waterproofing | $8,000 – $15,000 (demo, repair, rebuild) |
| Cracked / uneven tile | Poor leveling or cheap thinset | $3,500 – $7,000 (remove & replace sections) |
| Mold behind walls | Gaps in vapor barrier or grout failure | $5,000 – $12,000 (remediation + rebuild) |
| Vanity / fixture misalignment | Incorrect installation | $1,500 – $3,000 (reset or replace) |
| Glass shower door failure | Out-of-square framing | $2,500 – $5,000 (custom replacement) |
Why This Matters
Skilled installation is the difference between a remodel that looks good for a year and one that lasts for decades. At Trends Kitchen & Bathroom Specialists, we don’t settle for “good enough.” Every tile cut, every joint sealed, and every fixture placed is done with precision. That’s what sets us apart and ensures that every client’s expectations are not just met—but exceeded.
— Damon Fowler
Owner, Trends Kitchen & Bathroom Specialists