Stage 3: red waterproofing membrane on the shower walls and floor
Process

The layers you will never see, shown.

Every renovation has a finish and a foundation. This is how I build the foundation, and why I show it to you before it disappears.

Behind the walls

Your tile isn't what keeps your shower dry.

A real basement bathroom in Toronto, photographed from the same corner at every stage. If your contractor can't show you stages 2 to 4, ask why.

  1. Stage 1: the basement bathroom with walls closed in, before waterproofingStage 01
    01

    Walls closed in

    The shower walls are boarded and the niche is framed. It looks almost ready. Nothing here is waterproof yet.

  2. Stage 2: the shower floor sloped to the drainStage 02
    02

    Floor sloped to the drain

    Water that gets past the grout has to go somewhere. On this floor, every drop runs to the drain.

  3. Stage 3: red waterproofing membrane on the shower walls and floorStage 03
    03

    Waterproofing (the red)

    The red layer is the waterproofing membrane: walls, floor, corners and the niche. This is what keeps the house dry.

  4. Stage 4: tile going up over the waterproofingStage 04
    04

    Tile

    The part everyone sees, and the part that does not keep the water out.

  5. Stage 5: the finished basement bathroom from the same cornerStage 05

    Done

    Same corner. Every layer you just saw is still there. You just cannot see it anymore.

  6. Before the tile goes up, ask
    1. 1Is the floor sloped to the drain?
    2. 2What waterproofing goes on the walls?
    3. 3Can I see it before you tile?

    If the answer to the last one is no, ask why.

How a job runs

Six steps, one crew.

  1. 01

    Consultation

    We talk about the room you want, look at the one you have, and I explain what it will take.

  2. 02

    Detailed quote

    You get a quote that spells out the work, so you know what you are paying for before we start.

  3. 03

    Demolition

    Down to the studs where needed, so we see what the last renovation left behind.

  4. 04

    Rough-in

    Plumbing, electrical and framing, set for the fixtures and layout you chose.

  5. 05

    The hidden layers

    Sloped floor, waterproofing, sealed niches. I show you before anything gets covered.

  6. 06

    Tile and finishing

    Tile, vanity, glass, fixtures, trim and paint, then a clean handover.

Watch the build

Behind the walls, in motion.

Short films from real DNU jobs. Same corner, every stage.

Your tile isn't what keeps your shower dry
The drain picks your basement bathroom’s spot
Your shampoo niche is a hole in your waterproofing

Frequently asked questions

Why do you show clients the work behind the walls?

Because once the tile is on, nobody can check it. The sloped floor and the waterproofing are what keep water out of your house, so you should see them while they are still visible.

What is the red layer in your showers?

On DNU jobs, the red layer is the waterproofing membrane. It goes over the walls and floor of the wet area before tile.

Is the shower floor sloped under the tile?

Yes. The floor under the tile falls toward the drain so water that gets through the grout drains away.

If you can dream it, we can build it.

Want to see it on your job?

Tell me about the room. I will walk you through what it takes, and give you a detailed quote.

Monthly payment plans available. How financing works

Book a free consultation (647) 559-9334