Kathleen’s Bathroom Transformation – Leak Repair, Waterproof Shower Rebuild & Vanity Upgrade - Braintree, MA

Kathleen originally contacted us because her shower had developed a leak. What started as a repair quickly turned into a larger project once we opened up the shower and discovered the cause of the problem.

After removing sections of the shower and bench area, we found that the previous installers had not installed proper waterproofing under the shower bench. This is a very common mistake in shower construction. Many people don’t realize that tile and grout are not waterproof — the waterproofing system behind the tile is what actually protects the home. Because there was no waterproofing under the bench, water was slowly getting through and causing the leak.

Once we opened everything up, we also inspected for mold, moisture damage, and any structural issues to make sure the problem had not spread further into the walls or floor system. Fortunately, we were able to address everything early and prevent more serious damage.

We then brought in a licensed plumber to inspect and address the plumbing, ensure there were no active leaks, and make sure everything was properly connected and up to code before we rebuilt the shower.

What We Did

To repair and rebuild the shower correctly, we:

• Opened the shower and located the source of the leak
• Checked for mold, moisture damage, and structural issues
• Had a licensed plumber inspect and address the plumbing
• Rebuilt the shower bench with proper slope for drainage
• Installed a full waterproofing system throughout the shower, including under and around the bench
• Sealed all seams, corners, and transitions properly
• Installed new tile and grout
• Sealed and finished all surfaces

While the shower work was underway, Kathleen also decided to upgrade her bathroom vanity, which helped modernize the space and made the bathroom feel like a full renovation rather than just a repair.

The Final Result

The bathroom came out beautifully. The shower is now properly waterproofed and built the correct way, the plumbing was professionally addressed, and the new vanity upgrade completely transformed the space. Most importantly, Kathleen now has a shower that is built to last and won’t cause leaks in the future.

This project is a great example of why what’s behind the tile is just as important as what you see on the surface. Proper waterproofing and proper installation make all the difference.

Another successful bathroom transformation completed by Faith Stone Design & Build.