Tiling a shower or installing prefab panels?

[Jesse Reynoso]

Will tiling a shower bring in higher rents compared to just installing a prefab shower enclosure?

[Mike Reynolds]

Originally posted by @Jesse Reynoso:

Will tiling a shower bring in higher rents compared to just installing a prefab shower enclosure?

 Not usually. Are you changing the footprint of the shower or is it  just the same size and shape that it was? You can add value if you make the shower bigger and custom and then tile it. Otherwise, no. 

One thing to consider. I have come across this a lot. If your tile guy doesnt know how to build and waterproof the pan you are screwed. Especially if it is upstairs. 

If you are using a handyman they may not know how to build a proper waterproof pan with tile. There are very specific steps that have to be done with the drain and the lining before any tile is installed. There needs to be a 24 hour "water test". Fill the pan with water and mark it with a Sharpie. In 24 hours if that water is below the Sharpie, something is leaking.