For our main bathroom, we saved $$ by buying a readymade frameless shower. I don't know who the manufacturer was but we bought it at Rona. It was easy for my gc to put it in, but we have had problems with it. It is wobbly and the door hinges loosen over time. We have had water leakage leading to our replacing some trim. We put in a made to order shower door in our ensuite and it is so nice. I love it. So you get what you pay for in the end.

Thanks for your response. All the showers and/or tub enclosures in the townhouses here have fiberglass. I think that only one other person has changed theirs out and they stayed with fiberglass. I've gotten some estimates on tile as well as different info from each contractor. It has been a learning experience but also frustrating. They each use different methods for the shower pan and each one says theirs is the best way. The time for tile installation is anywhere from 3 days to a week depending on the contractor with one stating that he does flood testing. So have one using paper, wire,PVC and concrete and one who uses foam, etc. Did not know that they bring along their own plumber or may even do their own plumbing, if necessary, along the way. Work full time so would be difficult to be home right now if shower enclosure is to be tiled. As for the Swanstone, plumber gave me estimate for removal of current fiberglass unit and replacement with what he supplies and it seemed on the high side. Have separate estimate for plumbing repair of leaking pipes (from same plumber) but my homeowners association is covering that. I don't know what the "usual" cost would be for removing fiberglass one piece unit, fixing up what is behind the unit and then installing new enclosure. However, since I would prefer the Swanstone or another solid surface material over the basic fiberglass, I will most probably be providing the materials. Does anyone have an idea of what typical cost might be for removing fiberglass unit and installing solid surface materials provided by homeowner? I know that there are installation instructions that come with the Swanstone but is there anything that isn't mentioned in these directions? In addition, are there any type of chemical emissions or noxious odors that are produced during the installation of the units? I am very concerned about this because of my birds and their known sensitivity to many things. They would be in the home during installation. Although the bathroom has an overhead fan, there is no window. I do have air purifiers running throughout my house and can open windows in other rooms when this is being done. Thanks again. Appreciate any help with this.

I had them reinforce the wall when we redid our small bathroom thinking that we would do that too. But once everything else was done, I just couldn't picture it and we went with a shower rod and curtain instead. It just seemed like it would make the space feel too small and too cold. I think somewhere along the line I also showered in a glass enclosed shower and realized I was not the sort of person who would be able to keep it spotless (but I'm also the sort of person who would want it spotless). I think you have to decide what you like and your own priorities. A friend has glass and she scoffs at her husband's complaints of upkeep.

The twinline is interesting. I have one more bathroom to remodel, a small one, attached to my son's bedroom. The problems I see with the twinline are: (1) not enough glass/door area to contain the water splashing that a teenage boy/man produces. (2) You have to get in the shower/tub to turn on the water for both a shower or a bath ... I live in a warmer climate, but the water always starts out pretty cold and not realistic to expect someone to put up with cold water for any length of time.