What kind of screws did he use ? I'd ask him (or print out ) the install instructions for DensShield. - I'm pretty certain you'll find language that says something like : do not use drywall compound ! This is the manuf. instructions and needs to supersede any and all of his experience, intuition, and "I've never had problem yet doing it this way" A larger issue that no one has touched on is the Redgard over this stuff. RG will protect the screws and drywall mud from moisture ( if he applies it thick enough - he won't . Ask him if he has wet film gauge or even knows what one is) -but- I'm not sure RG will play nice with the acrylic coating of the DensShield. It may, but it's not an accepted assembly and really shouldn't be considered. Let him test it on his everyday shower. And don't let him tell you he has. Those products haven't been out long enough for him to have dreamed up this concoction and have a twenty year test bed from which to evaluate their compatibility and performance. Neither company is going to warrant the shower used as such. If he's so confident , and you still want to roll the dice - have him purchase a performance bond for this frankenshower.

I understand about sticking with budgets. What kind of exhaust fan do you have? If you put one over the shower area and add an automatic humidity timer, that may help with ventilation problems. I'd go for the post at the corner to add stability to the whole thing, especially if the exhaust fan option is to go directly through the wall instead of up through the ceiling and out to the wall. With a washer and dryer in the room, ventilation is important.

I believe the difference in color is too great with the white and brown. Why? 3 reasons 1. The products that are cemented to the building you will not redo anytime soon. Messy , dirty, expensive and just not worth the trouble  2. When you add a product to the building structure. Windows , floors they must last a long time. Durability, wear and tear, and STYLE. All equal a story of when the home was designed.  The look over a period of time 10 years + and the home will become "out of date" Needs a face lift . 3. The homes we admire, the Museums, Churches, Libraries, Opera House have one common thread. At a glance they are timeless. Built in 1940, 1990 etc  The crystal clear item is not seen  For this reason I would not go "trendy". Generally our first choice is the right one. Simple and elegant  How do you change this ad time moves on. Color Bedroom a change of bedspread. Bathroom towels become a dark navy or  deep forest green. Yellow for spring  Paint a wall blue, hang a piece of art  The change is simple and your money well spent for resale  Take a moment to do another board  Remove the brown and replace with a neutral. Try an Odegard runner - There are so many options  Enjoy

I’m having trouble finding a 32” x 48” shower base that works with a Utile shower surround system — is reasonably priced, and has good reviews. I need a white base with a textured floor surface, 3” threshold depth, and solid (non flex) feel, without requiring a mortar base. Any suggestions based on something you know works? Thank you! Eric