You know how difficult is it to make walking shower properly and not leak? $3500. Yes. Some people spend 15k on walk-in shower....

> Extended covered lanai (additional 5'x17' added to standard covered lanai): $7,000

85sq ft for $7000 or $82/sq ft? They have to extend slab or deck and do a roof...

> Wood look tile in 14'x16.6' room: $2,500

That is 232 sq ft - exta $10.70 a bit expensive.

Tub: If you'd never use it, anyway, then I'd consider the upgrade, *but* only if the upgrade doesn't delete a window or place a window in the shower.

Lanai: Depends on orientation of the lot and which rooms would be covered. Would need to see a floor plan with North marked on it. (Be warned, though, that posting a plan will probably get you more than you bargained for, lol. But all of the comments will be helpful.)

Tile: I'm picky about tile, especially grout lines, and I'd have to see examples of work done in other homes before deciding. I'd also want everything in writing (grout width, specific tile manufacturer and color, etc.). This assumes you'd have the same tile in another part of the house, not just the one room. Alternatively, you could visit a flooring shop and get a quote, for work to be done sometime after closing, and just get the standard floor from the builder.

Congrats on the new house!

Do these costs include materials AND labour? I'm in Canada and $3500 for a walk-in shower sounds inexpensive to me, even with the currency exchange. I'm sure a Floridian Houzzer will chime in with their reno experience.

Wood look tile though? I'd pass. Rarely looks convincing making it an option that will "date" quickly. (I know tile can be a practical floor choice material but must say I'll never choose it again for rooms other than bathrooms. Not only is cleaning grout a pain but I've found my kitchen tile floor hard on my knees and back making a cushioned mat a necessity for me. It's a comment I'd read often in this forum and dismissed. Well, I learnt we all have aging knees. :P)

Thank you all for your input!

@tartanmeup

Thank you!! And yes, cost would be inclusive of everything.

@One Devoted Dame

No windows will be removed. Lanai faces east so hot sun not too much of an issue (although it is still Florida).

The shower would be going into a guest suite. No one will ever use the tub so it is definitely something I want to do. Was thinking maybe we can ask builder to just do plumping and we'll take care of the rest afterward?? But reading your comments it sounds like maybe that's not even worth it.

The extended lanai would include extension of the concrete flooring as well as the extended roof. This will also enable us to connect the standard covered lanai to another covered walkway (leading to guest suite) nearby. Which would essentially allow us to go back and forth between house and guest suite without getting wet in a crazy Florida thunderstorm. So it is something we would really like to do, whether now or later.

Wood-look tile: I agree, grout is THE WORST. I actually hate tile and would only put it in bathrooms and maybe laundry room normally. But this extra room is the guest suite which isn't connected to the house. So using different flooring than the rest of the house is ok and also price is a big factor since this addition is already very pricey. I think carpet is standard. Maybe keep the carpet and add wood floors later??

I’m in N FL as well and we just had our 3x7 master shower retiled, and it was $2000 (this did not include materials..we had to purchase that separately) so $3500 doesn’t sound unreasonable at all if that includes materials as well. Does it include a glass door(s)? Those aren’t cheap

Oh, also will have a 4-6 month new baby when we close (depending on house completion date, not baby due date, haha) so....yeah. ;)

@D Davis Thanks for that info! Yes, this would include all materials (tile and frameless glass) and labor. But the builder is also saving the cost of tub/shower combo and the standard tile that would normally be installed.

Oh, also will have a 4-6 month new baby when we close (depending on house completion date, not baby due date, haha) so....yeah. ;)

Dude, Chica, do everything you can ahead of time, lol!!!

No windows will be removed. [...] The shower would be going into a guest suite. No one will ever use the tub so it is definitely something I want to do.

If you want to do it, and no one will use the tub, then I think $3500 is a pretty reasonable price to do the upgrade. :-)

Lanai faces east so hot sun not too much of an issue (although it is still Florida).

I'd totally have to see a house (and site) plan, to say for sure, but my first impulse is to hesitate to cover east-facing house windows with a deep lanai roof. Even in FL. I'm in Central TX, and I'm glad that all of my east-facing windows are unencumbered. If y'all really enjoy the backyard in the evenings, the shadow of the house will provide very comfy shade, without a covered porch/lanai.

Again, though, I'd have to see a plan, to be certain.

I think carpet is standard. Maybe keep the carpet and add wood floors later??

How much use will the guest house receive? If you have frequent overnight visitors, I'd probably get better flooring, sooner rather than later. If the guest house will be used sparingly, then the carpet will look nice for a longer time.

The going rate on a properly waterproofed shower, done by an a actual pro, and not an unlicensed hack, is 7-9K.

Dealing with builders on tract builds is difficult. You may not be able to dictate the quality of the work you receive. But you should be informed, and learn about industry standards. Don’t accept less than industry standards. And take in progress pictures the whole way through. Especially the wet areas. That’s where the hacks go badly wrong. And you only find out after the warranty is over that mold and rot is everywhere.

https://www.ceramictilefoundation.org/homeowners-guide-to-hiring-qualified-tile-installer

https://www.tcnatile.com/products-and-services/publications/218-english-publications/188-handbook/968-2020-tcna-handbook-for-ceramic-glass-and-stone-tile-installation.html

I think it is pretty egregious photo... with no waterproofing at all... You should not have to spend 7-9K to properly waterproofed shower today. There are so many options and methods...

Also consider that the walk-in shower provides you with good access if someone has mobility problems. Elderly guests, younger folks with disabilities, or even a college kid with a sports injury will all appreciate an oversize shower with walk-in access.

Bruce

$3500 very low , be extra vigilant vetting that deal, I have a few tile buds in FL and they are not building showers for 3500....