100% incorrect order of operations. the bench needed to be built, covered with substrate and waterproofed at the same time as the shower. This would lead me to question how the shower was built if he feels this is an appropriate method.

Yeah I wouldnt chance tearing it apart. Buy a bench.

@millworkman thanks, that’s what I assumed based on the videos I’ve seen. We called the builder and he said that this particular subcontractor always builds the bench after. They use some type of foam for the structure?

If your shower is waterproofed properly NOW under the tile A bench can be added w/o damage not ideal but happens.

As well some older full mud methods its common guys will tile then add a brick corner bench (again W/O compromising waterproofing). It is still done this way at times.

Now if they start adding lumber and drilling cutting thru tile and waterproofing RING THE ALARM.

2" foam board being added topically , A brick bench in a full mud shower build........may be a skilled crew still.

Nobody can see your shower or its make up here in this thread, nor guage the skill of your tiler just yet. How did the flood test and inspections go?

Silicone a toe holder for leg shaving 24" off the floor and forget the bench please.

A freestanding bench normally works very well and provides flexibility and cleaning ease.

Shower benches are overrated. I've had two and only used them to shave my legs. Never sat on them. I vote for either a toe holder as Joseph mentions or a portable bench that can moved if needed.

Different opinion...I love my bench. Had foot surgery last year and it was a lifesaver.

I've had shower benches. They're highly overrated. I really prefer a teak wood moveable bench if anything. My shower & tub are combined in one wet space and I just use the tub to prop my foot up on to shave easily. I also have a wood stool and have used that...even have used the soap box / ledge since I had ours placed down lower on the half wall of our shower (to hide the soaps from plain view when walking into the bathroom). I seriously hate to sit on a tiled or stone top bench, super cold at first. lol!

If I had it to do all over again I'd get rid of my bench. I never sit on it and it takes up useful floor space. All it does is hold a couple of shampoo bottles. In my next life I'm putting in a removable teak bench instead.

We have had built in benches.. Love them! Much safer than a moveable bench (which we currently have in our rental and have knocked over a couple of times.).

Not only are they handy for leg shaving, they have been very helpful when our family has had health crises. Husband had open heart surgery 2 years ago. Our daughter had 2 back surgeries and we took care of her for a couple of weeks afterward. Then, my husband, adult daughter, and I were hit by an 18 wheeler on the Interstate. We all had multiple injuries that required sitting in the shower. The same daughter dislocated her hip. Needing a shower bench went on for several months until we were fully back on our feet and stable. Daughter still needs a hip surgery to repair a tear..

We are adding a built in bench to the Master shower to our new build. The upstairs shower will have a movable bench because we are using a pan up there. A guest shower downstairs will be too small for a bench, but all 3 showers will have shave bars approx 19” off of the floor. 24” is way too high!!!! We will also have attractive handicap bars in all 3 baths with showers, and one in the 4th bathroom tub shower combo. I’m even putting a handicap bar beside my soaker tub. When you have surgery, or an accident, you learn to plan for the unknown.

Thanks for the suggestions, advice and comments. We spoke to the project manager and he said the subcontractor specifically does it after tiling for waterproofing and integrity purposes. He answered all the concerns I had and stated that’s their preferred method and they use them in all the custom homes they build and haven’t had any issues. So will take their word for it. I love the way it looks. Will take a picture the next time I go.

Our house is done! I promised I would add a picture.

It looks great