lisa - for that corner shower, I would recommend a kerdi system for the floor, drain, walls, etc. it's made by schluter. if it's installed according to their specs, they warranty it for 15 years. email me if you'd like to see photos of my kerdi shower. it's a little more expensive BUT like yours, ours is above our brand new kitchen and it's also a steam shower, so i wanted the best. from everything i've read here it's the best. my installer (based in rhode island, and certified) said that it's easier to install as well. he swears by the system and explained to me that once the kerdi membrane is on the walls - you could literally take a shower with just that (meaning before the tile!). The other biggie with yours is the plumbing - since you're moving everything. i think you're going to want to meet with his plumber and tile installer. ask questions about how they'll move the plumbing and waste, how they'll deal with floor joists, etc. Ask about code (spacing around the toilet - since it's between a 1/2 wall and a tub. are those pocket doors? If so ask whether the mechanisms are noisy and if that pocket door can go behind the toilet. who's installing the vanity? or does it come assembled? I can't think of anything else - in a bathroom it's all about plumbing and waterproofing - and then the aesthetics of the tile pattern. don't need to worry about grout and sealer just yet. what tiles have you chosen? what tub/toilet/sink have you chosen?

Unglazed has that "matte" or "honed" natural stone feel to it. So there's a little bit of texture on the surface that the glazed doesn't have. That micro-texture can hold grime, but again the tile is not porous, so the grime isn't going to penetrate into the floor. And your tile is dark, so dingy showing as dingy probably won't be an issue. When you clean it, it'll clean up like new. So yes, to address your questions? Glazed is easier to clean. Unglazed may look dirtier quicker.

The answer to your question is another question: How much money do you want to spend and how much renovating do you want to do? So, yeah, that faucet trim is dated. The tub spout not fitting to the wall looks bad also. You have some options: $ 1. Replace the insides of the valve to stop the leak 2. Also replace the trim 3. Replace the tub spout and fix it so that it meets the tile (shorten the stub). Or $$$$ Replace the tub, retile, and put in new shower faucets. Build out the wall so that it fixes that "shelf" What I would do: I would go with Option #1 to fix the leak and make it look much better without dropping a huge amount of money. If, at some later date, you want to do significantly more work, you can. Usually when you first move into a new home money is tight... so do enough work to make this look 100% better and not leak, but don't drop big coin on it right now. What I would not do: I would not cut into the tile to replace the faucet. It's not going to go back well.

You've received some good advice from millworkman and mint. Here we go again with the GC who you put all your trust in (and understandably). Today, more than ever, you need to vet not just the GC, but his primary sub-contractors. There is a shortage of qualified labor in the trades and this compounds the problem. Your installation does not meet industry standards. That's on the GC as he hired the tile installer (who is not a professional). Unfortunately, the consumer needs to take a more educated approach to these projects. While a long read, this industry draft document (under review), might be helpful as you approach discussions with your GC: LOOKING FOR A QUALIFIED TILE INSTALLER? HERE’S HOW TO FIND A GOOD MATCH FOR YOUR PROJECT VERIFY THE TILE INSTALLER’S QUALIFICATIONS Do they have liability insurance and if they have employees, are they covered with Worker’s Compensation Insurance? · Make sure you can verify appropriate insurance coverage. Are they licensed (if required in your area)? · Verify. Some states do not require tile contractor’s to be licensed. How many years have they been working exclusively as tile installers? · It takes many years to become proficient as a dedicated, qualified tile professional. Five years or more would be an expected minimum. What kind of training did they receive? Do they participate in on-going professional industry training from organizations and or manufactures, and specifically what? · Installers who have completed an apprenticeship under a Qualified Tile Installer and participate in industry training are generally more likely to follow standards and recommendations and stay current with products, materials, and industry updates. Are they familiar with the TCNA Handbook and ANSI Standards and do they follow these industry recommendations? · The TCNA Handbook coupled with ANSI Standards are the industry recognized guidelines for the installation of ceramic, porcelain, stone and glass tile for a wide range of applications. A qualified tile professional will be familiar with and know how to specify and use these reference tools. If wet areas (showers/baths) are to be included in the work performed, what approved system/methods will they use to assure a long-lasting installation? · Tile installations in wet areas require some very important preparation to avoid leaks and unwanted moisture problems. Hybrid or unapproved methods, and the use of materials inappropriate for this application can contribute to a very costly and unwanted result that too often requires complete removal and replacement by a qualified professional. A quality installation should last decades or longer. What manufacturer’s products do they use and do they comply with manufacturer’s instructions? · There are many manufacturers of quality tile setting materials. Most perform well with use of approved methods and adherence to manufacturer specifications. Qualified tile installers will be well-versed on the materials and systems they prefer and should be able to answer your questions about the process and materials and their associated warranties. Do they have a company website or social media page with photos of their work? · Professionals will have a public presence that is available to consumers so you can review their work and customer reviews. Lack of a traceable, legitimate, and committed business should be a deterrent to hiring. Can you speak with recent customers and see photos of those projects? · Qualified, experienced tile contractors will have a loyal client base that is happy to recommend them and share their experience. Do they have experience working with the type of tile you plan to use? · There are different methods, materials and considerations when installing various tile products. Ceramic, porcelain, large format tile, handmade tile, natural stone, glass. Verify their experience and training with the tile product you have chosen. Talk to them about positives and challenges of past projects · Get to know the tile professional as part of your project team and takes pride in their work as a tile installer. If your General Contractor is hiring the tile installer, it may make sense to request meeting with the GC and tile installer in advance of the installation. What has been their greatest challenge as a tile installer? · Listen carefully to understand the installer’s limitations and ability to meet your expectations. Do they or their team belong to a professional organization like NTCA (National Tile Contractor’s Association)? · Industry involvement is one indication of a tile installation company’s commitment to their craft. It gives them access to education, technical information, and other resources to assist them in professionally serving you. Are they, or do they have Certified Tile Installer’s (Certified Tile Education Foundation, CTI) on their team? · The certification of tile installers is an important step forward for the consumer. The industry has established a process to certify tile installers. Certification identifies an installer as being a dedicated and knowledgeable professional whose competence in installing tile has been verified to meet specific tile industry standards.