What the job involves
The work starts with measuring the opening in several places, because few walls are truly plumb and square. We then remove the old door if there is one, clean off old sealant, set the track or hardware, hang the glass and seal the joints.
Heavy glass takes two people and the right hardware, so we handle the lifting and fit.
If you are replacing an older door, we can often reuse the existing holes and anchors, though in tile we prefer to avoid reusing damaged ones. Fresh holes are drilled with the right bit and sealed so water cannot work behind the tile.
What we check first
We look at the curb or tub edge and the wall tile to confirm they are level and sound. If the curb slopes or the wall tile is out of plane, the door can leak or bind, and we adjust with shims and sealant.
We also look for water damage, loose tile or mold around the existing door. A door installed over a soft, damaged wall only hides a problem.
Glass thickness and hinge side are decided now, not later. We confirm which way the door should swing so it clears the toilet, vanity or towel hooks, and that the handle will not hit a wall.
- Opening width and height at several points
- Curb level and wall plumb
- Door type: sliding, pivot or hinged
- Condition of tile and grout around the frame
Why it matters here
Arizona hard water leaves white mineral scale on glass and tracks, which can clog rollers and eat at seals. A door with a smooth surface and a wiped-down routine lasts longer. We can suggest hardware that is easier to keep clean.
In older homes the tub or shower surround may have shifted over the years, so measurements matter more than the original plans suggest.
How a visit goes
We confirm the door you chose or help pick one that suits your opening. On the day, we set protection, install the base channel with sealant, mount the glass or panels, adjust the hardware and fill the joints with silicone. Silicone then needs time to cure, and we tell you how long to keep the shower dry.
We check for gaps and test the door movement before we leave.
We also advise on cleaning. A squeegee after each shower and a light wipe of the track make a real difference where the water is hard, and a glass sealant can slow spotting if you are willing to reapply it.
What affects the cost, and when to call a specialist
Frameless glass costs more than framed, and thicker glass costs more still. The size of the opening, the removal of an old door and any wall or curb repair also change the price.
If the door is custom cut, lead time may be longer. We confirm that when we quote.
If the shower pan leaks, the valve is failing or the walls are rotted, the door waits until that is repaired. Major shower rebuilds go beyond a door install and may need a tile or plumbing specialist.
“Nathan from Charme & Sons did our son's bathroom conversion from tub to walk in shower and we are very pleased with how everything turned out, see attached before and after pictures. Nathan was competent, reliable and reasonable. Will definitely use him again...”