NARI Commercial Vehicle Leasing Member Benefit
NARI members can access commercial vehicle sourcing, financing, leasing, wraps, upfits, delivery and exclusive credits through Apple Commercial Leasing with this new exclusive member benefit.
Smarter Product Choices for Flawless Bathrooms
By Bestbath
“Can we make it look like this?”
If you’ve ever had a client slide a photo across the table or reference their favorite design
influencer, you know the pressure remodelers face. Homeowners want spa-inspired bathrooms, luxury finishes, and custom details—all on a tight timeline, tight budget, and with zero tolerance for mistakes.
For remodelers, the challenge is clear: deliver elevated design without increasing the risk of
callbacks, blown budgets, or rework. The good news? You can have both—with the right mix of materials, install strategies, and client education.
When Style Creates Risk
Some of the most on-trend bathroom features are also the most failure-prone — especially
when installed under pressure or without enough planning. Common culprits include:
- Tile showers with narrow grout lines (high risk of cracking, leaks, and mold)
- Floating vanities (require strong wall backing and precise plumbing)
- Freestanding tubs (aesthetically appealing, but often harder to plumb and clean)
- Frameless glass enclosures (prone to leaks if not installed precisely)
- Niches and recessed shelving (waterproofing risks if not executed carefully)
- Natural stone surfaces (porous, stain-prone, and maintenance-heavy)
Each of these design choices can look great — but if not backed by smart planning and the right products, they can compromise performance and increase liability.
Lower the Risk, Not the Style
Here are product choices that deliver the look your clients want — with less friction for your team:
| High-Risk Feature | Smarter Alternative |
|---|---|
| Tile showers | Seamless composite panels with tile-look or stone textures |
| Floating vanities | Factory-built units with reinforced backings or install kits |
| Freestanding tubs | Drop-in or alcove-style tubs with integrated plumbing access |
| Frameless glass doors | Pre-leveled bases + properly sloped thresholds |
| Recessed niches | Factory-molder or surface-mounted accessory kits |
| Stone countertops | Solid surface or engineered stone with lower porosity and maintenance needs |
Help Homeowners Make Smarter Calls
It's not about telling your clients “no” — it’s about reframing the conversation:
- “This option gives you the same look, but it installs faster and won’t stain or crack.”
- “We can achieve that aesthetic with fewer trades — which means fewer delays.”
- “This is easier to clean and safer long-term, especially if you’re planning to age in place.”
Homeowners want beauty, but they also want peace of mind. Position your material choices as smart design — not cost-cutting.
Final Takeaway
Design matters — but execution is everything. The best remodelers know how to deliver high-end results using materials that protect their profit, their schedule, and their reputation. You don’t have to choose between performance and aesthetics. With smarter systems and materials, you can build bathrooms that work as good as they look.
For more like this visit, bestbath.com/blog(Opens in a new window).
How to Spec Rental Kitchen Jobs for Repeat Work
Rental clients do not want a custom kitchen. They want a spec they can repeat on every turn. See how the four ways to refresh a rental kitchen compare in terms of crew time, sourcing, and callback risk, plus where your margin really goes and when to walk away from a refacing bid.
25 Years Later: NARI Members Reflect on 9/11 Recovery Efforts
On the 25th anniversary of 9/11, National Association of the Remodeling Industry members from Long Island and New Jersey reflect on the rescue and recovery mission following the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center.