We are building a home and the builder is insisting on installing a four piece tub/shower unit. I'm wanting something easy to clean and that won't allow stagnant water to become trapped behind it(I would like a one piece unit like I have had but they want to charge me a huge $1000+ fee to change it out as its already partially installed). Should we be worried about the four piece sterling unit??help please asap!!

3 or 4 piece units are made for remodeling where you can not fit a 1 piece thru doorways or up stairs.
a 1 piece is made for new construction or for a remodel with tons of access.
were there no design specs?

We built with the same builder 5 years ago and we had a one piece unit as standard. I was aware they were using a new unit that had checkerboard tile design on it and requested it to be smooth. I paid about $140 for the change to smooth. I didn't know these were completely different "animals". The builder claims they have had no problems or complaints with them and thinks I'm crazy for wanting a one piece instead :/ I don't like the extra crevices the four pieces have and could see water getting through the seems and becoming stagnant in the trough designed to route the water out. At this point in wanting to know if plumbers have seen problems with the four pieces or am I being really picky? Thank you!!



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No way, no how , would I accept a 3 or 4 piece bathing unit in a new home.

Could you give me some specific reason of why not? I'm wanting to defend my decision thank you for your opinion!!!

You are correct, the builder is wrong, and it's YOUR money. That's all the builder needs to know.

Maybe he forgot to bring in the 1 piece before he framed the walls.

I have installed many Sterling 4 pc. units with no problems. They are all I use for fiberglass remodel.

But, having a choice such as you have for new construction, I would never recommend anything but a one piece.

Thank you!! Does anyone know in general, are four piece less money compared to a one piece? I'm trying to do my own research but am still unclear. Thank u!!

I think a 3 piece fiberglass might cost more than the same brand 1 piece. But a tub with a thin 3 piece surround glued to drywall would be a lot cheaper.

Sterling sectional units can be more than the same one piece unit.

Can't thank you guys enough! I really appreciate the advice!! The builder is saying the plumbing they have put in for the sectional sterling won't line up for a one piece unit so it will have to be redone... True?



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We would seldom "see" problem with them, because we don't deal with them after they are installed.

The existing plumbing may not line up exactly with the new tub, but I can't see it taking more than 10 or 15 minutes to move it to where it needs to be.

a 4 piece tub and shower would cost at least double what a one piece costs. (same brand)..
as said above i would never want a 4 piece if i could have a one piece. also as said above, re-arranging the piping is about 10 minutes work.. it is a matter of a couple of inches..