Having a shower enclosure installed in your home requires having workers in your house for hours at a time, so it’s important to choose a company with whom you feel comfortable and familiar, says Bruce Downs of CB Showers, Inc. “Make sure the installers are experienced and the product has been inspected and is in good condition.” Terri Downs, co-owner, adds that people should check qualifications/licenses and be wary of rock-bottom prices, particularly in these challenging economic times.
Of course, using one’s intuition when dealing with an unfamiliar company may seem like common sense, but another aspect of the glass enclosure business may not be. “Right now, companies in this industry are having issues competing against people who work out of their garage,” says Mr. Downs. “Some are licensed and some aren’t, but the fact that they’re running a business out of their garage means they don’t have a showroom.”
A showroom, according to Mr. Downs, is a crucial aspect of any reputable installation company. “Without it,” he says, “customers can’t see products firsthand and look at the variety of options available to them. That’s detrimental to the process.” Without a physical representation of the product you’re trying to have installed—whether it’s a six-foot custom shower enclosure or a bathroom mirror—there’s always a chance of something going wrong and no one taking responsibility. Showrooms give a sense of security to the buying process. “People take comfort knowing a company has a brick-and-mortar showroom,” says Mr. Downs, “because if they have any service issues in the future, they know someone’s going to be around to handle them.
“The showroom is a big deal,” he continues. “Customers can come in and take a look at a variety of products—the type of glass, hinges and handles, general accessories—that truly make their shower custom-built.” Remember, showrooms are meant to be a tool for customers. Take your time and look at everything they have to offer. Don’t be afraid to ask questions; the staff should be able to give concise answers that can be beneficial to your decision.
