Jordan Santiano, the Five Star Bath Solutions representative, walked the customer through several material options and recommended avoiding fiberglass due to its lack of durability and maintenance issues, especially with grandchildren using the shower regularly. Instead, he proposed the Smart Choice grout-free composite system, which features a six-layer antimicrobial surface, scratch resistance, and a high-resolution Calacatta marble appearance—offering the aesthetic of real stone without the hassle of grout lines. Jordan emphasized that all work would be completed by Five Star’s certified in-house employees, not subcontractors, and that all team members, including installers and contractors, complete training at the corporate headquarters in Warren, Michigan. The company operates locally in Tampa Bay with the buying power of a national brand but provides the feel of a mom-and-pop shop, backed by $2 million in liability insurance and a licensed general contractor, Phil Swanson.
The installation process was described in detail, beginning with full demolition of the current shower down to the studs and inspection for hidden leaks and moisture. Jordan used a moisture meter during the visit and confirmed water content as high as 100 percent in the lower sections of the existing tile system. He assured the customer that any mold, damaged studs, or subfloor issues discovered would be addressed at no extra charge. New plumbing would be installed using the high-pressure Apex system, and the patented waterproof ShowerShield backer board—made from closed-cell foam, fiberglass, and a cement overlay—would serve as the foundation behind the walls. The upgraded system would be completed with antimicrobial silicone seams, a matte black Delta pressure-balanced faucet and handheld set, three custom triangular corner shelves, and a seamless Calacatta marble composite seat. In lieu of a curtain rod, a frameless glass door was installed to seal water effectively. The project was expected to take one day to complete following a pre-job inspection by the contractor, scheduled for the coming Friday.
Five Star Bath Solutions offers a lifetime warranty on the Smart Choice system, which includes the product, all parts, and workmanship. Jordan assured the customer that any future need for silicone replacement would be handled free of charge by their service team, provided all components were sourced through Five Star. The same-day decision to proceed qualified the customer for a significant discount: 77 percent off installation and a same-day upgrade, reducing the original estimate from $15,856 to $11,543. The customer was approved for financing with no down payment required due to the total staying above $10,000, with payments scheduled to begin approximately 90 days post-installation.
Features Presented by the Representative:
* Walk-in shower with seamless Calacatta-style marble composite wall panels
* Matching marble composite, nano-grip, slip-resistant shower pan
* Custom cement-coated waterproof backer board (ShowerShield system)
* Apex plumbing system rated for high water pressure
* Matte black Delta round pressure-balanced faucet with handheld shower set
* Three triangular corner shelves with custom placement
* Integrated marble composite seat on left side (no grab bar)
* Frameless glass shower door for a clean, modern look (no curtain rod)
* One-day installation following contractor verification
* $4,313 in total savings from 77 percent install discount and same-day upgrade
* Lifetime warranty on product, parts, and workmanship
* No subcontractors; certified, background-checked in-house installers
* Financing available with zero down and 90 day deferred first payment