Tile Redi + Tile Coach - Helping the Community
From Ashes to Oasis: How a Custom Shower Pan Helped a Wildfire Survivor Rebuild Her Home
At Tile Redi™, we believe a home is more than just a structure; it’s a sanctuary. Our mission is to provide a solid, leakproof foundation for one of the most important parts of that sanctuary: the shower. Sometimes, a project comes along that reminds us why this mission is so critical. This is the story of Lori Reynoso, the devastating Camp Fire, and how a community came together to help her rebuild, starting with a reliable, custom shower solution. It’s a story about resilience, community, and finding the right solutions for the toughest challenges.
A "Do or Die" Project in Paradise
In 2018, the historic Camp Fire tore through Paradise, California, destroying nearly 12,000 homes, including the one belonging to Lori Reynoso and her husband, Victor. After years of displacement, Lori, at 70 years old, was determined to rebuild their home herself. With limited funds and facing a monumental task, she reached out to Isaac Ostrom, the founder of Tile Coach, with a message that moved us all. The subject line was simply: "Do or Die project. Before I kick the bucket I really need to have a home again," Lori wrote. "3 years building doing a lot of my own... never built a shower but here I go... you are my inspiration and motivation." Isaac felt compelled to help. He knew that for a first-time builder facing such a daunting project, starting with a foolproof shower foundation was essential. He reached out to us at Tile Redi, and we were honored to donate a Redi Your Way® custom shower pan to the project.
The Challenge: Building on Imperfect Ground
When Isaac arrived on-site, he discovered the immense challenges Lori and Victor were facing. Having framed the house themselves with the help of friends, the structure had character, but it also had imperfections that would make a traditional shower installation extremely difficult.
- Uneven Foundation: The concrete slab was nearly a half-inch out of level over a four-foot span, with significant dips and humps.
- Out-of-Plumb Walls: The framing in the bathroom was not perfectly straight, which would create major issues for tiling and waterproofing a conventional shower.
- A Remote Location: The job site was nearly two hours from Isaac’s shop, meaning multi-day processes like pouring self-leveler and returning the next day were impractical.
- These challenges would be difficult for a seasoned professional, let alone a 70-year-old DIYer. A standard shower build would be at high risk for leaks and failure. A different solution was needed.
The Solution: A Custom, Leakproof Foundation
The Redi Your Way custom pan was the perfect answer to the project's unique problems. Because every pan is custom-built, it could be made to the exact dimensions of Lori’s space. More importantly, its design directly addressed the on-site challenges. Isaac explains it best: “I’ve been doing tile coaching for years... when the showers go wrong from DIY builds, it’s almost always the floor-wall connection and where the drain goes in. With this Tile Redi pan, everything is completely sealed. The one-piece, polyurethane construction features an integrated curb and splash walls, creating a seamless, leakproof vessel. This design eliminates the most common points of failure, providing peace of mind, especially in a build where surrounding walls aren't perfect."
The Installation: Leveling the Ground for a Perfect Fit
With the right product in hand, Isaac got to work. The process demonstrates how a Tile Redi pan can overcome even the most difficult site conditions.
- Floor Preparation: Instead of using a slow-curing self-leveler, Isaac screeded a bed of rapid-setting mortar directly onto the uneven concrete. Within minutes, it was hard enough to walk on, creating a perfectly flat and level surface.
- Pan Setting: With a level base established, the custom pan was set into a bed of thin-set using a 1/2" notch trowel. The integrated drain was then easily connected to the home’s plumbing.
- Perfectly Level: After setting the pan, Isaac used a level to confirm the result. The splash walls were perfectly level in every direction, providing a solid, reliable foundation ready for tile.
Lori’s reaction said it all: “Oh my God... that is amazing. It’s all ready for tile!”
More Than a Shower Pan: A Community Effort
This project was about more than just a shower. It was about a community coming together to help a neighbor in need. We were proud to play a small part, and we were inspired by Isaac’s call to his own community to help Lori and Victor get over the finish line. We are honored to partner with craftsmen like Isaac who share our commitment to quality and community. Lori’s journey to rebuild her home is a testament to the human spirit, and we are grateful that a Tile Redi foundation will be a part of it for years to come.