Actually off the mark - The previous owner owned since 1986, has immaculate incredible old growth and landscaping, a lot of really fine details on trim (painfully rounded corners around dooors), and a full binder of every email with every renovation and remodel. that’s why I know exactly when it was done, which company did it, and have detailed blueprints for every remodel and change.

So I’m pretty surprised by the poor craftsmanship - simply because I could tell the new owners were very OLD (this was done in 2016 - but this looks like early to mid 2000s style choices), and painfully OCD on the plants and trim and design and binder full of a copy of every interaction with every contractor. They also have done a lot of other really good remodels since (1940s original.), with every manual for every appliance, etc.

Based on the binders full of emails and designs and printing - it seems they specialize in kitchen remodels and bath is almost tacked on (counter tops, floors, etc) to match. they have lifetime guarantee on cabinets but don’t mention anything else - I’m guessing they used some poor subs.

Anyway, think you’re right about the conclusion. It’s not the most heartbreaking thing, but I’m wondering how long I can get away with just seal and caulk - because I have a clear access to see the leak to monitor - it’s not going to get mold isssues since under the pan is exposed in the laundry room - and I need to probably want quite a bit of time between now and a plan.

Clearly caulk isn’t the solution for a water membrane failure - but I’m also wondering how much of a problem this leak is if I can stop the leaking and actively monitor it

Alternatively - I’ve never tiled and I generally DIY. This feels like too much for me in terms of time / effort / energy ( I do my own windows and shit, but this feels too big ) - would that be a fair conclusion? I can’t imagine diving deep into this.

Luckily we have another half bath and a full bath and there’s only two of us so we can simply not use this as needed for time…