Doing a bathroom remodel and need some help
 

I fired the contractor that was doing my bathroom after trying to work with him for a month. I now have cement backer boards to the 2x4's around tub and shower. Some have thin set on it. I am getting bids for the rest of remodel.

1. Few said, it is okay to apply thin set on existing thinset. Is that really OK? They also said, water proof material is really not required on the walls as we have backer board, thinset and tile...3 layers of protection. Is that true?
If not what is the best material to use and where to get it from?
2. What is standard height for shower head?

Why is there thinset on the board? Some people mesh the seams and mud a thin coat-- Did he start tiling and leave the mud combed on?

Remove it---a grinder works.

Waterproofing the board with a paint on coating is a good bit of insurance.
Red Guard or Hydroban work well and are easy to apply.

Tile and grout are not waterproof ---some water will work its way through the grout---no harm will come to the thinset or board.

There is no standard height for your shower head. place it where where ever is comfortable for you. If you plan on reselling your house place up high.

Cement has no problem sticking to cement. Cement and concrete board and grout are not waterproof. You must have a waterproof barrier between any lumber or (your wall) and concrete. Especially if it's been a water area. If it is not feasible to remove the concrete board. There are some products you can use. Often the cost almost end up being the same or more as doing the job correctly.

Bud's blog has a lot of good information.

http://www.diychatroom.com/blogs/con...wer-walls-152/