just need info on moving the existing drain to mess with the new one in the concrete floor with minimum disturbance

Only way I know of is to cut or score the concrete to where the drain will be moved, then chisel or jackhammer out the concrete down to the base.

Plumbing specs say to move the trap to the area directly below the drain. That may require removing some more concrete to give you some room to work, 1. to get the existing trap out, and 2. to put the trap below the drain.

I have in the past, on the advice of a master plumber, simply left the trap in place and run the 2" line from the new drain location to the trap (about two feet) with a couple of 90 degree elbows. This is not to code, but doing it to code would have required me to dig down about two feet below the surface of the slab in both locations. That kind of work requires removing several square feet of the slab, which is not a fun job to say the least.

I'm back. Been sidelined a while, fell over backwards over a tire on the ground and fractured my elbow, been taking it easy.

The wife has been a trooper, very patient with me, what is this, in a couple of months it will be a year? Wow. And I was worried I might not let stuff dry enough before grouting. If it isn't dry now....

Anyhow, here are a few pics and a question as well.



As you can see, just about done with all the little pieces, a couple on the front of the bench, a couple on the inside of the curb, and just above the curb. Need to get the granite folks out to measure for the top of the bench.







Here's a question, here is the outside of the curb, the way the 4.25 tile and the trim stack, they are a perfect fit from the floor ... should I do that or should I tile the floor first and have the tile on top (meaning I'll be trimming some off the bottoms of the 4.25 tiles).

You can do it either way.
I personally would do the floor first, then the bottom row of tile.

Sorry to hear about your set back. Hope there's no complications with the arm.
Your lucky, not to many wives as patient as yours.

Question on grout selection-

Best grout and sealer to use on shower wall tiles

and

Best grout and sealer to use on shower floor tiles.

Obviously we don't want the shower to be a constant maintenance issue, so thoughts and best practices in this regard would be helpful. Also, which grout types and manufacturers are better?

We have a Lowes and Home Depot locally.

Thanks-

Pritch

Unfortunately, asking "what's the best grout or sealer" is very subjective. Installers usually have personal picks as to which one they prefer, based on what's available in their area and previous experiences with a particular product.
All manufacturers nowadays have very good products. Mapei, Tec, Laticrete are all good choices.

Same thing goes for sealers. Aqua Mix, Stone Tech etc. Just make sure you get the correct sealer for the application you need to do. READ the manufacturers instructions and choose accordingly.

It does not matter whether its a floor or wall, the same sealer should do both.

A sealer is not going to stop regular maintenance or cleaning for your shower, its just going to make it a little easier to control any soap scum or mineral deposits while the sealer is effective.

Thanks, Randall.

Making some progress, working on the floor tile.





Working on the toilet area first. It's one thing to have to shower in the other bathroom.... Got some sanded grout there first, then tomorrow seal, and then replace the commode.

Here are new roman tun faucets:



These cost me a few $$$. Ended up having to call a plumber in Friday as I mistakenly removed the stem nut instead of what I thought would be the nut to allow the assembly to drop down. No, the stem took off like a rocket, cutting the palm of my hand on it's way to the wall. It was the hot water stem, needless to say, I was in hot water with the DW. Took a good 60 seconds to hightail my butt out to the curb at 6am and get the water main turned off. It was like a geyser, sorry, no, I did not stop to take a picture, it would have been kinda cool to have that picture though. Just a good bit of water to clean up, but nothing that a few towels and a shop vac couldn't handle. I had to get to work, so I finally scheduled a plumber to install the new hardware and get the water back on. Took a "swimming pool" shower, not sure if anyone at work noticed, though. Anyhow, memories.

Just in case you didn't know, the plumbing access panel can be an independent 2x4 panel with about 1/4 inch play. It gets wedged into place firmly with wooden wedges. then you tile over it and grout to the existing tile. when you need access you just cut through the grout and pop it loose. It helps to have a printout with the picture above for reference as to the location.

Good idea, pistolpete... If I hadn't already bought a panel I'd probably do it.

Got this panel from HD, fits anywhere from 10x10 to 15x15 inches. I don't even think we are going to paint it, it matches the white tub, and it will be about 4 inches from the side of the throne, so it's not like it's very prominent.

OK, getting closer to the end.

Just this afternoon finished grouting the floor:









The last major item is to tile the front of the curb. Other items include quarter round, baseboard trim (behind the throne) , caulking, etc.

The granite piece should be soon. Still need to grout the shower. Maybe tomorrow.

Maybe it will be done before a year is up.