so we've decided we have to remodel our master bath.  the shower is showing signs of water damage behind the tile and walls.
 
the house was built in '86, so it could use a facelift anyway.
 
we're trying to choose contractors now.  it's a tedious process for us.  we're picky.  so far we've interviewed 4 and we're not 100% happy with any of them.
 
and we've started looking at cabinets, tile and shower glass.  ugh. 

I feel for you Beags....
 
We're also thinking about replacing our shower (removing all the tile), and the toughest part (like you're having) is finding good contractors. We haven't interviewed anyone yet, but looking/asking around. I'll very likely be asking tips from your experience Beags.......
My general impression of contractors are: "gouge you for as much as possible and then do a shabby job"...... 

Get a quote and negotiate terms up front, common sense, of course.  My mother up in MN didn't follow that advice.  A contractor verbally told her that it would cost 14K for a complete remodel and then handed her the bill for 21K.  I asked her what she had in writing and she had nothing. 
 
I told her next time, everything needs to be in writing and maybe to negotiate terms as installements in payments.  Like, so much up front, so much at mid job, final payment at completion.  She had no leg to stand on and was way to trusting.

yeah, but even with the contractors you won't get one to give you a firm fixed price.  they'll only give estimates.

When we moved into our place, same as Beags. Original was build in 57, added on (over doubled the original size) in 87. Terlits were from 87. I replaced both of them my own self.
 
The master shower needed a major overhaul. We had that done too.
 
Fortunately for us, we were able to do these things prior to moving in.

wish that we were able to update them prior to move in!
 
we're going to have to vacate our bathroom AND our master bedroom for a short time, too (the master bath remodel will include removing a linen closet in the master bedroom, re-sheetrocking that wall and installing a new door to the bathroom (pocket door).
 
the terlit itself is in fine shape.  it's only 2 years old.  but the shower is a mess and we're tearing out the shower and putting a new linen closet in it's place, tearing out the tub and putting the shower there and new cabinets and new floor tile. 

We're in the middle of same Reece, ol pal.  And it is indeed an "ugh" experience.  But the end result should be well worth it.  We're currently in the "guest room" and our whole house is a wreck.  Plus our new bath furniture has been delayed by a week and when we got into raising the ceiling in the shower we discovered hvac work that needed to be done....etc. etc. etc...  Goodbye money.  But as I said in another thread...at least I'm getting a fabulous new modern toilet.  Where's my Sweetwater catalogue??  Think I need to cogitate a while;-)
 

oh, no!  don't tell me that!  we are going to be raising the ceiling in our shower (turning it into a closet) as well!
 
I saw your toilet thread.  it's good to be the king, eh?

Been there, whined about that. 

You mean you guys don't pick labor in the parking at Home Depot? 
 
(This was one of those "just as in the movies" moments we had when we moved here, seeing that there really are Mexican immigrants waiting for work there... Felt just like having a Japanese person taking pictures of you or hearing  a Canadian saying "I'm sorry".)