Neglected shower shelf tile - what am I in for?
TL/DR I plan to replace the grout and caulk. But given the likely water damage, should I plan on the shower being out of commission while I replace what's underneath?
Bad news: It's possible this shower shelf/bench hasn't gotten more than a surface cleaning the 1990s and it's been split open since we bought the house. I was idly wondering why my superhero husband hadn't included replacing the shower grout in one of his regular weekend marathons of home and car maintenance. He said, "Well, I guess I should look at it. I'm never in there with my glasses on." Oh. My. God. Nothing has been done to this shower since at least 2023. I just assumed he had it under control like everything else. The last photo looks like possible water damage on the basement ceiling, near but not directly under the shower. That ceiling is about to be finished as part of a renovation, so whatever I need to do, I'd better do it now.
Good news: we live in a cool and very dry climate. Everything but the edge of this shelf looks okay to me and the tile grout on the wall looks like new. My husband is very competent with DIY (when he has his glasses) and at least stop me from drilling through the floor, probably taking over when necessary.
I realize I take him for granted and want to take the mental load on this project. If you folks tell me what you think I'm in for before I start scraping, I'll update to say who guessed right and whose advice saved the day.