I replaced old shower handles and was able to keep the old valves. Hope you can do the same.

I have seen some shower module type things that include a back plate. If you have to replace all the shower hardware perhaps you could get something like that to cover all the old holes.

What's behind the shower? You might be able to access the valves from the next room over and just have a drywall repair.

I wouldn't give up on finding a reasonable tile match either. Blah brown is still fashionable. I even have a box that looks just like that in my garage (also from the 80s I think. Wrong size for you though!).

Thanks! You are making me feel much better!

fori, behind one shower is the wall you see in the photo. The one with the toilet paper holder. The other shower head backs up to the laundry room. We have an upstairs laundry room. That's another post, another day.. LOL! I really don't want to go looking for matching tile, but if I must I must! Doing everything in a hurry (contractor has a time-line created by us), is tough.

jamies, that plate thing is a great idea. I'll look for those too!

DH is there now with the contractor getting the good or bad news. I really don't think they will know anything until we purchase a replacement and see if it fits.

Remember, money is tight here, so what do you think of this replacement?

Here is a link that might be useful: A possible replacement

This is the flower that appears here and there on the tiles. I will paint the room to blend, when that day comes.

First things first. We turned the knobs, and the water comes on! Yay! This is a tub/shower, but I doubt we will ever tub. We are shower people.

Hot tub on the deck outside, well that is another post!

Suzi

First, I'd pull one of the stems, take it to a REAL plumbing store and see if they can identity the manufacturer, American Standard, Kohler, whatever. They can probably order replacement handles that will fit your needs. Sounds like your plumber is on the young side. I just got replacements for my 1950's AS.
If you wind up replacing the tile (depending on how many you need), you can get 8 full tiles by pulling down the tiles above the shower and just leaving the bullnose trim (that's how mine is and it's original).
Patch the drywall and continue the crown molding around the corners to meet the other crown. It looks like pretty standard crown so it should be pretty easy to match.
You might also get some extra tile from behind the side panel of the vanity where it meets shower.
Just a thought.

Well, they think whatever it is, was high end at the time. Sucks when you are on a budget...

They went high end, and lost the house to foreclosure. Lesson?

DH took it to a plumbing place and it's not one of your cheap china brands. They think it's Moen. Jury is out.