This Camillus, NY bathroom remodel transformed a dated family bathroom known as the “Fishy Bath” into a fully modernized and highly functional space. The project included a complete gut renovation down to the wall studs, replacement of a leaking bathtub, relocation of a problematic wall-mounted toilet to a conventional floor-mounted comfort-height model, subfloor repairs, installation of a custom hardwood vanity with an Onyx Collection cultured stone vanity top, upgraded lighting and fixtures, and a new acrylic bathtub surrounded by custom Onyx Collection cultured stone wall panels. The finished bathroom retained its original footprint while dramatically improving functionality, reliability, comfort, and long-term durability.
This remodel was the second of three full bathroom remodels completed by Bath Pros for a homeowner in Camillus, NY. For anyone interested in seeing the completed first bathroom, ‘Blue Dream’, see it here.
For many homeowners, bathroom remodeling is about updating an outdated room. For this family, this project was also about saying goodbye to a bathroom that had been part of their home — and family — for decades.
Internally, everyone in the house knew this bathroom as the “Fishy Bath.” Years ago, when the children were young, the room had been decorated with tropical fish and decorative ocean themed wallpaper. Like many family bathrooms, it accumulated memories over time. But eventually, practicality takes over. The kids had grown up, the room was showing its age, and the bathroom was no longer functioning the way it should.
By the time we arrived, the bathtub had developed a persistent leak and had largely fallen out of service. Rather than being used for bathing, it had become a storage area for household items. Alongside the tub sat a raised platform that had originally been built to fill the gap created by installing a standard 60-inch tub inside an approximately 72-inch opening. The platform consumed valuable floor space and served little practical purpose.
The tiled wainscoting throughout the room was also beginning to fail. Sections were loosening from the walls, grout joints were deteriorating, and it was clear that piecemeal repairs would only postpone the inevitable.
Meanwhile, a small 30-inch vanity occupied the corner of the room, and the wall-mounted toilet had become a constant source of frustration.
Floating toilets can look sleek when they are new, but over time they are notorious for developing maintenance issues. The homeowners had already replaced the gasket multiple times in an attempt to stop recurring problems, but the repairs never seemed to last. At that point, the decision became clear. The bathroom needed a fresh start.
Project Specifications
Location: Camillus, NY
Project Type: Full Bathroom Remodel
Scope of Work: Complete gut renovation down to wall studs
Bathtub: 60″ acrylic bathtub
Tub Surround: Onyx Collection cultured stone wall panels (~5/16″ thick) in Charcoal
Trim Package: Onyx Collection trim, corner blocks, and accents in Constellation
Tub Door: Onyx Collection satin glass bathtub door with matte black hardware
Vanity: Fabuwood Allure Galaxy Collection vanity in stained Horizon
Vanity Top: Custom 1.5″ thick Onyx Collection cultured stone vanity top in Charcoal with undermount Venetian sink
Toilet: American Standard Cadet 3 FloWise Commercial Series skirted toilet with comfort-height seating and slow-close lid
Additional Storage: Matching over-the-toilet linen cabinet
Major Upgrades: Toilet relocation, subfloor repairs, ceiling replacement, plumbing updates, new lighting, mirror replacement, and fixture upgrades
Project Goal: Replace a leaking bathtub and problematic wall-mounted toilet while creating a more functional, durable, and low-maintenance family bathroom.
A Complete Gut Renovation
Just as we had done in the downstairs bathroom remodel, the plan was to take the room down to the framing and rebuild it properly. The existing bathtub, wall finishes, vanity, toilet, flooring, and fixtures were completely removed.
Once demolition began, we discovered portions of the subfloor had suffered moisture damage and would need replacement before reconstruction could continue. Hidden structural issues are not uncommon in older bathrooms, particularly when plumbing leaks have been present for years.
Rather than covering up the damage, the affected areas were removed and rebuilt to provide a solid foundation for the new bathroom.
Saying Goodbye to the Floating Toilet
One of the homeowners’ biggest requests involved eliminating the wall-mounted toilet entirely. Instead of repairing the existing system yet again, they wanted a conventional floor-mounted toilet that would be easier to maintain over the long term. Accomplishing this required relocating the existing 4-inch waste line from the wall into the floor structure. While not an especially glamorous part of the project, plumbing modifications like these are often what separate a true renovation from a simple cosmetic update. The relocation added roughly a day to the project schedule, but the result was worth it.
We installed the same toilet the homeowners had selected for their downstairs bathroom: an American Standard Cadet 3 FloWise toilet with a skirted bowl, comfort-height seating, and slow-close lid.
After living with the downstairs installation, they already knew they loved it. Sometimes the easiest design decisions are the ones you’ve already tested yourself.
Updating the Vanity Area
The original vanity measured approximately 30 inches wide and sat noticeably lower than modern cabinetry standards. That may have made sense when the children were young, but today everyone in the household is fully grown. Storage was also limited. The existing vanity consisted primarily of a simple two-door cabinet with very little organization, forcing many everyday items to be stored elsewhere in the bathroom.
The replacement vanity was a custom Fabuwood Allure Galaxy Collection vanity finished in stained Horizon. To further improve storage, we also installed a matching over-the-toilet linen cabinet, providing dedicated space for towels, toiletries, and other bathroom essentials without consuming additional floor space.
Constructed from hardwood with soft-close doors and drawers, the new cabinet measured approximately 30 inches wide, 21 inches deep, and 34.5 inches high. In addition to the main cabinet storage, the new design incorporated two stacked drawers on the right-hand side, creating dedicated space for toiletries, grooming supplies, and other everyday essentials. The increased height made daily use significantly more comfortable while the additional drawer storage greatly improved functionality.
To complete the installation, we fabricated a custom 1.5-inch thick Onyx Collection vanity top featuring an undermount Venetian sink. A new mirror and vanity light were installed above, giving the entire wall a clean, updated appearance.
A New Tub Designed for Everyday Use
The original leaking bathtub was removed entirely along with the oversized surrounding platform that had occupied the remainder of the alcove for years.
When the bathroom was originally constructed, a standard 60-inch bathtub had been installed within an opening measuring approximately 72 inches wide. To bridge the gap, a raised platform was built beside the tub. While it may have seemed practical at the time, the area was too small to function as useful storage and had largely become an awkward surface that collected dust and clutter. Rather than rebuilding a feature the homeowners rarely used, we elected to close off the space entirely and create a cleaner, more intentional design that would be easier to maintain moving forward.
The homeowners selected a new 60″ acrylic bathtub paired with custom Onyx Collection cultured stone wall panels approximately 5/16-inch thick in the color Charcoal. To create contrast throughout the wet space, all trim components, corner blocks, and finishing details were completed in Constellation. The darker wall panels gave the room a more sophisticated appearance while still providing the low-maintenance benefits the homeowners were looking for. Unlike traditional tile surrounds, the cultured stone system contains very few seams and no grout joints to maintain.
To complete the installation, the homeowners selected a matching matte black bathtub door manufactured by The Onyx Collection. The glass was ordered in a satin finish, providing additional privacy while still allowing light to pass through the enclosure.
The finished bathing area feels dramatically more modern, easier to clean, and substantially more functional than the original layout while remaining durable enough for decades of daily use.
A Few Minor Surprises Along the Way
As reconstruction progressed, we encountered a couple of issues that could have become much larger headaches if overlooked.
The first involved the bathtub itself. The overflow assembly supplied for the project did not properly align with the tub that had been selected. Rather than forcing the installation or improvising a solution, we ordered the correct overflow kit and waited for the proper components to arrive.
Around the same time, we also noticed portions of the bathroom ceiling were beginning to sag. While the issue wasn’t directly related to the scope of work we had originally contracted, it was obvious that this was the ideal time to address it while the room was already under construction.
After discussing the situation with the homeowners, we prepared a simple revision agreement outlining the additional work. Once approved, we removed the affected materials and rebuilt the ceiling as part of the renovation.
Situations like these are one reason we emphasize patience during remodeling projects. A small delay is almost always preferable to a shortcut that creates problems years later. Fortunately, both issues were resolved properly, allowing the project to move forward without impacting the finished design.
The Finished Bathroom
Once construction was complete, the bathroom felt like an entirely different room.
The unused tub platform was gone. The failing tiled walls had disappeared. The troublesome floating toilet had been replaced with a dependable, comfortable floor-mounted fixture. The new vanity provided significantly better storage and a more ergonomic height. The new bathtub was fully functional and ready for decades of use.
Most importantly, everything was completed as a true turn-key renovation.
From plumbing and electrical updates to finishes, fixtures, lighting, and cabinetry, every major component of the room had been addressed. One unexpected compliment came several weeks after the project was completed.
During a follow-up conversation, the homeowners told us that one of their daughters had largely avoided using this bathroom for years. Between concerns about cleanliness, lingering worries about moisture issues, and the overall condition of the room, she simply preferred using other bathrooms in the home whenever possible.
After the remodel, that changed completely. According to her mother, she now refuses to use anything else. For us, that may have been one of the most rewarding comments from the entire project. A bathroom should feel clean, comfortable, and inviting. Knowing the space had gone from being avoided altogether to becoming the preferred bathroom in the house was incredibly gratifying.
When we completed the final walkthrough, the homeowner was overwhelmed with the result. In fact, she became so emotional that she nearly cried. Moments like that are a reminder that bathroom remodeling is about more than fixtures and finishes. It’s about improving how people experience their homes every single day. We get to be a part of that. And for a room that had served one family for so many years, we couldn’t imagine a better ending to the story of the Fishy Bath.
A Final Touch
After the remodel was complete, the homeowners added a decorative fish above the window as a nod to the room’s history. The original “Fishy Bath” may be gone, but not entirely.
Some habits die hard.
Planning a Bathroom Remodel in Camillus, NY?
Many homes throughout Camillus, Syracuse, and Central New York contain original bathrooms that are reaching the end of their lifespan. Whether you’re dealing with an outdated tub, failing fixtures, water damage, or simply a layout that no longer fits your family’s needs, Bath Pros can help.
Call Bath Pros at (315) 217-1151 to schedule a consultation and discuss your project.
Bathroom Remodeling Projects Near Camillus, NY
Custom Walk-In Shower Remodel in Camillus, NY – A leaking corner shower concealed extensive structural damage beneath the bathroom floor. This project included replacement of five floor joists, a deteriorated sill plate, custom Onyx Collection shower installation, luxury vinyl flooring, and a complete bathroom transformation designed around long-term durability.
Handicap-Accessible Bathroom Remodel in Manlius, NY – Fully customized master bathroom renovation featuring a wheelchair-friendly walk-in shower, custom roll-under vanity, relocated fixtures, accessibility upgrades, and a layout specifically designed to support aging in place.
Historic Bathroom Remodel in Syracuse, NY – A 1920s townhouse bathroom transformed with a custom walk-in shower, luxury flooring, upgraded fixtures, and thoughtful design adjustments that respected the structural limitations of a century-old home.
Bathroom Remodel in Jamesville, NY – Complete redesign of an outdated bathroom featuring removal of an oversized garden tub and cramped shower, construction of a large wall-to-wall cultured stone shower system, custom storage solutions, and multiple plumbing and electrical upgrades.
Liverpool NY Bathroom Remodel: Garden Tub Conversion & Multi-Head Shower – Large master bathroom renovation featuring removal of an unused garden tub, installation of an oversized custom walk-in shower with multiple shower heads, custom vanity cabinetry, luxury vinyl flooring, and integrated laundry functionality.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bathroom Remodeling in Camillus, NY
How much does a bathroom remodel cost in Camillus, NY?
Most full bathroom remodels involving a single bathtub or shower, completed down to the wall studs, range from $25,000 to $40,000+ in the Syracuse area. Final pricing depends on the scope of work, material selections, plumbing modifications, electrical upgrades, structural repairs, and any hidden issues discovered during demolition.
Is it worth replacing a wall-mounted toilet?
For many homeowners, yes. While wall-mounted toilets can provide a clean, modern appearance, older systems can become difficult to maintain as components age. Converting to a floor-mounted toilet often improves serviceability and long-term reliability.
Why do older bathrooms sometimes require subfloor repairs?
Water from leaking tubs, showers, or plumbing fixtures can slowly damage the wood structure beneath a bathroom over time. In many cases, deteriorated subflooring is only discovered after demolition begins.
Can plumbing be relocated during a bathroom remodel?
Yes. Plumbing lines and waste pipes can often be relocated to accommodate a new layout, different fixtures, or accessibility improvements. The complexity depends on the home’s existing plumbing system and structural conditions.
Is it common to remove a platform around an old bathtub?
Yes. Many bathrooms built in the 1980s, 1990s, and early 2000s included large deck-mounted tubs with surrounding platforms. These structures often consume valuable floor space and are frequently removed during modern bathroom renovations.
What are the benefits of a comfort-height toilet?
Comfort-height toilets sit slightly taller than standard models, making them easier to use for many adults. They are especially popular among homeowners planning for long-term comfort and aging in place.
Why choose a custom vanity instead of a stock cabinet?
Custom and semi-custom vanities allow homeowners to maximize storage, improve functionality, and better fit the dimensions of the room. They also offer a wider range of finishes, styles, and countertop options.
What is The Onyx Collection?
The Onyx Collection manufactures custom cultured stone shower systems, vanity tops, and accessories. Their products are made to order, easy to maintain, and backed by a lifetime guarantee for the original homeowner.
How long does a full bathroom remodel typically take?
Every project is different. Full bathroom remodels involving demolition, plumbing modifications, electrical work, flooring, cabinetry, and fixture installation generally take longer than a simple tub or shower replacement.
Do you provide bathroom remodeling services throughout Camillus and Central New York?
Yes. Bath Pros performs full bathroom remodels, tub replacements, walk-in shower installations, and custom bathroom renovations throughout Camillus, Syracuse, and surrounding Central New York communities.
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