This bathroom remodel in Camillus, NY involved demolition of an existing leaking corner shower, structural floor repairs, installation of a custom 70″ × 42″ Onyx Collection cultured stone walk-in shower system, and a full update of the surrounding bathroom finishes. During demolition we discovered significant water damage beneath the original shower, which required replacing five floor joists, the exterior sill plate, and several wall studs before the new shower system could be installed. Once the structural repairs were completed, the project continued with installation of custom Onyx shower components, new cabinetry, updated fixtures, and luxury vinyl flooring.
A Challenging Situation for the Homeowners
The homeowners, Ben and Colleen Freeman, contacted Bath Pros after researching bathroom remodeling companies serving Camillus and the greater Syracuse area.
Their situation was unusually stressful. The Freemans have four children living at home, and at the time they contacted us two of the three showers in the house were not operational. To make matters even more challenging, the bathroom they were planning to remodel was currently the only working shower in the home.
Like many families with a busy household, the existing bathroom had simply been functioning as a practical space for years. It had served its purpose getting everyone through the morning routine, but it was clearly reaching the end of its lifespan.
The corner shower had also begun leaking, and the homeowners suspected there might already be damage beneath the floor structure.
Because the bathroom was their only functioning one, the project required careful scheduling and efficient execution to minimize disruption for the family.
We scheduled a site inspection at their Camillus home to evaluate the bathroom and determine the best approach for the renovation.
Bathroom Remodeling Project in Camillus, NY
Homes throughout Camillus and many Syracuse suburbs were built between the 1970s and early 2000s, and many of these bathrooms are now reaching the end of their lifespan. We frequently see leaking fiberglass showers, aging plumbing fixtures, and outdated layouts in these homes. Bathroom remodeling projects in Camillus often involve replacing older shower units, repairing hidden moisture damage, and redesigning the space to better fit how homeowners use the room today.
Planning the Shower Layout
During our inspection we measured the room and reviewed several layout possibilities for the new shower.
The existing unit was a small fiberglass corner shower that felt cramped and outdated. Most standard shower pans measure approximately 60 inches wide and 30–36 inches deep, but the available wall space in this bathroom measured closer to 70 inches across.
Rather than forcing a standard-sized shower into the room, we designed the new shower around the actual dimensions of the bathroom.
The homeowners selected a custom Onyx Collection shower pan measuring 70 inches by 42 inches, which allowed us to remove the corner layout entirely and install a much larger walk-in shower.
One of the advantages of the Onyx Collection system is that shower bases and wall panels can be custom manufactured to match the space, rather than forcing the bathroom to accommodate stock materials.
Once the layout was finalized, demolition began.
Demolition Revealed Significant Water Damage
After the existing shower was removed, the cause of the leak became clear.
Water had been escaping beneath the shower pan for a considerable amount of time. When the subfloor was opened, we discovered that moisture had spread into the surrounding framing and several floor joists beneath the shower area had begun to rot.
Hidden moisture damage is not uncommon when removing older leaking showers, but this level of structural deterioration is something we only encounter occasionally. In fact, it had been several years since we had encountered a bathroom remodel that required this much structural repair.
When water gets beneath a shower pan it rarely remains contained in one location. Moisture can travel along framing members and slowly weaken the surrounding structure long before visible damage appears inside the bathroom.
Installing a new shower over compromised framing would simply conceal the problem, so the structural damage needed to be addressed before continuing with the remodel.
Structural Floor Repairs
Our installer Shannon Boyer completed extensive structural repairs to restore the integrity of the floor system beneath the bathroom. For homeowners interested in understanding how hidden structural damage can sometimes be overlooked during renovations, we previously wrote an article explaining how many contractors miss structural issues during bathroom remodels.
The repairs included:
- Replacing five damaged floor joists
- Replacing the exterior sill plate that had deteriorated from prolonged moisture exposure
- Replacing five wall studs affected by water damage
Once the compromised lumber was removed, new framing was installed and securely fastened to restore the structural support of the floor.
With the framing repaired and the subfloor rebuilt, the bathroom once again had a stable structure capable of supporting the new shower installation.
Addressing structural damage during demolition is one of the most important parts of a properly executed bathroom remodel. Installing new materials over hidden framing issues can lead to serious long-term problems, which is why we always correct structural issues before moving forward with installation.
Addressing Ventilation and Ceiling Mold
During demolition we also identified signs of mold growth on the bathroom ceiling, which is often a sign that a bathroom has not been ventilating moisture effectively for many years.
Bathrooms generate a large amount of humidity from showers and baths, and without proper ventilation that moisture can accumulate on ceilings and walls. Over time this can lead to mold growth, peeling paint, and long-term moisture problems within the room.
As part of the renovation we replaced the ceiling and corrected the ventilation issues to ensure the bathroom could properly exhaust humidity moving forward. Improving airflow and moisture removal is an important step in preventing mold growth and protecting the long-term durability of the bathroom.
A Health Concern for the Family
Another factor that made resolving the moisture issues in this bathroom especially important for the Freeman family was that one of their daughters has a severe sensitivity to mold. The previous shower had been leaking long enough that the possibility of hidden moisture and mold growth had become a constant concern for the household. Mold concerns are something we occasionally encounter when removing older leaking showers, particularly in bathrooms where moisture has been present for years.
By replacing the damaged framing and installing a properly sealed shower system, the homeowners were able to eliminate the conditions that allow mold to develop beneath the shower.
The new Onyx Collection shower system also provides an additional benefit. Onyx products incorporate an antimicrobial protection within the material itself, which helps inhibit the growth of mold and mildew on the surface of the shower.
For the Freeman family, knowing that the new bathroom was built on dry, repaired framing and finished with mold-resistant materials provided significant peace of mind. Their daughter has already been enjoying the new shower, which was one of the most rewarding parts of the project for everyone involved.
Installing the New Walk-In Shower
After the structural repairs were completed, installation of the new shower system began.
The homeowners selected materials that created a clean and durable finish while introducing subtle contrast in the space.
The shower installation included:
- Custom 70″ × 42″ Onyx Collection shower base in Blue Pearl
- Onyx Collection cultured stone wall panels in Waterfall
- Matching Blue Pearl corner caddies
- Blue Pearl ceiling trim
- Custom 70″ × 76″ sliding glass shower door
- 5/16″ satin glass panels with 22″ towel-bar handles
Replacing the original corner shower with a full walk-in design significantly improved the usability of the bathroom and allowed the shower to take advantage of the full width of the wall.
Updating the Rest of the Bathroom
While the walk-in shower became the focal point of the remodel, the rest of the bathroom was updated so the space felt cohesive and fully renovated.
We installed a custom Fabuwood Galaxy Collection vanity in the Frost finish, which provided more storage and a cleaner appearance than the previous vanity.
The countertop was fabricated from 1½-inch thick Onyx Collection cultured stone, designed specifically for the cabinet. The top includes an undermount ceramic sink with an integrated overflow, creating a seamless appearance while maintaining the overflow protection many homeowners prefer.
Additional updates included:
- A matching Fabuwood Galaxy cabinet above the toilet
- New toilet
- Medicine cabinet
- Updated vanity lighting
- Reinstallation of crown molding
- ProGen luxury vinyl plank flooring in Travertino
Together, these updates helped tie the entire bathroom together so the new shower, cabinetry, and flooring functioned as a complete renovation rather than separate upgrades.
A Minor Delay During the Project
Like many remodeling projects, this one experienced a small setback during installation.
The vanity originally delivered to the job site arrived damaged from the supplier. Rather than installing a compromised cabinet, we ordered a replacement and waited for the correct unit to arrive before completing the installation.
While delays like this occasionally occur with manufactured materials, ensuring the finished bathroom is installed properly always takes priority.
The Final Result
What began as a leaking corner shower ultimately became a fully renovated bathroom centered around a large custom walk-in shower designed specifically for the space.
Just as importantly, the structural issues beneath the original shower were repaired so the new bathroom was built on a solid foundation.
Ben and Colleen were extremely happy with the finished result and later left Bath Pros a glowing review along with photos of the completed bathroom. They have already scheduled two additional bathroom remodeling projects with our team, which is always the best outcome we can hope for after completing a renovation.
More Bathroom Remodel Projects in Camillus
This project is one example of the bathroom remodeling work we regularly complete throughout Camillus and the greater Syracuse area. Many homes in the community still contain original bathrooms that are now reaching the end of their lifespan.
When aging showers begin to leak, addressing structural damage during demolition and installing durable materials such as cultured stone shower systems helps ensure the new bathroom will perform reliably for decades.
Planning a Bathroom Remodel in Camillus or Syracuse?
If you’re considering a bathroom remodel, walk-in shower conversion, or custom shower installation in Camillus or the Syracuse area, our team would be happy to take a look at your project.
Call Bath Pros at (315) 217-1151 to schedule a consultation.
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