Project Summary
We transformed a small, underused primary bathroom by enlarging the existing corner shower with a custom The Onyx Collection cultured stone shower, relocating the toilet to create a more functional layout, installing a Fabuwood Galaxy Collection hardwood vanity, and updating nearly every finish in the room—including drywall, electrical, paint, trim, flooring, and a new bathroom door. Although modest in size, the finished bathroom is brighter, healthier, easier to maintain, and significantly more comfortable to use.
Interested in seeing how this home came together? This project was the third and final bathroom renovation we completed for this family. You can also explore the “Fishy Bath”, or the original master bathroom renovation to see how all three spaces were transformed over time into cohesive, low-maintenance bathrooms built to last.
A Bathroom That Had Been Forgotten
Not every bathroom remodel begins because a room is outdated. Sometimes it begins because the room has quietly stopped serving its purpose.
This was the third and final bathroom we completed for this Camillus family. After renovating the home’s other two bathrooms, there was one space left untouched. Ironically, it was technically the home’s primary bathroom, yet its footprint was considerably smaller than either of the other two bathrooms.
Over the years, it had become little more than a place for one of the children to brush their teeth. The shower had developed a leak, and with allergies and other health concerns already present in the household, the family simply avoided using it whenever possible. Another issue they were hoping to solve was the toilet: It sat awkwardly positioned, and didn’t maximize usable space.
Rather than settling for a bathroom that was merely “good enough,” the homeowners decided it was finally time to bring the last room in the house up to the same standard as the other two.
A Shower Designed Around the Space
The existing corner shower was one of the biggest reasons the room felt cramped.
Instead of replacing it with another shower of identical size, we slightly enlarged the footprint and installed an Onyx Collection cultured stone shower, paired with a custom neo-angle corner shower satin glass door. Like the family’s previous two remodels, the shower features grout-free cultured stone wall panels and a matching solid-surface shower base, providing a clean, durable, and exceptionally low-maintenance bathing space. This particular shower features a neo-angle corner shower base in Blue Pearl, walls in Adriatic, a Liberty ‘Tall’ corner caddy for storage, and an American Standard Spectra Versa dual rain shower and hand wand to save on space.
Although the shower only gained a modest amount of additional floor space, the difference is immediately noticeable when stepping inside. Sometimes the best improvements aren’t dramatic—they’re simply thoughtful.
More Than Just a New Vanity
Across the room, the existing vanity was replaced with a Fabuwood Galaxy Collection hardwood vanity finished in Nickel, providing a substantial upgrade in both appearance and storage.
To complete the renovation, we updated virtually every visible finish in the room. Fresh drywall repairs, new paint, updated electrical switches and receptacles, new trim, a replacement bathroom door, and carefully selected finishing details helped transform what had once felt like an overlooked space into a bathroom that feels cohesive with the rest of the home.
Making Every Square Foot Count
One of the most important improvements wasn’t immediately obvious once the project was finished.
To create a more comfortable floor plan, we relocated the toilet slightly within the room. While moving it less than a foot may not sound significant, that small adjustment opened the space considerably and improved the overall flow of the bathroom. It’s a perfect example of how thoughtful layout changes can have a much greater impact than simply replacing fixtures in the same locations.
Hidden Challenges Under the Floor
As with many remodeling projects, the most difficult work wasn’t visible until demolition began.
Once the original shower was removed, we uncovered extensive deterioration in the subfloor caused by years of water intrusion. When we shared our findings with the homeowners, they weren’t surprised—the leaking shower was why the bathroom had gradually fallen out of regular use. Before any reconstruction could begin, the damaged subfloor was removed and replaced to provide a solid foundation for the new bathroom.
Relocating the toilet also proved to be far more involved than anyone expected. Opening the floor revealed years of piecemeal plumbing modifications beneath the bathroom. Rather than tying into aging infrastructure, we rebuilt the drainage correctly before reconstructing the floor. What initially appeared to be a relatively simple plumbing adjustment ultimately required more than a full day of labor, but it ensured the bathroom was rebuilt the right way—not simply the quickest way.
These are the kinds of repairs homeowners never see once the project is complete, yet they’re often the difference between a bathroom that lasts a few years and one that lasts for decades.
Worth Using Again
By the time the renovation was complete, this wasn’t the largest or most luxurious bathroom in the house. It didn’t need to be.
The room had gone from a bathroom the family rarely entered to one that was clean, dry, comfortable, and built to the same standard as the other two bathrooms we had previously completed. For us, that’s what intentional remodeling is really about—not simply installing beautiful products, but restoring confidence in a space that had quietly stopped serving the people who lived there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a small bathroom actually feel bigger without adding square footage?
Yes. Thoughtful layout changes often make a bigger difference than homeowners expect. On this project, we slightly enlarged the shower and relocated the toilet to improve the room’s flow. Although the bathroom’s footprint never changed, the finished space feels significantly more open and comfortable.
Is it worth relocating a toilet during a bathroom remodel?
If moving the toilet creates a noticeably better layout, absolutely. While relocating a toilet requires additional plumbing work, even shifting it a short distance can dramatically improve how a small bathroom functions. Every project is different, and we’ll discuss whether the benefits justify the additional cost during the design process.
What happens if hidden water damage is discovered during demolition?
Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon—especially if a shower or bathtub has been leaking for years. Our philosophy is simple: damaged framing or subfloor should be repaired correctly before new finishes are installed. It adds work in the short term, but it protects your investment and helps ensure your new bathroom lasts for decades.
Why do you recommend cultured stone instead of tile for many bathrooms?
Cultured stone products like The Onyx Collection provide a durable, grout-free shower system that’s custom manufactured for each project. Many homeowners appreciate the easier maintenance, consistent appearance, and reduced cleaning compared to traditional tile showers.
Is it worth remodeling multiple bathrooms at the same time?
If you already know you’ll eventually remodel more than one bathroom, the answer is usually yes. Completing multiple bathrooms during the same phase of work often reduces overall costs because we only need to mobilize crews, trucks, tools, and materials once. It also allows us to coordinate product selections and finishes so every bathroom feels consistent throughout the home.
That said, we understand every family’s budget is different. Many homeowners choose to remodel one bathroom at a time, and we’re happy to help develop a long-term plan. In fact, this project was the third bathroom we completed for the same family, allowing them to spread the investment over several projects while ultimately achieving a cohesive result throughout the home.
Can Bath Pros remodel just one bathroom, or do you only take larger projects?
We regularly complete everything from custom walk-in shower replacements to full primary bathroom renovations. Whether you’re updating a single bathroom or planning a whole-home renovation over several years, we’ll help you develop a solution that fits your home, goals, and budget.
Do you remodel bathrooms throughout Camillus and the Syracuse area?
Yes. Bath Pros completes bathroom remodeling projects throughout Camillus, Syracuse, and many surrounding communities in Central New York. Every project is custom designed for the home, with an emphasis on quality craftsmanship, durable materials, and long-term value rather than one-size-fits-all solutions.
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