Case Study: Tub-to-Shower Conversion, Custom Vanity, and Full Bathroom Upgrade

This bathroom remodel in Cicero, New York involved converting an outdated bathtub into a modern walk-in shower while upgrading the vanity, flooring, ventilation system, and finishes throughout the space.

The homeowners wanted a bathroom that felt cleaner, more modern, and easier to use on a daily basis. Their existing bathtub was rarely used, the room felt dated, and several fixtures had reached the end of their useful life. Projects like this are very common in homes throughout Cicero and the northern Syracuse suburbs, where many bathrooms built decades ago are ready for thoughtful upgrades that improve both functionality and durability.

While the final result turned out beautifully, this project also highlights an important reality of remodeling: every home reveals surprises once demolition and installation begin.

Project Summary

Location: Cicero, NY
Project Type: Bathroom remodel and tub-to-shower conversion
Shower System: Custom walk-in shower installation
Vanity: 48″ Fabuwood vanity with 1½” Onyx vanity top and integral sink
Fixtures: Brushed gold plumbing fixtures
Additional Upgrades: Luxury vinyl plank flooring, new vent fan/heater/light unit, interior painting and finish work
Challenges: Window relocation, exterior trim matching, and moisture discovered behind the original shower wall

Planning the Bathroom Renovation

The homeowners contacted Bath Pros to explore replacing their existing tub with a custom walk-in shower while updating the rest of the bathroom at the same time.

The planned scope of work included:

Removing the existing bathtub and installing a custom Onyx Collection walk-in shower
Installing a 48-inch Fabuwood vanity
Installing a 1½” Onyx Collection vanity top with integrated sink
Upgrading the bathroom with brushed gold fixtures
Installing luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring
Replacing the bathroom exhaust fan with a fan / heater / light / night-light combination unit
Installing a new American Standard toilet
Completing interior finish work including painting the walls, trim, and crown molding

The goal was to create a bathroom that felt modern and cohesive while also using materials designed to hold up well over time.

An Unexpected Layout Issue: The Window

When our installation technician Ricky Boyer arrived to begin work, we discovered an issue that had not been apparent during the original measuring process.

Originally, the plan for this bathroom was simply to replace the existing bathtub with another tub and a curtain, which would have worked within the existing layout. However, as the project evolved, the homeowners decided they would prefer a full walk-in shower with a glass door, which required slightly different spacing and wall placement.

When we arrived on site and began laying out the new shower footprint, we realized that a window partially extended into the space where the bathtub had previously sat. With a tub and curtain this would have been manageable, but with a modern shower system and glass enclosure, the window would interfere with the proper wall structure and door installation.

Sometimes during remodeling projects, design decisions evolve after the initial measurements are taken. In this case, the change from a tub to a shower with a glass door meant the window location now needed to be addressed.

To properly install the new shower system, the window needed to be relocated before any shower work could begin.

Once we moved the window to the correct position, we ran into one additional challenge: matching the exterior metallic trim on the home.

Because the house used a specific style of exterior trim around the window, we needed to locate materials that would match the existing appearance so the exterior of the home would still look uniform. It took some extra effort sourcing the correct material, but we were able to find a match and complete the exterior finish so the window looked like it had always been part of the original design.

With the window relocated and properly trimmed, we could finally begin preparing the shower area.

Moisture Discovered During Demolition

As demolition began and the old tub was removed, Ricky discovered that the wall cavity behind the shower area was extremely wet.

Importantly, the water was not coming from the old bathtub or plumbing.

After investigating the source, it appeared that moisture was entering the wall system from above — likely related to either the roof or flashing around an attic window.

Situations like this are a good reminder of how interconnected different parts of a home can be. Water that enters near the roofline can sometimes travel through framing cavities before eventually appearing in places like a bathroom wall.

Hidden structural and moisture issues are actually more common than many homeowners realize. We recently wrote a detailed article explaining how structural damage and hidden framing problems are sometimes missed during bathroom remodels, and why identifying these issues early during demolition is critical to ensuring a bathroom renovation lasts for years to come.

Around the same time we identified the issue, the homeowners contacted a roofing contractor and ultimately decided to move forward with a full roof replacement, which resolved the moisture source.

Adjusting the Installation for Long-Term Durability

Because the wall cavity had experienced moisture exposure, we made an adjustment to the installation approach.

Instead of using traditional drywall-based backing materials, we installed Durock cement board, a water-resistant substrate that is not affected by moisture in the same way drywall products can be.

Cement board is commonly used in wet environments because it provides a stable and moisture-tolerant base for shower wall systems.

With the structure properly prepared, we continued installing the custom Onyx Collection shower system, ensuring the walls and base were properly aligned and securely fastened.

Vanity, Flooring, Fixtures, and Finish Work

Once the shower installation was underway, the rest of the bathroom remodel progressed smoothly.

We installed a 48-inch Fabuwood vanity, which provided both a clean modern appearance and improved storage for the homeowners.

The vanity was paired with a 1½-inch Onyx Collection vanity top with an integral sink, creating a seamless and durable countertop surface that is easy to maintain.

The homeowner chose brushed gold fixtures throughout the bathroom. Paired with the cabinetry and finishes in the space, the gold accents added warmth and a subtle touch of elegance that we thought looked particularly nice in this design.

The flooring throughout the bathroom was replaced with luxury vinyl plank (LVP), a popular choice for bathrooms because it offers:

Water resistance
Durability in high-traffic areas
A clean, modern appearance

We also installed a fan / heater / light / night-light combination unit, giving the homeowners improved ventilation along with added comfort during colder months.

To complete the renovation, we performed the final finish work throughout the space, including painting the walls, trim, and crown molding, which helped tie all of the design elements together.

Finally, the project was completed with the installation of a new American Standard toilet.

The Finished Bathroom

Despite a few unexpected challenges along the way — including relocating a window, sourcing matching exterior trim, and addressing moisture discovered during demolition — the project came together successfully.

The new bathroom now features:

A custom walk-in shower
A modern vanity and integrated sink
Updated ventilation and lighting
Durable waterproof flooring
Coordinated brushed gold fixtures
Freshly finished walls, trim, and crown molding

Unexpected discoveries like moisture behind walls or framing complications are not unusual during renovation work, particularly in older homes. In fact, during another project we completed in nearby Camillus, our team uncovered significant structural floor damage beneath the bathroom that required extensive repairs before the remodel could continue.

You can read more about that project in this Camillus bathroom remodel case study, which shows how addressing hidden structural problems is sometimes an essential part of completing a bathroom renovation correctly.

Most importantly, the homeowners were happy with the finished result and now have a bathroom that is both more functional and built to perform well for years to come. Projects like this are a reminder that successful remodeling isn’t just about installing new materials — it’s about solving problems thoughtfully and adapting when a home reveals unexpected conditions.

Every home presents its own unique challenges, and projects like this are a good reminder that successful remodeling isn’t just about installing new materials — it’s about carefully adapting to the conditions each home presents.

Related Bathroom Remodeling Projects

Homeowners who are planning a renovation can explore additional bathroom remodeling projects throughout Syracuse, Cicero, and Central New York in our project portfolio to see how different layouts, materials, and design decisions come together in real homes.

Planning a Bathroom Remodel in Cicero or the Northern Syracuse Suburbs?

If you’re considering a bathroom remodel in Cicero, Clay, North Syracuse, Brewerton, or the surrounding Syracuse suburbs, our team would be happy to discuss your project and help you explore the best options for your home. Every bathroom is different, and a thoughtful design approach can make a significant difference in both functionality and long-term durability.

Use the form below to tell us a little about your project and schedule a consultation.

If you would prefer to speak with someone directly, you can also call Bath Pros at (315) 217-1151 and we’ll be happy to help you get started.

Bathroom Remodel in Cicero, NY