Pam and Tim owned a beautiful home overlooking a lake—the kind of peaceful, scenic place many dream of retiring to. Living with them was their daughter, Ellie. Having earned an advanced doctorate and built a life filled with intellectual and academic achievement, Ellie’s accomplishments were incredible. But behind those accomplishments was a difficult situation: Ellie was a quadriplegic and required around-the-clock care, yet she had succeeded in spite of immense personal challenges.
The family’s bathroom wasn’t falling apart, but the shower enclosure had seen better days. The fiberglass unit showed signs of rot, water damage, and the shower floor had become noticeably spongy underfoot. For a family already managing complex care needs, the last thing they needed was a failing shower.
Pam and Tim initially reached out to their local Bath Fitter office, hoping for a straightforward and affordable fix. But when the salesperson took one glance and said, “We don’t install ramps,” complaining about how he shouldn’t have been there in the first place, they were left feeling discouraged—and unheard.
That’s when they contacted Tom Wolff at Syracuse Bath Pros.
Do we install ramps? Yes—and a lot more. At Bath Pros, we specialize in ADA-compliant and wheelchair-accessible bathroom remodels, and we’re proud to work closely with local VA offices across Upstate New York to help veterans and individuals with disabilities bathe safely and comfortably.
Tom made the drive to Cooperstown early the next week to assess the space and listen to the family’s concerns firsthand.
The shower itself was a standard 60” x 36”, but the surrounding wall showed rot and the base was clearly beginning to fail. Tom recommended a full tear-out of the damaged materials followed by a rebuild using cultured stone panels from the Onyx Collection. These solid-surface panels, used in about 90% of our installs, offer a clean, timeless look and a lifetime warranty—often at a similar price to the cheap plastic systems sold by national chains.
Pam and Tim appreciated the honesty and clarity. After reviewing colors and layout options, they wrote a deposit check and we got them on the schedule—about twelve weeks out, due to our busy summer workload.
On installation day, Ricky and Stacey—our traveling install team—arrived Monday morning and got to work. Thankfully, the water damage was less extensive than expected, and the job wrapped in just under two days.
One unique feature you’ll see in the photos is the roll-over vinyl threshold—a flexible strip at the edge of the shower base designed specifically for wheelchairs. It compresses under the weight of a chair and then bounces back into shape, helping to contain water without impeding entry. Normally, we discourage curtain use with low-threshold pans due to water control issues—but in cases like this, where a caregiver must assist with mobility, it’s a smart, practical solution.
This project wasn’t just a remodel—it was about preserving dignity and making daily life just a bit easier for a family who’s already been through more than most. We’re proud of how this one turned out.
If you’re in Cooperstown, Syracuse, Utica, or anywhere in Upstate NY, and you’re searching for a bathroom remodeling company experienced in ADA-compliant walk-in showers and accessibility-focused remodels, give Syracuse Bath Pros a call at (315) 217-1151. We’ll listen first—and deliver a solution built around your needs.