This DeWitt NY bathroom remodel included the removal of an aging tub and shower, plumbing corrections from a previous installation, structural adjustments to accommodate the new layout, and the installation of a low-threshold walk-in shower designed for accessibility under the VA’s Home Improvements and Structural Alterations (HISA) Grant program.
Like many of the bathroom remodels we complete throughout Syracuse and Central New York, this project began with a homeowner looking for a safer, easier-to-use shower.
Dan, a local veteran living in DeWitt, had already begun working with the VA to secure approval through the VA HISA Grant, a program that helps veterans fund medically necessary accessibility improvements in their homes.
For veterans unfamiliar with the program, the VA Home Improvements and Structural Alterations (HISA) Grant can provide up to $6,800 for service-connected disabilities and up to $2,000 for non-service-connected disabilities toward improvements like walk-in showers, wheelchair ramps, and other accessibility upgrades.
Dan had already received the required documentation from his VA care team recommending the installation of a low-threshold walk-in shower to replace his existing tub.
What he needed next was a contractor familiar with the process who could complete the installation and provide the required documentation for reimbursement.
That’s where Bath Pros came in.
Before: An Aging Tub and Shower That Was No Longer Safe
Dan’s bathroom was typical of many homes throughout DeWitt and the greater Syracuse area — an older alcove bathtub surrounded by dated wall materials and aging plumbing.
While the bathroom was still functional, stepping over the tub wall had become increasingly difficult.
For homeowners dealing with mobility limitations, the traditional tub-shower combination is often the first obstacle to daily safety.
Replacing the tub with a walk-in shower is one of the most common accessibility improvements we perform throughout Central New York.
A Material Decision That Turned Into a Lesson
One unusual aspect of this project involved the shower wall material.
Bath Pros typically recommends cultured stone shower systems because of their rigidity, durability, and long-term performance. Systems like The Onyx Collection are solid surface materials designed to remain stable and durable for decades.
However, Dan strongly preferred acrylic shower walls, so we agreed to install an acrylic system for this project.
In hindsight, this decision turned into a learning experience.
Despite installing the panels over a properly prepared substrate with drywall backing, the acrylic material simply lacked the rigidity we expect from a permanent shower installation. Once the walls were installed, even something as simple as adding a shower curtain rod caused the panels to flex and bow slightly.
This occurred despite proper backing and installation practices.
To be blunt, the material felt flimsy.
Ironically, the acrylic panels ended up costing nearly the same as a cultured stone system would have, which only reinforced why Bath Pros typically recommends more rigid materials like solid cultured stone shower panels.
After this project, we made the decision to avoid acrylic installations whenever possible. While acrylic panels are often marketed as a quick remodeling solution, our experience has shown that more rigid materials tend to perform better long term. Homeowners interested in the differences between acrylic, tile, and solid surface shower systems can read our detailed comparison here.
Plumbing and Structural Surprises Inside the Walls
Lead installer Shannon Boyer arrived early Monday morning to begin demolition and installation.
As often happens in older homes throughout DeWitt and the Syracuse area, the demolition phase quickly revealed a few surprises.
The bathroom walls were significantly out of square, which required careful adjustments when installing the new shower base to ensure proper drainage and alignment.
More concerning was the existing plumbing.
At some point in the past, a previous installer had routed the shower valve and supply lines directly through an HVAC duct, an improvised solution we occasionally encounter in older homes that have been modified by inexperienced contractors.
Correcting the plumbing required rerouting the supply lines and installing a new valve assembly in a safe, code-compliant location.
These types of hidden issues are one reason why experienced remodeling contractors approach demolition cautiously — the real condition of a bathroom often isn’t fully visible until the walls are opened. In fact, we recently documented a project where structural floor joist problems were discovered during a bathroom remodel, which required additional framing work before installation could proceed.
An Unexpected Hospital Visit
Midway through the installation, another unexpected challenge arose.
Dan was unexpectedly admitted to the hospital and had to leave the house for several days while the project was underway.
Before leaving, he arranged for our installer to continue working in the home so the project could stay on schedule.
However, several finishing details — including fixture placement and final adjustments — required Dan’s input.
By the time he returned home, the installation was nearly complete, and he understandably worried that we might have wrapped up without confirming the final details.
Of course, that wasn’t the case.
Once Dan returned home, we came back to the jobsite and worked through the remaining punch-list items together to make sure the finished shower was exactly how he wanted it.
The Finished Walk-In Shower
The finished installation replaced the old tub with a low-threshold walk-in shower designed for safety and accessibility.
The new shower features:
• a low-entry shower base for easier access
• improved plumbing configuration
• independent shower controls for convenience
• a layout designed for safe daily use
For Dan, the most important outcome was peace of mind.
Instead of worrying about stepping over a high tub wall every day, he now has a safer shower designed around his needs.
Helping Veterans Navigate the VA HISA Grant
At Bath Pros, we’ve worked with many veterans throughout Central New York who have used the VA HISA Grant to fund accessibility improvements like walk-in showers.
While the program can be extremely helpful, the paperwork and coordination can sometimes be confusing for homeowners navigating it for the first time.
We’re always happy to help guide veterans through the process and provide the documentation required for reimbursement.
Planning a Bathroom Remodel in DeWitt NY?
Bathroom remodels in older homes often reveal unexpected challenges, but when you hire a company like Bath Pros you can rest easy knowing the project will be completed properly.
If you’re considering a bathroom remodel or walk-in shower installation in DeWitt, Fayetteville, Manlius, or the surrounding Syracuse area, we’d be happy to discuss your project.
Call Bath Pros at (315) 217-1151 to schedule a consultation.
And to Dan — thank you for your service. We were honored to help make your home safer and more comfortable.