This Jamesville NY bathroom remodel included removing an unused garden tub and undersized walk-in shower, installing a large wall-to-wall cultured stone shower system, building custom pantry shelving, upgrading ventilation, and completing several flooring, plumbing, and electrical updates throughout the space.
Projects like this are common in the eastern Syracuse suburbs, and Bath Pros completes bathroom remodels throughout Jamesville and the surrounding Central New York communities each year.
Like many of the bathroom remodels we complete throughout Jamesville, Fayetteville, Manlius, and the greater Syracuse area, this project began with homeowners researching contractors online before scheduling a consultation.
Amy had already spent time browsing our bathroom remodeling portfolio featuring real projects across Central New York and reading through several of our project write-ups before reaching out to Bath Pros with a very specific vision in mind.
Her husband Jim was supportive — though by his own admission, this was very much Amy’s project.
After an initial phone conversation discussing materials, installation methods, and design options, we scheduled a site inspection just a few days later.
Amy and Jim’s home featured a large second-story master bathroom, something that would later influence several design decisions.
The room itself was in relatively good condition.
On one wall sat a 72-inch vanity with dual mirrors. Structurally it was still sound, but aesthetically it wasn’t what Amy envisioned for the space.
Across the room was a large built-in garden tub — also 72 inches wide — that the homeowners rarely used.
Adjacent to the tub was an aging 36″ × 36″ walk-in shower that felt cramped and poorly lit.
Situations like this are common in homes built during the late 1990s and early 2000s. Builders frequently included large soaking tubs as a selling feature, but many homeowners later realize they occupy a significant amount of valuable floor space.
Amy’s idea was simple.
Remove the small shower entirely and convert that space into a built-in pantry with shelving.
Then remove the garden tub and replace it with a large wall-to-wall walk-in shower.
Considering a Zero-Threshold Shower
Originally, Amy hoped to install a zero-threshold walk-in shower with a single glass panel, similar to designs often seen in modern design magazines.
While we’re happy to build systems like this, there are several important considerations homeowners should understand.
In order for a zero-threshold shower to function properly, the entire bathroom floor must typically be waterproofed and re-pitched toward the drain. This ensures that water escaping the shower area can still make its way back into the wet space.
In an existing home, this type of modification can significantly increase project cost.
Even more importantly, completely open showers can sometimes create water containment challenges in real-world homes.
After reviewing both options, Amy and Jim decided on a more practical solution: a custom low-threshold shower base from The Onyx Collection.
The selected base measured 72″ × 46″ and provided a minimal threshold of roughly 1¼ inches. This still delivered the clean look Amy wanted while providing a practical barrier in the event of future plumbing backups.
Plumbing Considerations
During our planning process we always ask homeowners a few important questions:
• Does the existing shower drain slowly?
• Have you experienced any recent clogs?
• Has the bathroom ever backed up?
Homeowners know their homes better than anyone, and their answers help us identify potential plumbing concerns before work begins.
Amy and Jim’s home was relatively new and had no known history of drainage problems.
However, as we’ve documented in other projects, many hidden problems only become apparent once demolition begins. In one recent remodel in nearby Manlius, for example, we uncovered a massive carpenter ant infestation hidden behind a leaking shower, something the homeowners had no idea existed until the walls were opened..
Expanding the Scope of the Remodel
Beyond the new shower installation, the project also included several additional upgrades.
The plan involved:
• installing luxury vinyl plank flooring over the existing tile
• replacing the toilet with a modern chair-height model
• building custom pantry shelving stained to match the homeowners’ desired finish
• relocating and upgrading the bathroom vent fan to the center of the new shower
• installing new mirrors and lighting
• painting the entire room
Together, these updates would transform the bathroom from a dated layout into a more functional master suite.
Installation Begins
Due to scheduling conflicts on both sides, installation began roughly one week later than originally planned.
Our lead installer Vincent Aponte and his brother Ray arrived early Monday morning to begin demolition.
Overall, the installation progressed smoothly, though a few unexpected issues arose along the way.
An Unexpected Mishap
Vinny is one of the most careful installers on our team. He treats every home as if it were his own — something we know firsthand because he has worked on several of our personal properties.
However, during demolition, while carrying the old vanity top down the stairs, the sink separated from the countertop and struck one of the wooden stair treads.
The impact left a visible dent.
Because the damage occurred on the staircase landing, it was particularly noticeable.
Vinny reported the issue immediately.
Rather than ignore the problem, we scheduled a hardwood repair specialist within 36 hours and covered the full cost of the repair.
In today’s remodeling environment, where skilled trades are often booked months in advance, that type of response time is unusual.
In an unexpected twist, the repair work turned out so well that Amy and Jim later asked for a quote to refinish the rest of their hardwood floors.
A Rare Material Issue
For the first time in our long history working with the Onyx Collection, the custom shower pan arrived with minor cosmetic damage to the clear coat.
The Onyx team reviewed production footage and confirmed the product had not left their facility in that condition, suggesting the damage likely occurred during transit.
Regardless, they scheduled a service visit immediately.
One advantage of working with Onyx is that their delivery drivers are also trained service technicians, capable of performing repairs if needed.
More Shipping Bad Luck
As if that wasn’t enough, the custom glass shower door also arrived damaged.
Because the door was built to order, a replacement required approximately three weeks to fabricate and ship.
In the meantime, Vinny installed a temporary shower curtain so the bathroom could remain fully functional.
We also made it clear that final payment would not be requested until the replacement door was installed and the project was fully complete.
Completing the Project
Work on the bathroom began May 19th and the installation phase wrapped on May 30th, excluding the delayed shower door.
The final service visit was scheduled for June 23rd but ultimately occurred on June 30th due to homeowner availability.
Our Operations Manager Josh Brodnicki personally returned to complete the final adjustments.
As a thank-you for the homeowners’ patience, we also included a few complimentary upgrades not listed in the original contract.
The Finished Bathroom
Despite a few unexpected setbacks, the final result turned out beautifully.
The oversized shower now spans the full width of the former garden tub space, creating a much more open and functional layout.
If you’d like to see more bathrooms like this one, you can explore our full bathroom remodeling portfolio of completed projects throughout Syracuse and Central New York.
The new pantry shelving added valuable storage, and the updated flooring and fixtures helped modernize the entire room.
Like every project featured on the Bath Pros website, the photos shown here are real installations, not stock images.
Every image was taken by a project manager or installer during the actual project.
Planning a Bathroom Remodel in Jamesville NY?
Bathroom remodels often reveal small surprises along the way — especially in older homes — but with the right team those issues can be addressed without compromising the final result.
If you’re considering a bathroom remodel in Jamesville, Fayetteville, DeWitt, or the greater Syracuse area, Bath Pros would be happy to discuss your project.
Call Bath Pros at (315) 217-1151 to schedule a consultation.
And to Amy and Jim — thank you again for trusting us with your home. Your patience throughout the process made it possible to deliver a result we’re proud of.