She Hated Everything About This Bathroom: So We Gutted It

Alright, so here's the deal. We had a homeowner call us up with not one but two bathrooms needing help. One was a guest bath upstairs. The other was her master downstairs. We're gonna talk about the master today, because it was, well, a disaster. Her words, not mine.

She walked us through it like this: the walk-in shower was way too small, the big old bathtub just sat there collecting dust, and the whole layout? Just frustrating. She flat-out said, "I hate everything about this bathroom."

So yeah, we knew we had our work cut out for us.

🔨 What We Walked Into

The master bath had a standard setup we see a lot in Houston homes:

• Small, boxed-in shower
• Big bathtub that no one uses
• Short pony wall for the toilet (not exactly private)
• Basic builder-grade cabinets and mirrors
• Wood panel ceiling that made the room feel tight and dark

She wanted all of it gone. We're talking floor to ceiling, wall to wall. Rip it out, start fresh, build something that actually works for her life.

⚙️ Why This Remodel Was a Big Deal

This wasn't about luxury for the sake of it. It was about comfort, function, and getting rid of stuff that just didn't make sense anymore. Here's why this project mattered:

• Safety: That tiny shower wasn't safe or comfortable. It felt cramped and awkward. We opened it up and gave her grab bars, a bench, and plenty of space to move around.
• Functionality: The old tub? Never used. The layout? Wasted space. We reconfigured everything to make it flow better.
• Privacy: That pony wall next to the toilet? Yeah, no. We built a full-height wall and added a door, so now it feels like a proper toilet room.
• Storage: She wanted more space for towels, toiletries, and other essentials. So we built a new linen closet into a useless corner.
• Value: When you do a full remodel the right way, it's not just pretty. It adds resale value. This one's a huge boost.

🛠️ What We Actually Did (And Why It Wasn't Easy)

We gutted everything down to the studs. Full demo. Then:

• Removed the tub and converted the space into a huge walk-in shower
• Built a custom bench and added grab bars for safety
• Installed dual shower heads with separate valves
• Converted the small shower into a closet for added storage
• Framed and finished full-height walls around the toilet area
• Ran all new plumbing and venting
• Self-level the floor and install new luxury vinyl plank
• Installed custom cabinets, double sink vanity, and upper storage cabinet
• Repainted the entire room, including replacing the ceiling

That post-tension cable in the foundation? Yeah, we had to work around that, too. It's one of those behind-the-scenes things that could ruin your whole house if it's done wrong. We took our time and did it right.

📸 See the Before & After

Just look at the transformation:

• From a dark, dated mess to a bright, modern spa-like space
• From awkward layout to open and organized
• From a cramped shower to a huge, comfortable one with a bench

Check out more transformations in our Before & Afters gallery.

📌 Quick Takeaways

• Most people don't use their tubs. Converting that space into a shower makes life easier.
• A full-height wall around the toilet adds comfort and privacy.
• Full remodels may seem intense, but they solve real layout issues.
• Getting rid of dated finishes can breathe new life into your home.
• Doing it right means addressing plumbing, drains, and structure. Not just surface stuff.

🧰 Real Home, Real Story

This story came straight from an episode of the EZ Bath Podcast. Ben helped design the new space, and Cliff, Zack, and I were all part of the process. The homeowner? She loved it. Gave us a five-star review and said she finally enjoys her master bathroom again.

❓FAQ

1. Do I really need to replace my tub?

Only if you're not using it. Most people prefer a larger shower over a soaking tub that just sits there. We help you decide what works best for your lifestyle.

2. How long does a complete bathroom remodel take?

Most take about 2-3 weeks start to finish. We don't rush it because quality and safety matter.

3. What if my home has a post-tension slab?

We deal with this all the time. It just means extra care during the demo. We'll scan and avoid cutting into cables that could damage your foundation.

📞 Ready to Talk About Your Bathroom?

If this story hits home, reach out. We're happy to chat, take a look, and help you figure out what's possible. No pressure, just friendly advice.

Contact the EZ Bath Team

‍