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Beyond the Bathtub: From Surprise Repair to Stunning Finish

Project type

Bathtub Swap

Date

November 2024

Location

Renton, WA

Cost

$5k-$10k

Duration

2-4 Weeks

Project Photos

Scroll to view - click an image for more details

What began as a straightforward bathtub replacement and a conversion from a fiberglass to a tile surround quickly evolved into a much more extensive renovation. During the initial demolition phase, we uncovered significant water damage to the subfloor directly in front of the bathtub, necessitating an immediate change in the project's scope.

This unexpected discovery led to a comprehensive structural repair, involving the replacement of damaged joists and subfloor sections. With the floor already opened up, we seized the opportunity to upgrade the entire space by installing beautiful new luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring, providing a durable and aesthetic foundation for the updated bathroom.

To accommodate the larger profile of the new bathtub and its elegant tile surround, the existing plumbing fixtures were skillfully relocated, ensuring both functionality and a seamless aesthetic. The project concluded with fresh paint throughout the bathroom and the installation of new base molding, bringing every detail together for a cohesive and polished finish.

Before photo of a bathroom with a white fiberglass tub and shower, a shower curtain, light brown square vinyl tile flooring, a wooden vanity with a white sink, and dark blue walls.

Before - Original Bathroom Condition

Existing Plumbing Fixtures

A photo of a bathroom subfloor with significant water damage, showing dark stains and discoloration, with parts of the original flooring removed.

Water Damage Revealed

Photo of a bathroom with parts of the subfloor removed, exposing the joists beneath. Debris from the demolition is visible.

Subfloor Demo Begins

Photo of a bathroom with the tub and surround removed, showing the exposed wall studs and subfloor. A toilet, tools, and a box are also visible.

Tub and Surround Removal

A photo of plumbing pipes and connections behind a shower wall. A corroded copper pipe is clearly visible. A white tub is partially visible at the bottom of the image.

Existing Plumbing Fixture - Corroded Copper

Close-up photo showing newly installed copper and PEX plumbing pipes and a black shower valve rough-in, set within wall studs, with a partial white tub edge visible at the bottom.

New Plumbing Rough-in for Tile Surround

A photo of a new white tub installed in a bathroom with cement board walls. Dark gray waterproofing membrane is visible at the seams and screw holes. A bucket, tools, and a tile are also present.

Tub In, Walls Up

A bathroom shower alcove with cement board walls. Dark gray thin-set mortar is applied over all seams and screw holes, preparing the surface for liquid waterproofing. Tools and equipment are visible in the foreground.

Seams and Fasteners Sealed for Waterproofing

A bathroom shower alcove with walls coated in a light green, smooth liquid waterproofing membrane. The new white tub is visible below, covered for protection. Tools are in the foreground.

Liquid Waterproofing Membrane Applied

A bathroom shower alcove with newly installed white rectangular tiles with gray veining on the walls. Numerous yellow and red tile leveling spacers are visible between the tiles, ensuring even grout lines. The white tub below is covered for protection.

New Precision Tile Installation

A bathroom with newly installed white rectangular tiles with gray veining on the walls and a white bathtub. The floor is down to the subfloor, ready for new flooring.

Finished Tile Surround, Ready For Structural Repairs

A bathroom featuring a newly tiled shower surround and new light-colored luxury vinyl plank flooring. The walls adjacent to the shower show areas that have been patched and texture-matched to seamlessly blend with the existing wall surface, prior to painting.

Seamless Wall Blending Post-Tile Installation

A photo of a renovated bathroom featuring a white tub with a white and gray tiled surround, dark blue walls, light brown luxury vinyl plank flooring, and a white toilet.

Finished Bathroom: Modern Elegance

A close-up photo of the plumbing wall in a renovated bathroom. A white tub is visible below a white and gray tiled surround, showcasing the chrome shower head, faucet, and handle. Dark blue paint is visible on the adjacent wall.

Finished Bathroom: Plumbing Fixture Detail

An overall view of a newly renovated bathroom. It features a white bathtub, white and gray tiled walls in the shower area, dark blue painted walls, light brown luxury vinyl plank flooring, a white toilet, and a vanity with a white sink.

Transformed Bathroom: Final Project Overview