The Challenge Before the Bathroom Remodel Project
Our client, Thomas, noticed a leak on the exterior brick wall of his home, right on the other side of his shower. At first, he didn’t think much of it, but over time, the problem became more apparent inside the shower. When he connected the dots, he realized it was a shower pan leak. Instead of just fixing the leak, Thomas saw this as a great opportunity to completely remodel his shower, modernize the space, and make it more personalized to his taste. Thomas wanted to remodel the shower area only, so the bathroom design had to correlate and tie in the existing elements with the new ones.
The New Shower Remodel Design
For Thomas, we designed a shower that combined functionality with aesthetics. He chose polished porcelain 24”x 48” wall tiles in a striking blue vein color, complemented by classic gray and white penny tiles for the shower pan. We used brushed nickel Schluter metal trim and matching brushed nickel fixtures to give the shower a sleek, modern look. The shower was fully enclosed with a frameless clear glass enclosure, complete with brushed nickel glass hardware and a convenient towel hook.
The Bathroom Shower Rebuild Process
Preparation Before Demolition and Dust
Thomas's bathroom was located at the very back of the house, which meant we had to protect the entire walking path to the bathroom. We covered the floors to prevent any damage or staining. Additionally, we covered the exterior walkway from our work area to the dump trailer to keep everything clean. We understand that cleaning up after a construction project can be a nightmare, especially when stains or physical damage occur. By taking preliminary precautions, we aimed to avoid such issues from the start.
Demolition/Removal
The bathroom was inside the master bedroom, which was fully furnished and in use. We made sure to cover the floor thoroughly and protect the furniture, especially the bed, to keep it dust-free. Demolition is a critical phase, and we took great care to remove the old features without causing any damage to the parts of the home that would remain.
Starting the Rebuild
Plumbing Updates: The first task was updating the plumbing. Thomas’s house was older and still had a cast iron drain system and a very outdated valve. We had to dig down a few feet to convert the cast iron drain system to ABS. This was a delicate process since working with old cast iron pipes carries the risk of cracking, which can lead to serious problems. Thankfully, our careful excavation paid off, and we successfully completed the conversion without any issues. We also replaced the old valve with a new Delta Universal Shower valve and raised the shower head to a more comfortable height for Thomas.
Waterproofing: Waterproofing is one of the most critical aspects of any shower remodel. If the shower is not properly waterproofed, even the most beautiful tile won’t last. We ensured the shower was bulletproof against water by meticulously waterproofing and thoroughly leak-testing the shower. Once we confirmed there were no leaks, we moved on to the next phase.
Tile Installation: Tile installation is where the magic really happens. We were fortunate that all of Thomas's walls were just under the horizontal length of the wall tiles we used. This allowed us to lay the tiles horizontally, reducing grout lines and maximizing the use of full-length tiles. We matched the brushed nickel shower fixtures with Schluter metal trim in the same finish around all exposed tile edges. With extreme attention to detail, we ensured clean miters, polished tiles, accurate angles, lippage-free surfaces, level lines, and pristine grout work. Our commitment to quality is something we take great pride in as professional bathroom remodelers.
Custom Glass Enclosure: To finish off the remodel, we custom fabricated and installed a frameless glass enclosure with matching brushed nickel hardware. This final touch gave the shower a sleek, modern look that Thomas loved. The new enclosure not only enhanced the aesthetic appeal but also provided a durable and functional solution.
Tests and Quality Inspections:
Throughout the remodeling process, we conducted regular quality tests and inspections. As bathroom remodeling contractors, we take pride in our work and ensure that every detail meets our high standards. The owners of Ledezma Tile & Bath personally inspected the work, making regular job site visits to oversee the project. Our final walkthrough inspection confirmed that the remodel was completed to our satisfaction and to Thomas’s delight.
Warranty & Guarantee:
We stand behind our work with a 2-year warranty. This gives our clients peace of mind, knowing that if anything goes wrong with their new shower, we will be there to fix it. Our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction is unwavering.
Happy Customer Testimonial
Thomas was thrilled with the results and shared his positive experience with us:
“My experience working with Ledezma Tile & Bath was great! You guys were very reliable. Every time you said you would do something, you always followed up and did exactly what you said, always on time. I would absolutely recommend you to other people. Your price was reasonable, and you stayed right on the quoted price. My favorite thing about working with you was your professionalism and reliability. From 1-10, I would rate your work’s quality a 10!!”
This case study highlights how we transformed a problematic and outdated shower into a modern, personalized space that Thomas loves. Our attention to detail, commitment to quality, and focus on customer satisfaction ensured a successful remodel that exceeded expectations. If you’re considering a bathroom remodel, as experienced bathroom contractors, we’re here to provide a seamless, stress-free experience tailored to your specific needs. Give us a call today or visit us below!
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