Ins and Outs of a Small Bathroom Renovation

The Journey of a Small Bathroom Makeover – From the Inside Out

Taking on a bathroom renovation—especially one that’s long overdue—means more than just creating a space that looks great. It’s about doing the work inside the walls to lay a solid foundation that will last. This small bathroom started out outdated and cramped, but after some serious work behind the scenes, it transformed into a bright, modern space. Here’s how we turned a tired bathroom into something fresh and functional, from the rough plumbing to the final finishes.

Before the Renovation: The Hidden Work

This bathroom was stuck in the past—cramped, dated, and simply not cutting it anymore. The first thing we had to do was strip everything down to the bare bones. The drywall came down, exposing the rough plumbing that needed an upgrade. It’s easy to feel like things are going backward at this stage, but this is where the real transformation begins.

At Schweitzer’s, we offer a complete range of services, all under one roof—whether the need is expert plumbing and trades work, or full-scale renovations with professional design and finishing touches. You can choose to work with us for just the technical side, like plumbing upgrades or system installations, or lean on our design team to bring your vision to life with high-quality materials and craftsmanship. Whether it’s a single service or a full renovation, you have the flexibility to use what suits your project best. At Schweitzer’s, we ensure every detail, inside the walls and beyond, is handled with care and expertise.

Here, you can see the bare walls, exposed studs, and rough plumbing being prepped for updates.

Next, we addressed the subfloor, which had seen better days. We had to rip out sections and replace them to ensure a solid base for the new tiles. At the same time, we updated the plumbing lines to accommodate the new shower and vanity layout.

This shows the subfloor replaced and prepped for new materials, ready to support all the upcoming features.

The Rough-In: The Unseen Progress

Here’s a snapshot of the rough-in stage, where you can see the framework starting to take shape.

During this phase, the magic starts happening, but you still don’t see the finished result. This is where we mapped out the new plumbing and electrical setups for the shower, vanity, lighting, and ceiling fan. We also added the shower base and a recessed niche in the shower—perfect for storing those bath essentials without cluttering the space.

With the rough-ins complete, we installed moisture-resistant shower wall system to ensure the bathroom can handle all that steam and humidity. Now, everything’s ready for the finishing touches!

This shows the moisture-resistant shower system installed, with the niche marked out, setting the stage for what’s to come.

A Complete Overhaul: The Finishing Touches

Now that the behind-the-scenes work was done, it was time to pull everything together and give this bathroom a fresh look. Here’s what went into the transformation:

• New Shower: We installed a sleek, glass-enclosed shower, featuring elegant tilework and a recessed niche for storage. The glass doors help the room feel bigger and brighter.
• New Vanity & Mirror: The new vanity isn’t just stylish—it’s functional too, with plenty of storage for all those bathroom essentials. Paired with a minimalist mirror and modern lighting, the space feels open and refreshing.
• Herringbone Floor Tiles: One of the highlights of the renovation was installing wood-look herringbone tiles. They bring warmth to the room and make a subtle statement, tying everything together beautifully.
• Toilet & Accessories: A fresh toilet and modern accessories, like towel bars and robe hooks, completed the look. The details are what make the space feel truly finished.
• Fresh Drywall & Ceiling Fan: We also finished the walls with fresh drywall, coated in moisture-resistant paint, and added a new ceiling fan to keep the bathroom airy and fresh after hot showers.

For complete renovation services that take care of both the technical and aesthetic sides of your project, check out Schweitzer’s Bath & Kitchen. Our team specializes in turning outdated spaces into modern, functional works of art.

The Finished Product: A Small But Mighty Bathroom

The after photos show the fully transformed bathroom, featuring all-new fixtures, modern finishes, and a clean, airy design.

The transformation speaks for itself. This small, outdated bathroom is now a clean, modern space with a design that works for today. From the updated plumbing behind the walls to the final polished finishes, every detail was carefully considered. Whether it’s the beautiful glass shower or the cozy herringbone tile floor, the finished product combines function and style in the best possible way.

If you’re ready to update your space, whether it’s a small bathroom renovation or larger plumbing upgrades, Schweitzer’s Plumbing and Schweitzer’s Bath & Kitchen work together to help. We’ve got the expertise to transform your home, both behind the walls and beyond.