Recent Work / Bathroom Remodeling

Custom Shower Remodel — Full Rebuild

Palatine, IL • Aug 9, 2025 • Bathroom Remodeling

Scope of work

  • Full demolition: old tile, vanity cabinet, toilet, shower door (reinstalled later)
  • Waterproofing system + sealed corners and penetrations
  • Custom shower pan
  • Wall tile + shower floor tile with curb/threshold
  • Niche (recessed shelf)
  • Grout & silicone
  • Reinstall: shower door, toilet, vanity, towel bars & accessories
Highlights
Full waterproofing Custom shower pan Clean tile alignment Recessed niche Silicone joints
Finished custom shower with dark blue subway tile, niche and brass hardware
Custom shower rebuild in Palatine, IL — tile, niche, waterproofing & reinstall.

Project facts

Timeline
~1–2 weeks (includes cure/dry times)
Approx. size
Standard shower rebuild + bathroom floor (varies by layout)
Workmanship
Warranty available (set your standard policy)
Materials
Cement board/backer, waterproofing membrane, thinset mortar, grout, silicone sealant, shower pan build materials, tile, transitions/trim.

Best for

Homeowners who want a shower rebuild done the right way — with proper waterproofing, correct slope/drainage, clean tile layout, and tidy finishing details.

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Photos

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Shower area waterproofing in progress
Bathroom floor tile installation in progress
Bathroom floor tile close-up during installation
Wall tile installation in progress with spacers
Shower niche detail with dark blue subway tile
Finished shower with glass door and brass hardware
Finished bathroom view with tiled shower
Finished bathroom view with shower and vanity
Finished bathroom floor tile with shower threshold
Top view of finished shower floor and niche

Project notes

This project started as a complete shower rebuild in an older bathroom. The existing tile, shower enclosure, vanity, toilet and fixtures were fully removed to expose the structure and allow us to rebuild everything correctly from the ground up.

One of the key goals was long-term reliability. We installed a full waterproofing system, paid special attention to corners, penetrations and transitions, and built a custom shower pan to ensure proper slope and drainage.

The client chose a bold dark-blue subway tile paired with a classic patterned floor. We carefully aligned all grout lines, framed a recessed niche for storage, and finished the installation with clean grout and silicone joints.

After the tile work was completed, we reinstalled the shower door, toilet, vanity and accessories, bringing the space back together as a clean, functional and modern bathroom.

Bathroom remodel FAQ

Quick answers to common questions about shower rebuilds, waterproofing, tile, and timelines.

How long does a full shower rebuild take?
Most full rebuilds take about 1–2 weeks depending on demolition, waterproofing steps, tile complexity, and cure/dry times. If there are structural surprises behind old tile, timeline can extend.
Why is waterproofing so important (even under tile)?
Tile and grout are not fully waterproof. A proper waterproofing system protects framing and subfloor from moisture, helps prevent leaks, mold, and long-term damage.
Do you build custom shower pans?
Yes. Custom pans allow correct slope and drainage and help fit non-standard layouts. Proper slope is one of the most important “invisible” quality factors in a shower.
What affects the final cost the most?
Tile choice/format, layout complexity (niches, patterns), waterproofing scope, and demolition conditions. The best way is a quick site visit or detailed photos + measurements.
Can you match grout lines and keep tile layout clean?
Yes — layout planning is part of the process. We aim for clean symmetry, consistent spacing, and a finished look with tidy grout and silicone joints in the right places.