Before and After Bathroom Remodels in Lakewood, CO

There is nothing quite as satisfying as a dramatic "before and after" transformation. When you live with an outdated, cramped, or dysfunctional bathroom for years, it can be hard to visualize what the space could be.

Many homes in Lakewood, CO—especially in established neighborhoods like Applewood, Green Mountain, and Bear Creek—still feature their original 1970s and 1980s bathrooms. We are talking about carpeted floors, pink square tiles, massive cultured marble jetted tubs, and brass fixtures.

As a premier bathroom contractor in Lakewood, we specialize in bringing these tired spaces into the modern era. In this article, we are sharing the design philosophies behind our most dramatic before and after bathroom remodels to help inspire your upcoming project.

Transformation 1: The Master Bath Tub-to-Shower Conversion

The most common layout in a 1990s Lakewood master suite features a massive, built-in soaking tub sitting next to a tiny, claustrophobic 3x3 foot fiberglass shower stall. Homeowners rarely use the tub, but they use the cramped shower every single day.

The "Before" Problem:

The room feels smaller than it is because the bulky tub takes up a massive footprint. The fiberglass shower is impossible to keep clean, and the framed frosted glass door blocks all the natural light from the window.

The "After" Solution:

We remove the giant bathtub entirely. In its place, we design a massive, luxurious walk-in shower that spans the entire wall. By utilizing a tub-to-shower conversion, we can incorporate custom features like a built-in bench seat, dual showerheads, and recessed shampoo niches.

The most striking visual change comes from installing a frameless, clear glass enclosure. Without a bulky tub apron or frosted glass acting as a visual wall, your eye can travel all the way across the room, making the entire bathroom feel twice as large and incredibly bright.

Transformation 2: Ditching the 1980s Tile

If your home was built in the 70s or 80s in Eiber or Morse Park, you likely have 4x4 inch square ceramic tiles covering your floor, walls, and vanity countertop—all held together by thick, discolored grout.

The "Before" Problem:

Not only does it look severely dated, but it is a nightmare to maintain. Small tiles mean hundreds of grout lines, which act as a magnet for dirt, mold, and bacteria.

The "After" Solution:

We tear out the outdated ceramic and replace it with modern, large-format porcelain tile. Typically, we use 12x24 inch or even 24x48 inch tiles on the floor and shower walls.

Large-format tiles require significantly fewer grout lines, creating a sleek, monolithic look that is incredibly easy to clean with a simple squeegee. To add visual interest without adding clutter, we often run a vertical stack of subway tile or incorporate a geometric hexagon mosaic on the shower pan.

Transformation 3: The Lighting Overhaul

One of the most overlooked aspects of older bathrooms is the lighting. Many bathrooms rely entirely on a single "Hollywood" vanity strip (a metal bar with exposed round bulbs) and a weak exhaust fan light.

The "Before" Problem:

The bathroom feels like a cave. The single overhead light casts harsh, unflattering shadows on your face when you look in the mirror, making shaving or applying makeup difficult.

The "After" Solution:

During the rough-in phase of the remodel, our licensed electricians pull new wiring to create a layered lighting design.

• Ambient Light: We install multiple recessed LED can lights in the ceiling to flood the room with clean, bright light.
• Task Light: We remove the overhead vanity strip and install modern sconces on either side of the mirror at eye level. This provides cross-illumination and eliminates facial shadows.
• Accent Light: We install dedicated, waterproof LED lighting inside the shower (and sometimes even inside the shampoo niche) to highlight the custom tile work.

Transformation 4: Fixing Structural Water Damage

Sometimes the most important "before and after" isn't cosmetic; it is structural. If you have noticed signs that you need a bathroom remodel like a spongy floor or peeling paint, there is usually trouble behind the drywall.

The "Before" Problem:

A failed shower pan or cracked grout has allowed water to slowly rot the wooden subfloor and wall studs over several years. Black mold may be growing inside the wall cavity.

The "After" Solution:

We perform a complete gut of the space. We remove the rotted wood, treat any mold according to local health standards, and rebuild the structure. Before any new tile is laid, we install a state-of-the-art waterproofing system (like Schluter-Kerdi) to ensure that the new shower is 100% watertight. The "after" is a bathroom that doesn't just look beautiful, but is structurally sound and safe for your family for decades to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Reading

• What to Expect During a Bathroom Remodel in Lakewood, CO
• How Much Does a Bathroom Remodel Cost in Lakewood, CO?