Master Bathroom Spa Retreat
A cramped master bathroom expanded and redesigned into a spa-like retreat with walk-in shower, freestanding tub, and heated floors.
$28,500
Budget
4 weeks
Timeline
60%
Est. ROI
120 sq ft
Bathroom Size
The Challenge
The homeowners of this 1985 Cape Cod in Bethlehem, PA had been living with the original builder-grade master bathroom for 40 years. At just 85 square feet, the bathroom felt cramped with a dated tub/shower combo, single vanity, and poor lighting.
Their wish list was ambitious: a walk-in shower AND a freestanding tub, double vanity, heated floors, and a spa-like atmosphere — all within a $30,000 budget. The challenge was finding enough square footage to fit everything.
Our solution was to borrow space from an adjacent hallway closet that the homeowners rarely used. This required moving a wall, re-routing plumbing, and installing a new subfloor — but it gave us the 35 extra square feet needed to make the design work.
Our Solution
We designed a layout that maximizes every inch of the expanded 120 sq ft space while creating a true spa experience.
Expanded bathroom footprint by reclaiming adjacent closet space (gained 35 sq ft)
Frameless glass walk-in shower with linear drain and rainfall showerhead
Freestanding soaking tub with floor-mounted faucet
Radiant heated porcelain tile floors throughout
Double vanity with soft-close drawers and quartz countertop
Complete re-plumbing for new fixture locations
Recessed LED lighting with dimmer controls
Exhaust fan upgrade with humidity sensor (auto-on)
Floor-to-ceiling large-format porcelain tile on shower walls
Custom frameless mirror with integrated LED backlight
Cost Breakdown
Final project cost: $27,800 (under the $28,500 budget).
Project Timeline
Week 1
Demolition, closet wall removal, rough plumbing relocation, subfloor prep
Week 2
Radiant heat installation, waterproofing, shower pan, tile work begins
Week 3
Wall tile completion, vanity and tub installation, electrical finish
Week 4
Glass shower enclosure, mirrors, accessories, grout sealing, final inspection
“It feels like a luxury spa. Every morning starts better because of this renovation. The heated floors in a Bethlehem winter? Absolute game-changer.”
— Homeowner, Bethlehem, PA
Key Takeaways for Homeowners
Borrowing Space Works
Reclaiming an underused hallway closet added 35 sq ft to the bathroom. The closet storage was replaced with a compact linen tower inside the new bathroom — a net gain in both space and function.
Heated Floors Are Worth Every Penny
At just $1,800, radiant floor heating was 6% of the budget but became the homeowner's favorite feature. In a Bethlehem winter, warm tile floors make a huge difference.
Waterproofing Is Non-Negotiable
We used a full Kerdi membrane waterproofing system on all shower walls and the floor. This costs more upfront but prevents costly water damage that insurance often doesn't cover.
Frameless Glass Transforms the Feel
A frameless glass shower enclosure costs ~30% more than framed, but makes a 120 sq ft bathroom feel twice its size by eliminating visual barriers.
Project Details
Project Type
Bathroom Renovation
Location
Bethlehem, PA
Budget
$28,500
Actual Cost
$27,800
Timeline
4 weeks
Bathroom Size
120 sq ft
Home Type
1985 Cape Cod
Started
November 2025
Completed
December 2025
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