This completed shower remodeling project in Elkins Park, PA focused on rebuilding the main bathroom shower from the underlying wet-area assembly through the finished tile. Rather than turning the work into a full bathroom renovation, BMR Belmax Remodeling kept the project concentrated on the shower itself, including demolition, waterproofing, a new shower base, plumbing adjustments, tile installation, built-in storage, and final finish work.
That targeted approach made the project more technical than cosmetic. The existing shower pan, wall tile, and curb area were removed so the new assembly could be built correctly from the framing and subfloor as needed. The work also included a revised shower control layout, flood testing before tile installation, and an effort to preserve the existing glass shower door if it could be removed safely and still fit the rebuilt shower.
What This Project Included
- Demolition of the existing shower pan, tile, and curb
- New cement backer board and waterproofing
- New shower base, liner, mortar bed, and drain
- Flood testing before tile installation
- New shower wall and floor tile
- Recessed niche and corner shelving
- Shower valve reconfiguration
- Reuse of the existing glass door if suitable
Main Construction Details
Controlled Demolition and Preparation
The project began with protecting the surrounding work area and carefully removing the existing shower components. The shower pan, wall tile, and curb were demolished down to the framing and subfloor where required so the new work could be built on a clean and accessible base.
The existing glass shower door was removed carefully because the plan was to reuse it if possible. Reuse depended on two things: whether the door could be removed without damage and whether it would still fit correctly after the new tile and curb work were completed. That added another layer of precision to the demolition stage.
Waterproofing and Shower Base Reconstruction
Once the shower was opened up, new cement backer board was installed in the shower wall areas. The joints and inside corners were prepared and sealed, followed by application of a liquid waterproofing membrane.
This was one of the most important parts of the project. A shower remodel can look completely new at the surface while still relying on an older or incomplete wet-area assembly underneath. In this case, the waterproofing and base construction were treated as part of the core remodel rather than hidden background work.
A new shower base was built with a liner and mortar bed, and a new drain was installed. Before tile installation began, the shower pan was flood-tested to check for leaks. That step helped verify the new base assembly before it was covered by the finished shower floor.
Tile, Niche, and Storage Features
New tile was installed on the shower walls all the way to the ceiling in a stacked layout. Mosaic tile was used on the shower floor, allowing the surface to follow the necessary slopes around the drain while creating a finished transition across the base.
The shower also received a recessed niche for built-in storage. In addition, corner shelves supplied by the homeowner were installed to provide more practical space for shower items without taking up floor area.
The curb was completed with the selected threshold material, creating a finished transition between the shower interior and the surrounding bathroom.
Plumbing Reconfiguration
The plumbing portion of the project included a meaningful change to the existing shower setup. The new shower valve and system components were installed on one side of the shower, while the previous valve location on the opposite exterior wall was eliminated and capped.
That work had to be resolved before the walls were closed and waterproofed. It is a good example of why a shower remodel is often more involved than tile replacement alone. Plumbing locations, waterproofing, and finished tile all depend on one another, so the sequence matters.
Project-Specific Challenge: Rebuilding the Shower Without Expanding the Scope
What makes this Elkins Park project distinct is that the work was deliberately limited to the shower while still addressing the major technical components behind the finished surfaces.
The surrounding bathroom was not being rebuilt. That meant demolition had to stay controlled, transitions had to be handled carefully, and the new shower had to tie back into the existing room cleanly.
The possible reuse of the existing glass door added another project-specific constraint. The new curb and tile work had to be completed with the understanding that the existing enclosure might be reinstalled if its condition and final fit allowed.
The plumbing reconfiguration also made the project more specific. One shower control location was eliminated while the new system was installed on the opposite side, requiring coordination before the new waterproofed and tiled surfaces were completed.
Project Outcome
The finished shower now has a rebuilt wet-area assembly rather than just a new decorative surface. The new backer board, waterproofing membrane, shower base, drain, mortar bed, and flood test addressed the underlying construction before tile went in.
Tile extending to the ceiling gave the shower a cleaner and more complete appearance. The recessed niche and corner shelves improved storage, while the revised control layout created a more organized shower setup.
Most importantly, the project improved the shower itself without unnecessarily turning the work into a full bathroom remodel. That made the renovation more focused while still addressing the areas that matter most in a heavily used wet space.
Planning a Shower Remodel in Elkins Park, PA?
Homeowners considering a bathroom remodel do not always need to replace every part of the room. When the main concern is the shower, a targeted rebuild can address waterproofing, plumbing, storage, and finish issues while preserving bathroom components that are still in good condition.
For homeowners researching bathroom remodeling in Elkins Park, PA, this project shows how a shower can be rebuilt properly from the underlying assembly through the final tile without expanding the project beyond the necessary scope.
Closing
This Elkins Park project is a strong example of a focused shower renovation where demolition, waterproofing, plumbing changes, shower base construction, tile installation, and finish details all had to be coordinated within an existing bathroom. Homeowners considering similar work can request a free estimate to discuss their project.