Before and After: Real Bathroom Transformations in Raleigh
Before and After: Real Bathroom Transformations in Raleigh
Nothing demonstrates the impact of a quality bathroom remodel better than seeing real before-and-after transformations. These are actual projects completed by Showerly's in-house crew for homeowners in the Raleigh-Durham Triangle area.
Every project shown here used real tile (never acrylic), the Schluter KERDI waterproofing system, and our Quality Gates inspection process.
Transformation 1: North Raleigh Tub-to-Shower Conversion
The Before
This 1990s-era master bathroom had an original builder-grade bathtub with a basic tile surround. The homeowner reported:
- •Cracked and discolored grout throughout the surround
- •A musty smell suggesting moisture behind the walls
- •An outdated appearance that clashed with their recently updated bedroom
- •The bathtub was rarely used; they wanted a walk-in shower instead
The After
Showerly completed this transformation in 6 working days with our Signature package:
- •Tile: 12x24 marble-look porcelain on walls, 2x2 hexagonal mosaic on the floor
- •Waterproofing: Full Schluter KERDI system (and yes, we found water damage behind the old surround that we repaired first)
- •Fixtures: Matte black rain shower head with handheld on a slide bar
- •Design details: Two recessed niches with accent tile, linear drain
- •Glass: Frameless glass panel and door
The homeowner said they feel like they're stepping into a hotel bathroom every morning.
Transformation 2: Cary Ranch Home Guest Bath
The Before
This 1980s ranch home in Cary had a guest bathroom with a fiberglass tub/shower combo that had seen better days:
- •Yellowed fiberglass with permanent stains
- •Rusty fixtures that couldn't be fully cleaned
- •A dated curtain rod and shower curtain setup
- •No storage for toiletries except a hanging wire caddy
The After
Completed with our Essential package in 5 working days:
- •Tile: White subway tile with a clean horizontal pattern on walls, penny round mosaic floor
- •Waterproofing: Complete Schluter KERDI installation
- •Fixtures: Brushed nickel shower set with standard shower head
- •Design details: One recessed niche for guest toiletries
- •Glass: Semi-frameless glass door
The homeowner invested in their guest bathroom knowing it would impress visitors and add value to their home. The $6K Essential package delivered exactly the transformation they needed.
Transformation 3: Durham Townhome Master Suite
The Before
This Durham townhome had a master bathroom that felt cramped and dark:
- •Small tub that the homeowners never used
- •Dark brown tile from the early 2000s
- •Outdated bronze fixtures with water spots
- •No natural light and insufficient artificial lighting
- •Worn-out grout with visible mold growth
The After
Completed with our Masterpiece package in 7 working days:
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Book a Free Consult- •Tile: Large-format light gray porcelain walls, herringbone mosaic floor in complementary tones
- •Waterproofing: Full KERDI system with curbless threshold
- •Fixtures: Brushed nickel dual shower system (overhead rain head plus handheld)
- •Design details: Full-width horizontal niche with LED lighting, built-in corner bench
- •Glass: Frameless fixed panel for open, walk-in feel
- •Lighting: Two recessed LED downlights in the shower ceiling
The transformation was dramatic. Removing the tub and opening up the shower created a spa-like space that looks twice as large as the original bathroom. The light tile and glass panel allow light to flow throughout the room.
Transformation 4: Apex Family Bathroom
The Before
A growing family in Apex needed their hall bathroom to work harder:
- •30-year-old tub/shower combo with cracked tile
- •Grout that had been caulked over multiple times
- •Insufficient storage with cluttered shower products
- •Concerns about safety for young children and aging parents who visit
The After
Completed with our Signature package in 6 working days:
- •Tile: Warm white large-format tile on walls, textured porcelain mosaic floor for slip resistance
- •Waterproofing: Complete KERDI system
- •Fixtures: Chrome dual system with adjustable handheld (perfect for bathing kids)
- •Design details: Two niches at different heights (one for adults, one lower for kids), grab bar integrated into the tile design
- •Glass: Semi-frameless with a hinged door for easy access
The family's bathroom now serves everyone from their 4-year-old to their 75-year-old grandparents who visit monthly. The accessible features were designed to look intentional rather than institutional.
Transformation 5: Wake Forest Aging-in-Place Remodel
The Before
A retired couple in Wake Forest needed their master bathroom to support aging in place:
- •High bathtub walls that were becoming difficult to step over
- •Slippery tile floor in the shower area
- •No grab bars or support features
- •Outdated design that no longer reflected their style
The After
Completed with our Signature package plus accessibility upgrades in 6 working days:
- •Tile: Non-slip textured porcelain throughout, warm neutral tones
- •Waterproofing: Full KERDI system with curbless entry
- •Fixtures: Handheld shower on an adjustable slide bar for seated or standing use
- •Design details: Built-in bench seat, strategically placed grab bars in matching finish, large niche at seated-reach height
- •Glass: Fixed glass panel (no door to manage)
The curbless entry means no tripping hazard, and the built-in bench provides a secure seated showering option. The couple told us the remodel gave them confidence they can stay in their home for years to come.
What These Transformations Have in Common
Every project above shares these elements:
- •Real tile installation: No acrylic panels or fiberglass surrounds
- •Schluter KERDI waterproofing: Lifetime warranty protection against moisture damage
- •Quality Gates inspections: Five mandatory checkpoints from pre-construction through final walk-through
- •In-house crew: The same skilled team from start to finish
- •Scope-locked pricing: The agreed price was the final price (plus any documented, homeowner-approved additions for unexpected conditions)
See More Transformations
We add new project photos regularly to our gallery page. Every project represents a real home, a real family, and a real transformation in the Raleigh-Durham Triangle.
Start Your Transformation
Ready to see what Showerly can do for your bathroom? Our packages make quality remodeling accessible:
- •Essential ($6K): Quality transformation with real tile and proper waterproofing
- •Signature ($9K): Premium design with upgraded materials and details
- •Masterpiece ($12K): Full luxury experience with every premium feature