Bathroom Remodel in Puyallup — Full Before & After Project

A bathroom remodel in Puyallup often starts with design ideas, finishes, and fixtures. This project in Puyallup, Washington began very differently. The homeowner contacted us after discovering water damage that had compromised the bathroom’s structure, finishes, and long-term usability. What initially appeared to be a localized issue turned into a full bathroom remodel focused on safety, durability, and modern functionality.

This article documents the complete bathroom remodel in Puyallup, from the initial condition and water damage assessment to the final finished space. The project was completed by Bezruchuk Inc., focusing on long-term durability rather than cosmetic shortcuts. The goal is to show how a water-damaged bathroom should be approached when long-term performance matters more than cosmetic shortcuts.

Project Overview – Bathroom Remodel in Puyallup, Washington

This bathroom remodel in Puyallup, WA took place in a residential home where ongoing water damage required a full reconstruction approach. The homeowner noticed signs of moisture and deterioration that indicated ongoing water damage behind the walls and floor. Rather than applying surface-level repairs, the decision was made to fully assess the bathroom and rebuild it correctly.

The scope of this bathroom remodel in Puyallup included demolition verification, structural evaluation, plumbing updates, waterproofing, and a complete redesign of the shower and tub area. Learn more about our professional approach on our bathroom remodel services page. The finished bathroom reflects a modern layout while addressing the underlying issues that caused the damage in the first place.

Water-damaged bathroom in Puyallup before remodel showing exposed framing, plumbing lines, and post-mitigation conditionFinished bathroom remodel in Puyallup with freestanding tub, Schluter waterproofed shower, and modern tile design
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Initial Condition of the Water-Damaged Bathroom

When we arrived at this bathroom remodel in Puyallup, the initial demolition had already been performed by a water mitigation contractor. The goal of the mitigation phase was to stop active moisture, remove visibly damaged materials, and stabilize the home.

At this stage, wall sections were open, insulation had been removed in affected areas, and plumbing lines were exposed. While mitigation work addresses immediate concerns, it does not resolve layout, structural planning, or long-term waterproofing needs.

Our role began with evaluating the post-mitigation condition of the water-damaged bathroom and determining what additional repairs and reconstruction were required. This assessment shaped every decision moving forward.

Post-Mitigation Evaluation and Selective Demolition

Because the primary demolition was completed during water mitigation, this phase focused on verification and selective removal. Areas that required additional access were carefully opened to confirm that all moisture-affected materials had been properly addressed.

Selective demolition allowed us to inspect framing, plumbing penetrations, and subfloor conditions without unnecessary removal. This step is critical after mitigation work, as it ensures no hidden issues remain before reconstruction begins.

What started as mitigation cleanup transitioned into a controlled rebuild phase that allowed for layout improvements and long-term planning. What began as a necessary tear-out became an opportunity to rebuild the bathroom with better flow and usability.

Dry-Out and Moisture Control

After demolition, the bathroom was thoroughly dried to remove any remaining moisture from the structure. Moisture control is a non-negotiable step in bathroom water damage repair. Rebuilding on damp framing or subfloors can compromise new materials and shorten the lifespan of the remodel.

Drying the space ensured that framing members were stable and ready for reconstruction. Only after moisture levels were confirmed to be within acceptable ranges did the rebuild phase begin.

Structural Repairs and Preparation

With the bathroom fully opened and dried, structural repairs were addressed. Any damaged framing was repaired or reinforced as needed. Insulation was replaced to restore energy efficiency and prevent future moisture issues.

This phase of the bathroom remodel in Puyallup focused on creating a solid foundation for the rest of the work. Structural preparation ensures that tile, fixtures, and finishes perform as intended over time.

Proper preparation is often overlooked in bathroom renovations, but it plays a major role in preventing recurring water damage.

Plumbing Layout and System Updates

The plumbing system was evaluated and adjusted to match the new bathroom layout. Updating plumbing during a bathroom remodel after water damage is often necessary, especially when older materials or inefficient layouts are involved.

Supply lines and drains were positioned to support the new shower and freestanding tub configuration. This step improved both performance and accessibility while meeting current building standards.

Plumbing updates during a bathroom renovation in Puyallup help ensure reliability and reduce the risk of future leaks.

Waterproofing Strategy

Waterproofing was a critical focus of this bathroom remodel in Puyallup, especially given the history of water damage. For this project, a complete Schluter waterproofing system was used to ensure long-term protection and consistent performance throughout all wet areas.

The Schluter system was installed on shower walls, shower floors, and all critical transition points. This included proper membrane coverage, sealed seams, integrated drains, and carefully detailed corners. Using a fully integrated system eliminates guesswork and reduces the risk of failure that often occurs when multiple products are mixed together.

This project also served as a showcase example of how a bathroom should be waterproofed correctly after water damage. The same approach is outlined in detail on our educational page about proper bathroom waterproofing systems, which explains why system-based waterproofing is essential for long-term durability: Bathroom Waterproofing Systems for Remodels.

By using a Schluter waterproofing system, the rebuilt bathroom was protected from moisture intrusion behind the tile, helping ensure that the structural repairs completed earlier in the project would not be compromised over time.

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This project shows what’s possible when planning, waterproofing, and craftsmanship are done correctly from the beginning.
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Custom tiled shower niche in Puyallup bathroom remodel with geometric accent tile

Custom Shower Construction

The new shower was designed with both durability and comfort in mind. Large-format wall tile was selected to reduce grout lines and create a clean, modern appearance. A patterned tile floor added visual interest while maintaining proper drainage.

A recessed niche was incorporated for storage without disrupting the waterproofing system. The shower enclosure was finished with frameless glass to keep the space open and bright.

This custom shower is a key feature of the bathroom remodel in Puyallup and reflects careful planning and execution.

Freestanding Tub Installation

The freestanding tub became a focal point of the remodeled bathroom. Its placement was coordinated with the plumbing layout and surrounding finishes to create balance within the space.

Installing a freestanding tub during a bathroom remodel requires precise planning, especially when paired with a nearby shower. Proper clearances and floor support were considered during installation.

The result is a functional and visually appealing bathing area that complements the rest of the bathroom.

Flooring and Wall Finishes

Flooring throughout the bathroom was installed with durability and moisture resistance in mind. Large-format floor tile helped create a seamless look while supporting long-term performance.

Wall finishes were selected to reflect light and enhance the room’s overall brightness. Neutral tones were used to maintain a timeless design that will age well.

These finish choices support the goal of a bathroom remodel that balances aesthetics with practicality.

Vanity, Storage, and Fixtures

The vanity was selected to provide adequate storage without overwhelming the space. Hardware and fixtures were chosen for reliability and ease of maintenance.

Lighting fixtures were positioned to improve visibility and comfort. Proper lighting is often underestimated in bathroom renovations but plays a major role in daily use.

Every fixture in this bathroom remodel was chosen with longevity and function in mind.

Final Result of the Bathroom Remodel in Puyallup, WA

The completed bathroom remodel transformed a water-damaged space into a clean, modern, and reliable bathroom. Structural issues were resolved, moisture risks were addressed, and the layout was improved for everyday use.

This project demonstrates the importance of addressing water damage correctly rather than covering it up. A thorough approach ensures that the investment in a bathroom remodel delivers lasting value.

Lessons From a Water-Damaged Bathroom Remodel

Bathrooms exposed to water damage require careful planning and professional execution. This project highlights the importance of proper assessment, controlled demolition, waterproofing, and rebuild strategies.

Homeowners considering a bathroom remodel after water damage should focus on long-term solutions rather than quick fixes. For early planning and budgeting, our bathroom remodel cost calculator can help set realistic expectations before starting a project. Addressing underlying problems leads to better performance and fewer issues in the future.

Planning a Bathroom Remodel in Puyallup, Washington

If your bathroom shows signs of water damage or requires a full rebuild, proper planning is essential. A bathroom remodel in Puyallup should start with understanding the condition of the space and choosing solutions that prioritize durability and safety.

This project serves as an example of how water-damaged bathrooms can be rebuilt into functional, modern spaces when the process is done correctly.

Completed bathroom remodel in Puyallup featuring freestanding tub, glass shower, and modern tile flooring
Schluter waterproofed shower in Puyallup with modern fixtures, marble-look tile, and glass enclosure
Modern bathroom vanity remodel in Puyallup featuring floating black vanity, quartz countertop, and LED mirror
Custom tiled shower niche in Puyallup bathroom remodel with geometric accent tile
Completed bathroom remodel in Puyallup with glass shower, freestanding tub, custom vanity, and marble-look tile
Frameless glass shower with patterned tile floor in a Puyallup bathroom remodel
Freestanding Tub in Puyallup Bathroom Remodel
Double vanity with backlit mirrors in a modern Puyallup bathroom remodel
Glass shower enclosure transitioning into custom vanity and open bathroom layout
Frameless glass shower corner with patterned floor tile and marble-look wall tile
Walk-in shower with built-in bench and patterned tile floor
Glass shower positioned next to freestanding tub in an open bathroom layout
Freestanding bathtub positioned beneath a window with natural light
Brushed nickel bathroom faucet installed on modern white vanity
Touch controls on LED bathroom mirror with lighting and defog features
Custom bathroom vanity with integrated sink and modern faucet
Geometric patterned tile installed on shower floor
Close-up of custom glass shower door handle with floating wood shelves and freestanding tub in background.
Frameless glass shower next to a freestanding bathtub with marble-look tile and patterned shower floor.
Modern bathroom with black vanity, integrated mirror lighting, freestanding tub, and marble-look tile flooring.
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Bathroom Remodel Before and After – FAQs

Bathroom remodel cost in Puyallup depends on the bathroom size, layout changes, plumbing and electrical scope, waterproofing method, tile complexity, and material selections. The fastest way to narrow your budget range is to use a local remodel cost calculator and then confirm final numbers with an onsite walk-through.

If your bathroom had water damage, the priority is making sure the area is fully dried, affected materials are removed, and framing is structurally sound before reconstruction starts. A good remodel plan also includes verifying plumbing connections, checking for hidden moisture paths, and rebuilding with a proper waterproofing system to prevent repeat issues.

Permits are often required when a bathroom remodel includes plumbing changes, electrical work, ventilation changes, or structural modifications. Requirements can vary by jurisdiction, so the safest approach is to confirm permit needs during planning—especially if you’re relocating fixtures or adding circuits.

For tiled showers, a bonded waterproofing system is a strong choice because it creates a continuous water-management layer behind the tile. In this project we used a Schluter waterproofing system to control water at seams, corners, and penetrations—helping protect framing and reduce long-term leak risk.

Timeline depends on scope, inspections, custom orders, and how much tile work is involved. A full remodel with tile shower work, waterproofing, plumbing/electrical coordination, and finish carpentry typically takes multiple weeks, and complex layouts or specialty materials can extend the schedule.

Yes. Keeping the toilet, vanity, and shower/tub in the same locations usually reduces plumbing and electrical changes, which can help control the budget. Cost still varies based on waterproofing, tile, fixtures, and the condition of the subfloor and framing—especially after a water-loss.

Look for a contractor who can show real local projects, explains waterproofing details, coordinates licensed trades when required, and provides a clear scope of work. Ask how they handle inspections, moisture protection, shower waterproofing, and change orders so there are no surprises during the build.