Primary Bathroom Remodel in Waukesha, WI
A One-Sink Bathroom Finally Works for Two
The Story
One Sink, Two Schedules, and a Tub Nobody Used
“Before, we dreaded getting ready in our cramped, cluttered bathroom, with one sink,” Chris and Carrie said. “Now we love starting our mornings here — no more chaos, just pure comfort.”
Their Waukesha primary bathroom had a single vanity, a tiny 32-inch by 32-inch shower, and a large jetted tub that never got used. Working from a plan by Denise Merbeth of Denise Merbeth LLC Kitchen & Bath Design, Brian and the Build It Right team reorganized the room around a spacious walk-in shower and a double vanity designed for the way two people actually get ready.
Project At a Glance
Location
Waukesha, WI
Timeline
2.5 months
Investment
$72,000
“Brian and his contractors were really easy to work with. Brian’s communication was great throughout the entire project. He listened to what we were trying to do, provided options/suggestions, and also kept us well-informed on progress.”
— Chris & Carrie, Waukesha, WI
01
Before
The old primary bathroom had one sink, a shower barely large enough to turn around in, and a corner jetted tub that took up valuable floor space without ever getting used.
The single vanity’s limited storage, dated finishes, and oversized mirrors turning mornings into a scheduling problem instead of a comfortable routine.
02
What we saw
The existing layout gave the jetted tub the best real estate in the room while squeezing the shower and single vanity into the remaining space.
The bathroom already had enough square footage to meet Chris and Carrie’s needs, it just wasn’t divided the way they actually used the space each morning.
03
What we proposed
The new layout removed the unused jetted tub and used its footprint for a 4-foot-by-5-foot walk-in shower with a built-in corner seat.
A wall-to-wall double vanity replaced the single sink, giving Chris and Carrie individual space and additional storage. Reusing the existing barn-door opening kept the footprint efficient and preserved more usable room inside the bathroom.
04
What we drew
Detailed plans and measured elevation drawings allowed Chris and Carrie to review the double vanity, mirrors, sconces, shower, and cabinetry before construction began.
The drawings confirmed dimensions and placements down to the inch, ensuring the fixtures, storage, and lighting would work together within the available space.
05
What they live in now
The finished bathroom centers around a quarter-sawn white oak double vanity and a spacious walk-in shower with a built-in seat, subway tile, and hexagonal mosaic flooring.
Chris and Carrie can now get ready at the same time without competing for space. The area once occupied by an unused tub has become the part of the bathroom they actually use.
Client Must Haves
Your Bathroom Could Work for Two People Instead of One
A Shower With Room to Move
The new 4-foot-by-5-foot walk-in shower replaces a cramped stall with a brighter, more comfortable space, featuring classic subway tile, a hexagonal mosaic floor, a large niche, a built-in corner seat, and frameless glass.
A Vanity Designed for Two
A wall-to-wall quarter-sawn white oak vanity with a white quartz top provides two sinks, generous drawer storage, and open shelving where one shared sink once stood.
Lighting That Actually Flatters
Three modern sconces frame two large black mirrors, providing light more evenly across the vanity than the bathroom’s previous single fixture.
A Built-In Place to Sit
An 18-inch corner seat makes the shower more comfortable and practical for shaving, stretching, and everyday routines without taking up unnecessary floor space.
More Project Features
Charcoal-Gray Floor Tile
Dark floor tile adds contrast against the white shower walls and coordinates with the bathroom’s matte black fixtures.
Matte Black Fixtures
Faucets, shower fixtures, and a handheld sprayer create a consistent modern accent throughout the space.
Thoughtful Shower-Control Placement
The shower controls are positioned near the entrance, allowing water adjustment before stepping inside.
Skylight Over the Shower
The existing skylight was preserved, bringing natural light into the shower and making the room feel brighter throughout the day.
Barn-Door Entry
Reusing the existing opening for a sliding barn door keeps the entry efficient and avoids taking up valuable floor space inside the bathroom.
Frameless Glass Surround
Clear frameless glass keeps the shower tile visible and allows light to travel through the room, helping the bathroom feel more open.
The result
Mornings That Work Better for Two
Chris and Carrie’s bathroom went from a single sink, undersized shower, and unused tub to a room designed around the way they live.
A new double vanity gives each of them dedicated space and the larger walk-in shower makes better use of the bathroom’s existing footprint. Mornings that used to start with clutter and competing schedules now start in a space that works for both of them.
Contact Us
Your Primary Bathroom Doesn’t Have to Stay a One-Sink Bathroom
We can help you see what is possible within the walls you already have.
Ready to Build It Right?
Your home should grow with you. Whether you’re opening your layout, modernizing your space, or finishing your basement, our team is ready to bring your vision to life.