Upstairs Hall Bathroom Remodel in Rancho Santa Margarita
This upstairs hall bathroom remodel in Rancho Santa Margarita was designed to turn a dated, builder-grade space into a refined, spa-inspired bathroom with thoughtful storage, durable construction, and clean modern finishes. Our team at Unique Kitchen & Baths handled the entire transformation from preparation and demolition to custom shower construction, tile installation, cabinetry, lighting, and final paint.
Every decision was guided by longevity, daily comfort, and visual balance, resulting in a bathroom that feels open, intentional, and beautifully finished.
Site Preparation & Home Protection
Before any demolition or construction began, our priority was protecting the surrounding areas of the home. A well-prepared site allows us to work efficiently while keeping the rest of the house clean and undisturbed.
Dust Control & Access Protection
We installed plastic coverings at the bathroom entry, paper floor protection throughout the work path, and a plastic zipper enclosure to isolate the construction zone. These measures helped contain dust, protect existing finishes, and maintain safe access during the remodel.
Demolition & Layout Changes
With the area properly protected, we moved forward with a careful demolition phase to clear out outdated fixtures and prepare the space for its new layout.
Removing Existing Fixtures
We disconnected the existing toilet and stored it safely for reinstallation later. The vanity and countertop were removed while preserving the faucet and toilet for reuse. The existing bathtub was fully demoed to make way for a custom-built shower system. This phase opened the room and allowed us to rebuild the bathroom with improved flow and functionality.
Custom Shower Framing & Structural Work
The new shower was designed as a fully custom feature, combining comfort, durability, and modern aesthetics.
Shower Structure & Framing
We framed a new non–walk-in shower, including a properly sized shower dam and a recessed shampoo niche. A floating corner bench measuring approximately 14" x 14" was framed into the shower, providing comfort without sacrificing floor space.
Plumbing Adjustments
A customer-provided double-function shower valve was installed, and the vanity plumbing was recessed into the wall when structurally feasible. This allowed for a cleaner vanity profile and better alignment of fixtures.
Shower Waterproofing & Drainage System
This phase is where craftsmanship truly matters. Our shower construction follows proven methods designed to protect the home long-term.
Waterproofing & Wall Preparation
We installed black paper and metal lath on all shower walls before floating them with cement. This process allowed us to level the walls precisely, creating a flawless surface for large-format tile installation.
Drainage & Pan Construction
A linear drain measuring approximately 24"–28" was installed with tile seamlessly integrated on top. The shower pan was hot-mopped to ensure a fully waterproof base, providing reliable protection beneath the tile surface.
Tile Installation & Custom Finishes
Tile selection and installation played a major role in elevating the overall design of this bathroom.
Shower Wall & Pan Tile
We installed large-format 24 x 48 porcelain tiles on the shower walls in MSI Kaya Zermatta Blanca Polished, delivering a clean, elegant look with minimal grout lines. The shower pan was finished with MSI Silva Oak 2" hexagon tiles, adding texture and visual contrast underfoot.
Quartz Shelving Details
To complete the shower interior, we fabricated two custom quartz corner shelves that coordinate seamlessly with the surrounding materials, offering both function and a refined finish.
Vanity & Countertop Installation
The vanity area was redesigned to offer better storage, symmetry, and modern appeal.
Cabinetry & Hardware
We installed 6 linear feet of customer-selected PK Cabinets Dolphin Grey Shaker, paired with seven brushed pewter handles from the Jeffrey Alexander Elements Walker collection. This combination adds subtle contrast and timeless character.
Quartz Countertop & Sinks
A prefab quartz countertop in Crystal Stone Ariston Blanco was fabricated and installed, providing a bright, durable surface. Two rectangular undermount sinks were installed, creating a balanced double-vanity setup ideal for shared use.
Fixtures, Glass & Electrical Updates
With the major structural and finish work complete, we focused on fixtures, lighting, and final details.
Plumbing & Glass Installation
Customer-provided shower trims and vanity faucets were installed, followed by reinstallation of the existing toilet. A new shower glass door was added to complete the enclosure and maintain an open feel.
Electrical Improvements
We installed a new GFCI outlet on the left side of the vanity and raised existing outlets and switches to better align with the new vanity height. These upgrades improved both safety and usability.
Drywall, Paint & Final Touches
The final phase brought everything together into a polished, cohesive space.
Surface Repairs & Finishing
We completed drywall repairs where needed and applied full paint to the bathroom walls and ceiling. Fresh paint unified the space and highlighted the clean lines of the new tile, cabinetry, and fixtures.
A Refined Bathroom Built to Last
This upstairs hall bathroom remodel in Rancho Santa Margarita showcases the level of detail, care, and craftsmanship we bring to every project. From advanced waterproofing and large-format tile installation to custom cabinetry and thoughtful electrical updates, every element was designed for durability, comfort, and everyday enjoyment.
If you’re considering a bathroom remodel and want a team that values precision, communication, and long-term quality, we’d love to help.
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Year:
January 2026Location:
Rancho Santa MargaritaProject Type:
Bathroom remodelingRemodeled By:
Unique Kitchen & Baths