Case Study

A Small Bathroom Transformation in Historic Downtown Wilmington

How DreamMaker turned a cramped fiberglass shower, rotted subfloor, and leaking plumbing into a fresh, open, light-filled bathroom.

Wilmington, North Carolina

2 Weeks

Fresh & Contemporary

Bathroom Remodeling

Project Overview

Small Space. Big Difference.

This downtown Wilmington bathroom had more problems than were visible on the surface. A cramped fiberglass shower insert was the obvious issue – but underneath the old linoleum sat a rotted subfloor and leaking plumbing that had been quietly doing damage for some time. DreamMaker addressed everything and delivered a bathroom that feels open, fresh, and far larger than its footprint suggests.

Location: North Carolina

Neighborhood: Wilmington

Modern

About The Neighborhood

Wilmington is one of North Carolina’s most sought-after coastal communities — a vibrant, family-friendly city with historic homes, tree-lined neighborhoods, and an easy pace that belies its proximity to the region’s booming business corridor.

The Challenge

What Wasn’t Working

Before the remodel, the space faced several challenges:

A cramped fiberglass shower insert making the bathroom feel closed-off and dated
Leaking plumbing hidden beneath the floor causing ongoing damage
Rotted subfloor discovered under the old linoleum
Poor lighting and a dated vanity and toilet throughout
A small footprint requiring every decision to work in favor of openness and light

Like many homes in Cave Springs, the master bath retained its original footprint — creating real functional limitations for a busy household and making what should be a personal retreat feel like an afterthought.

BEFORE:

“The client was very pleased with the result – a transformation that proved even a small bathroom in a historic downtown home can feel completely fresh and open with the right decisions made inside it.”

– Downtown Wilmington, NC

5.0 | Google Review

The Solution

Built Around How They Actually Live.

To solve the bathroom’s layout and style challenges, DreamMaker redesigned the master bath with improved flow, custom storage, natural light, and a clean modern finish. Removing the unused Jacuzzi unlocked the footprint entirely, custom cabinetry made every inch purposeful, and thoughtful material choices brought the spa-like atmosphere the homeowners had always wanted.

Key Improvements included:

Fiberglass shower insert fully removed
Leaking plumbing repaired and subfloor replaced before any finish work began
Larger low-threshold tile shower installed with a knee wall on the window side for natural light
Frameless glass shower door opening the space visually
New contemporary LED lighting throughout
Larger vanity with granite countertop replacing the dated original
New comfort-height toilet completing the refresh

AFTER: THE TRANSFORMATION

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Inspired By This Transformation?

Whether you’re updating an outdated kitchen , expanding a bathroom, or planning a complete remodel, DreamMaker is here to bring your vision to life.