The bathroom remodel for empty nesters

When our children grow up, leave the house, and we become “empty nesters,” we tend to focus on the bathroom we use most. That other bathroom—the one the kids used—doesn’t get the attention it used to.

We might not notice its long-term decline into ugliness because it happens so slowly, but when kids come home—or other guests arrive—they definitely see it. They’re the ones having to step over the side of the bathtub onto that rubber mat placed there during the first Bush presidency.

It’s time for an update.

A bathroom remodel is no longer the complicated, costly, and time-consuming project it used to be, says Tony Hoty, founder of Bath Expo and Window Expo. “With today’s modern acrylic wall panels, you can have a new shower in as little as two to four days, sometimes even in a single day.”

It usually takes a few weeks to design your new bathroom and order the materials before the quick installation, but sometimes it can happen much faster. “If you have a standard floor plan and you choose materials we keep in stock, we can finish your project in as little as two weeks from the day you place the order.”

How It Works

Bath Expo’s factory-trained-and-certified technicians use modern, groutless panels—not ceramic tile. “The technology has improved exponentially over the years,” Tony says. “These are durable acrylic panels that will not dent, stain, warp or chip, and they’re infused with an antimicrobial agent and other solid surface materials that prevent mold and mildew. You can hardly tell they are not ceramic tile—except when it comes time to clean them. Just wipe them down. No scrubbing grout with a brush.”

Tub-to-Shower Conversions

One of the most popular bathroom projects is converting old bathtubs into walk-in showers. “Replacing traditional, high-walled bathtubs with low-threshold showers is hugely popular right now,” Tony says. 

Bath Expo’s tub-to-shower conversions also feature a wide variety of trendy accessories in different finishes, including showerheads, seating options, faucet handles, and soap and shampoo racks that cleverly serve as grab bars.

If you just need a simple, low-cost shower, that’s fine, but Bath Expo also offers sinks, vanities and complete remodels with options for bathtubs, cabinets, countertops, flooring, commodes, lighting and more. All projects come with a lifetime warranty.

The 24-Hour Showroom

Although the company’s free, in-home estimates include plenty of photos and hands-on samples, Bath Expo is one of the few firms in its category to have its own showroom. You’ll find it in Westlake, with vignettes you can explore, touch and walk into.

Even when the store is closed.

Bath Expo has a 24-hour showroom where you can shop anytime, day or night. That said, if you prefer to meet with one of the designers, the showroom is open during regular hours six days a week.

When you arrive at the Westlake facility, just follow the texting instructions posted on the front door. You’ll immediately receive a text with a one-time passcode to enter the building. Enter the code on the front door keypad, just like you would for an Airbnb, and voila! You’re in the showroom.

Once inside, the experience resembles that of a museum. Each vignette includes a push-button audio guide that offers details about the features specific to that section, such as styles, colors, walls, shower doors, seating, shelving, and other accessories. Feel free to spend as much time as you’d like exploring different options for bathrooms and replacement windows. For safety and security, the entire facility is under 24-hour surveillance. Most visitors complete the self-guided tour in 15-20 minutes.

Replacement Windows, Too

Window Expo offers popular brands in a wide range of styles, colors, and materials, including vinyl, composite, fiberglass, and real wood. “We don’t limit our customers by offering only one brand of window,” Tony says. “We’re not tied down to any single manufacturer. That means we can offer different brands that best fit each customer’s unique home, taste, and budget.”

Bath Expo and Window Expo are located at 24510 Sperry Drive in Westlake, visible from I-90. Regular showroom hours are Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Outside of these hours, feel free to visit the new 24-hour showroom anytime at your leisure. For more information, call 440-296-9999 or visit BathExpoCleveland.com or WindowExpoCleveland.com.