A Small Clinton Hill Bathroom Gets a Crisp, Classic Update
When Diane moved into her apartment in a large residential co-op on historic Clinton Avenue, she already knew a little about renovating. She had updated a kitchen in a previous home and wanted to bring what she had learned to her new bathroom, making the small space more functional and comfortable.
The existing layout worked for her, but several details did not. Large floor tiles covered the walls and had started to loosen and crack, while the heights of the fixtures were not quite right for Diane. Her Clinton Hill bathroom renovation focused on correcting those issues while giving the room a bright, clean, and classic look.
Diane had already purchased new fixtures and worked through her co-op’s renovation approval process when she posted her project on Sweeten. She was then matched with Sean, whose team in New York helped turn the compact bathroom into a more comfortable space with white subway tile, taller fixtures, a cast-iron soaking tub, and other carefully chosen details.
- Homeowner: Diane posted her bathroom renovation on Sweeten
- Where: Clinton Hill, Brooklyn, New York
- Primary renovation: The small bathroom was gutted and updated with white subway tile, a taller Toto sink and toilet, a compact Porcher cast-iron soaking tub, a grab bar, added counter surface, and custom tile work around the tub and bench.
- Homeowner’s quote: “My Sweeten contractors were so great – I could not have found a better contractor. Best experience I ever had.”
Planning a more comfortable Clinton Hill bathroom
Diane had lived in the apartment for about a year and a half before taking on the bathroom. While she was comfortable with the existing layout, she wanted to adjust the height of several fixtures and add details that better suited how she used the room.
She also came into the project prepared. Diane had already bought her new fixtures and completed the renovation approval process required by her co-op building before posting the project on Sweeten.
That preparation followed some frustrating experiences with contractors she had contacted independently. Two different contacts had taken her deposits before she ultimately turned to Sweeten to find someone for the project.
Finding the right contractor through Sweeten
After two earlier contractor contacts did not work out, Diane turned to Sweeten to connect with Brooklyn general contractors for her Clinton Hill project.
Sweeten matched Diane with Sean, who came to the project with positive feedback for his responsiveness, project updates, and care in protecting homeowners’ spaces while construction was underway.
Once work began, Sean’s team removed the existing bathroom finishes and layers of old tile. The demolition brought an unexpected benefit: Diane gained an additional two inches in both the width and height of the room.
For a small bathroom, those extra inches were a welcome find.
White subway tile gives the bathroom a classic look
Diane wanted the finished bathroom to feel bright, clean, and classic. White subway tile became the foundation of that look, replacing the large tiles that had previously covered the walls. Sweeten brings homeowners an exceptional renovation experience by personally matching trusted general contractors to your project, while offering expert guidance and support—at no cost to you. Renovate expertly with Sweeten
The renovation also addressed fixture height and everyday usability. Diane chose a Toto sink and toilet that better fit what she wanted from the space.
The Toto toilet conceals the pipework and extends to the floor with a seamless surface. At the sink, six inches of counter space behind the Toto faucet created a convenient place to keep daily items within reach.
Together, the white tile and streamlined fixtures gave the room the simple, crisp finish Diane had envisioned.
A compact cast-iron tub fits the small bathroom
Finding the right bathtub took more searching. Diane wanted a cast-iron tub for soaking, but its dimensions needed to work within the bathroom’s limited footprint.
She eventually found a Porcher tub that fit the space. Sean’s team completed the installation with custom tile work and a bench.
Diane also added a grab bar in the shower and tub, another detail that helped customize the bathroom around her needs.
An unexpected plumbing issue changes the schedule
With the co-op approvals complete and materials already on-site, Sean had planned to complete the work in less than two weeks.
A few days into construction, however, his team discovered a problem behind the bathroom wall. The building’s stack of galvanized steel pipes was corroded and rotting.
Sean and his team worked with Diane and the building’s management to address the issue. Within three days, they had the project back on track.
The experience left Diane particularly pleased with the team Sweeten had introduced to her. “My Sweeten contractors were so great – I could not have found a better contractor. Best experience I ever had,” Diane said.
A brighter finish for the Clinton Hill bathroom renovation
The completed bathroom combines the practical changes Diane wanted with the classic finish she had pictured from the start.
White subway tile brightens the compact space, while the taller sink and toilet better fit Diane’s needs. The Porcher soaking tub, grab bar, added sink surface, and custom tub installation bring in the smaller details that helped make the room more comfortable for her.
The project also showed the value of Diane’s preparation. She entered construction with her fixtures purchased and co-op approvals completed, allowing Sean’s team to move quickly before the unexpected pipe issue appeared behind the wall.
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Renovation materials
BATHROOM RESOURCES
- Medicine cabinet: Kohler
- Tub: Porcher
- Toilet, sink, and faucet: Toto
- White subway tile and floor tile: Home Depot
- Vanity lighting: Elle fixture from Maxim
Frequently asked questions
What changed in this Clinton Hill bathroom renovation?
Diane’s bathroom was updated with white subway tile, a taller Toto sink and toilet, a compact Porcher cast-iron soaking tub, a grab bar, and custom tile work around the tub and bench. Removing the previous layers of tile also revealed an additional two inches in both the width and height of the room.
What made the renovated bathroom more comfortable for Diane?
Diane chose taller fixtures and a soaking tub that better suited what she wanted from the bathroom. The new sink also provided six inches of counter surface behind the faucet for keeping daily items within reach, while a grab bar was added at the shower and tub.
How long was Diane's bathroom renovation expected to take?
Because Diane had already completed her co-op approvals and had the materials on-site, Sean was prepared to finish the work in less than two weeks. A few days into construction, his team found an issue with the building’s galvanized steel pipe stack, but they worked with Diane and building management and had the project back on track within three days.
