Fixer Upper Bathroom Turned into a Retreat

Tate was contracted by a homeowner in Ventana Ranch in Albuquerque after the homeowner had purchased a fixer upper home. Prior to moving in, the homeowner wanted to do all of their renovations prior to moving in. The project focused on converting a typical tract home master bathroom in Ventana Ranch into a custom modern space, creating a clean, spa-inspired design with timeless materials and custom finishes.

Project Details Block:

• Location: Ventana Ranch, Albuquerque, NM
• Project Type: Master Bathroom Remodel
• Scope: Full Demolition & Reconstruction
• Features: Custom Tile Shower, Large Garden Tub, Double Vanity, Quartz Countertops, Frameless Glass, Can Lighting and Vanity Lights, and Vinyl Plank Flooring

The Vision

The seller of home was a hoarder and had abandoned the property and had left a lot of personal items behind. The original bathroom was worn out builder grade cabinetry, 12x12 ceramic floor tile, the shower was preformed shower pan and wall panels, old chrome hardware throughout, and the only lighting was a single vanity light. Even after clearing out the old personal items left behind behind by the previous homeowner, the bathroom felt dark, dated, and just lacking any resemblance of personal touches.

The goal of this remodel was to completely reimagine the bathroom into a brighter, more open space that balanced luxury, comfort, and practicality while maintaining a timeless design aesthetic.

Before the Remodel

The existing space featured:

• Outdated finishes and fixtures
• Inefficient layout and limited storage
• Poor lighting throughout the room
• An undersized shower and aging tub
• Builder grade flooring and dated cabinetry

The Transformation

The remodel began with a full demolition down to the framing, allowing the space to be redesigned from the ground up. The shower size was increased to make it more spacious and to maximize the space in the bathroom.

Key upgrades included:

• Custom double vanity with quartz countertops
• Vinyl plank flooring (which we also installed in the rest of the hosue)
• Hexagonal starburst teal wall shower tile
• Metal corner shower shelving
• Frameless glass shower enclosure
• Drop-in soaking tub
• New matte black plumbing and lighting fixtures
• Recessed lighting and improved ventilation
• New vinyl window over tub

The final result is a clean, modern bathroom that feels brighter, larger, and significantly more functional while maintaining a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Materials & Finishes

We selected materials designed to combine durability with timeless style, ensuring the bathroom will remain functional and visually appealing for years to come. Care was taken to modernize the finishes by using matte black hardware with white cabinets and white quartz counters, curb step, and tub deck, while using a warm beige on the walls and warm brown vinyl plank floors. At the beginning of the project the customer expressed the desire to have modern feel without going full on whites and greys that can quickly feel sterile - customer was blown away with how we were able to design a space that feels modern yet traditional at the same time.

Featured Materials

• Serene Della Terra Quartz countertops
• Silver Starbust Encaustic cement tile for shower walls
• NuCore Auburn Oak 8mm vinyl plank
• Custom Cabinetry from ARC Cabinetry
• Matte Black Plumbing Fixtures
• Frameless Tempered Glass Shower Enclosure
• SW7524 Dhurie Beige wall paint

Craftsmanship & Attention to Detail

Successful bathroom remodeling requires more than updated finishes. Behind every finished surface is careful planning, waterproofing, precise installation, and quality craftsmanship.

Throughout this project, attention was given to:

• Tile layout and symmetry, particularly with the starburst pattern on the shower wall corners
• Proper waterproofing systems
• Clean finish transitions
• Lighting placement and functionality
• Long-term durability and moisture protection

Every detail was carefully executed to deliver a finished space that not only looks beautiful, but performs reliably for everyday use.

The Finished Result

The completed master bathroom now serves as a comfortable and functional retreat that better fits the homeowners’ lifestyle and adds long-term value to the property.

By combining modern materials, improved layout design, and quality construction practices, this renovation completely transformed the feel and usability of the space.

Ready to Transform Your Bathroom?

Whether you’re planning a simple update or a complete redesign, Tate Construction delivers thoughtfully planned renovations built around quality craftsmanship, communication, and long-term value.