Our Work

PROJECT #221

Bathtub-to-Shower Conversion

For this project, the existing bathtub was completely removed and the space was converted into a new custom walk-in shower.

At the homeowner's request, the existing bathroom floor, walls, and ceiling were left unchanged. The scope of work was intentionally focused on rebuilding the bathtub/shower area and integrating the new shower into the existing bathroom.

Scope of Work:

• Removed the existing bathtub and old shower-area finishes.

• Removed and disposed of construction debris.

• Prepared and modified the existing wood framing for the new shower.

• Reconfigured the hot and cold water supply lines.

• Installed new 1/2" copper water lines, fittings, and shutoff components.

• Prepared the plumbing for the new shower system.

• Modified the drain system and installed a new shower drain.

• Pressure-tested the new water supply system before closing the walls to verify that there were no leaks.

• Built a new shower pan with proper slope toward the drain.

• Installed a waterproof shower pan membrane.

• Installed moisture-resistant wall backer boards with both adhesive and mechanical fastening.

• Sealed all joints and waterproofed critical areas throughout the shower enclosure.

• Installed large-format 24" × 48" porcelain tile on the shower walls.

• Custom-cut and fitted the tile throughout the shower.

• Installed mosaic tile on the shower floor with proper drainage slope.

• Grouted the tile and sealed all corners and transitions with sanitary silicone.

• Finished the existing window opening with natural stone and sealed all transitions.

• Installed a new shower system with an overhead rain shower and handheld shower.

• Installed a safety grab bar for easier and safer entry and exit.

• Installed new sliding glass shower doors.

• Completed final silicone sealing, plumbing-system testing, and job-site cleanup.

Final Result: The existing bathtub area was transformed into a completely new walk-in shower featuring new plumbing, drainage, waterproofing, large-format porcelain wall tile, a mosaic shower floor, natural-stone window trim, sliding glass doors, and a new shower system — while preserving the existing bathroom floor, walls, and ceiling exactly as requested by the homeowner.

PROJECT #152

Unfinished Bathroom Restoration & Contractor Repair | Oahu, Hawaii

Bringing an Abandoned Bathroom Renovation Back to Life

This project was not a typical bathroom remodel. When we arrived, the bathroom renovation had been left unfinished for approximately three years after the previous contractors stopped working on the project and never returned.

The homeowner was left with an incomplete bathroom, unfinished construction, damaged tile work, problematic grout joints, incomplete electrical and plumbing work, and several areas that required correction before the bathroom could be safely and properly completed.

Our goal was different from simply tearing everything out and starting over. We carefully evaluated the existing work, identified what could be preserved, corrected the areas that had been improperly installed or damaged, and completed the unfinished portions of the renovation.

Ceiling Reconstruction & New Lighting

One of the major parts of the restoration involved the ceiling.

The existing ceiling was completely demolished, including the underlying structure that needed replacement. We rebuilt the ceiling, prepared a new solid surface, and completed the necessary finishing work.

As part of the ceiling reconstruction, we also upgraded the bathroom electrical system. New electrical wiring was installed and new recessed ceiling lighting was added to provide better, more even illumination throughout the bathroom.

This allowed us to correct the unfinished electrical work while integrating the lighting properly into the newly reconstructed ceiling.

Existing Tile Restoration & Repair

A significant portion of this project involved working with tile that had already been installed by the previous contractors.

Rather than unnecessarily demolishing usable tile, we carefully cleaned and restored the existing surfaces. Old construction residue and grout haze were removed, damaged and poorly finished grout joints were opened and prepared, and problem areas were repaired and regrouted where necessary.

Several tile edges and outside corners had significant chips and damage that could no longer be corrected by simply adding grout. These areas were finished with custom-prepared decorative aluminum corner profiles, creating a cleaner and more finished appearance while concealing damage left from the previous installation.

Missing sections of wall tile were also completed using large-format tile, allowing the unfinished areas of the bathroom to finally be integrated into the existing design.

Grout, Silicone & Waterproof Finishing

The bathroom had numerous unfinished and deteriorated joints that required detailed preparation.

Existing grout joints were cleaned, repaired, and refinished where necessary. Wall-to-wall, wall-to-floor, and ceiling transition areas were properly sealed with silicone to provide flexible, water-resistant joints in areas where movement can occur.

The tile, mosaic, and other finished surfaces were thoroughly cleaned after the repair work and treated with an appropriate penetrating sealer where required.

Jacuzzi Leak Diagnosis & Repair

Another important issue was water leaking beneath the existing jacuzzi tub.

We performed diagnostic work to determine the likely source of the leak. The problem was traced to a failed seal between the glass and the acrylic jacuzzi surface.

The deteriorated sealant was carefully removed, the joint was cleaned and allowed to dry, and a new specialized silicone seal was applied to restore the connection between the glass and acrylic surfaces.

This was an important part of the project because simply covering the visible joint without identifying and preparing the failed area would not have properly addressed the water intrusion.

Vanity, Sink, Countertop & Mirror Installation

The vanity area was also completed as part of the restoration.

A new bathroom sink and vanity components were installed, along with a new countertop and faucet. The necessary plumbing connections were completed and sealed.

A new mirror and associated finishing elements were installed to complete the vanity area and bring it in line with the rest of the renovated bathroom.

Plumbing & Shower Fixture Installation

The remaining bathroom plumbing and shower components were completed and brought into working condition.

The project included installation and finishing of shower fixtures, including the ceiling-mounted rainfall shower, shower components and body jets, as well as completion of the remaining plumbing connections.

The toilet and bathroom sink were installed, connected, tested, and properly sealed.

Electrical Repairs & Upgrades

Because the original renovation had never been properly completed, electrical work was another important part of the restoration.

We installed new wiring where required, completed the lighting circuits, installed switches and electrical components, and finished the electrical work associated with the new ceiling lighting, vanity area, and bathroom equipment.

Rather than simply hiding unfinished electrical work behind new finishes, the electrical portion was addressed as part of the overall reconstruction.

Sliding Glass Shower Door Installation

A new sliding glass shower door system was installed as part of the final stage of the project.

The installation included the fixed glass panel, wall profiles, support bar, sliding glass door, rollers, guides, seals, handle, adjustment, and final waterproof silicone sealing.

The door was carefully aligned and adjusted to operate smoothly and provide a clean finished appearance.

Final Detailing & Completion

Projects like this often require considerably more problem-solving than a new bathroom remodel because every stage depends on work performed by someone else years earlier.

Instead of starting with clean framing and new construction, we had to evaluate existing conditions, uncover hidden problems, determine which parts could remain, repair damaged areas, and integrate new construction with the existing bathroom.

After approximately three years of sitting unfinished, this bathroom was finally brought back to life and completed.

The project included bathroom restoration, ceiling reconstruction, tile repair, grout restoration, silicone sealing, plumbing repairs, electrical upgrades, recessed lighting installation, vanity and countertop installation, jacuzzi leak repair, shower fixture installation, and sliding glass shower door installation.

Bathroom Repair & Renovation on Oahu

Build Five Construction provides bathroom renovation, bathroom restoration, tile installation and repair, plumbing, electrical work, shower installation, and unfinished contractor project completion throughout Oahu, Hawaii.

Whether a bathroom needs a complete remodel or you have been left with an unfinished renovation, damaged tile, incomplete plumbing, electrical problems, or work abandoned by a previous contractor, we can evaluate the existing conditions and determine what can be repaired, preserved, or completed.

Bathroom Remodeling • Bathroom Restoration • Tile Repair • Shower Repair • Plumbing • Electrical • Grout Repair • Jacuzzi Repair • Shower Door Installation • Oahu, Hawaii