Willoughby Hills Cricket Lane Bathroom Remodel
Sam & Michelle hired Lake County Handymen to remodel their bathroom on Cricket Lane in Willoughby Hills. What started as a dated bath turned into a full rebuild from the subfloor up: we sistered joists, laid a solid subfloor, installed Schluter-Ditra membrane, set 12x24 tile, and finished with new cabinets, countertop, fixtures, and trim.
The Ask
Sam & Michelle wanted their bathroom fully updated, but they also needed the foundation done right. The existing floor had some bounce and the old tile was cracking, so we planned a complete tear-out and rebuild. Their goal was a clean, modern bathroom with a solid subfloor, large-format tile, new cabinetry, and a fresh countertop — all finished with quality craftsmanship that would hold up for years.
Day 1 — Demo, Joist Sistering, and Floor Prep
We started by stripping the bathroom down to the studs and subfloor. With everything exposed, we sistered the joists to stiffen the floor and eliminate any bounce or sag. Once the framing was rock-solid, we inspected the subfloor, made sure it was level and secure, and prepped the space for the new materials.
Day 2 — Subfloor and Schluter-Ditra Membrane
With the joists reinforced, we put down a new, level subfloor and installed the Schluter-Ditra uncoupling membrane. Ditra is a smart choice for bathroom floors because it protects the tile from minor substrate movement and helps manage moisture. We rolled it out, cut it to fit around the toilet flange and walls, and sealed the seams before moving on to tile.
Day 3 — 12x24 Tile Installation
Day three was tile day. We laid the 12x24 format tile in a clean, modern pattern, making sure every cut around the walls, vanity, and doorway was tight and consistent. After the tile set, we grouted with a complementary color and cleaned the surface so the floor looked crisp and intentional.
Day 4 & 5 — Cabinets, Countertop, Fixtures, and Trim
With the floor complete, we installed the new vanity cabinets, countertop, sink, and faucet. We reconnected plumbing, hung the mirror, installed light fixtures, and finished the trim work around the door, base, and vanity. Every detail was checked for level, plumb, and clean caulk lines before we walked through the finished space with Sam & Michelle.
The Result
The bathroom went from dated and bouncy to solid, modern, and beautiful. The large-format tile gave the room a clean, open feel, and the new cabinets and countertop tied the whole space together. Sam & Michelle were thrilled with the solid foundation under their feet and the finished look they had been hoping for.
Project Snapshot
- Location: Cricket Lane, Willoughby Hills, OH
- Year: 2026
- Scope: Full bathroom remodel from subfloor to finish
- Timeline: 5 working days
- Materials: Sistered joists, new subfloor, Schluter-Ditra membrane, 12x24 tile, vanity cabinets, countertop, sink, faucet, fixtures, and trim
- Outcome: Solid, level floor and a modern, finished bathroom
- Project cost: $5,320
Need a Bathroom Remodeled?
Whether you need a full bath renovation or just want to update fixtures and finishes, Lake County Handymen can help. Learn more about our bathroom remodeling service, see our work in Willoughby Hills, or contact us for a free, no-pressure estimate.