Bathroom Remodeling Contractors in Northern Virginia
Well-Built Bathroom Renovations by Trusted Local Professionals
Vale Construction handles full-service bathroom remodeling for Northern Virginia homeowners who need reliable contractors and work that lasts. We manage everything from design and material selection through demolition, construction, and final installation - which means you're dealing with one company from start to finish, not coordinating between multiple tradespeople who may or may not show up.
Bathrooms are tricky. Small footprints, moisture everywhere, plumbing and electrical running through tight spaces, tile work that needs to be done right the first time. We've renovated hundreds of bathrooms across Fairfax County and Arlington County — primary suites, hall baths, powder rooms, basement bathrooms that needed waterproofing from the ground up. Some projects are straightforward cosmetic updates. Others involve rerouting drain lines, upgrading ventilation systems, or fixing water damage that's been hiding behind walls for years.
We focus on durability and moisture control because those are the things that actually matter long-term. A bathroom that looks good but wasn't built correctly will cause problems. Tile that wasn't waterproofed properly. Ventilation that doesn't actually move air. Plumbing that leaks slowly until you notice water stains on the ceiling below.
If you want contractors who understand how bathrooms are supposed to be built - and who will explain what's realistic for your space and budget - we'd be glad to walk through your project.
Trusted Bathroom Renovations for Northern Virginia Homeowners
Most of the bathrooms we remodel are in older Northern Virginia homes. Fairfax, Arlington, Alexandria, Falls Church — homes built in the 70s, 80s, and 90s where the bathrooms still have builder-grade fixtures, cultured marble vanities, fiberglass tub surrounds, and exhaust fans that barely work. The bones are usually fine, but everything else needs attention.
Bathroom remodeling can feel like a gamble if you've never done it before. You're tearing apart a functional (if outdated) space and hoping it comes back together correctly. There are a lot of ways for things to go wrong — poor waterproofing, incorrect tile installation, plumbing that doesn't meet code, ventilation systems that pull air but don't actually vent it outside.
That's where experience matters.
We handle the coordination, permitting, and execution so you're not managing five different subcontractors or wondering whether the tile installer knows what they're doing. We also work in occupied homes regularly. Primary bathrooms, hall bathrooms that the whole family uses — we understand that losing access to a bathroom for weeks is disruptive, and we plan accordingly.
You'll work directly with the owner throughout the project. Questions get answered. Decisions get made. If something unexpected comes up during demolition (and it often does in older homes), we explain what we found, what it means, and what the options are. No guessing. No disappearing for days at a time.
Is Your Bathroom No Longer Working for You?
A lot of homeowners reach out because their bathroom just feels worn out. The grout is discolored and cracking. The vanity is too small or poorly made. The shower is cramped, or the tub takes up space that would be better used for something else. Sometimes it's a ventilation problem — steam everywhere after a shower, moisture that never fully clears, a lingering damp smell.
Other times, the bathroom feels out of sync with the rest of the house. If you've updated your kitchen, replaced flooring, or made other improvements, an outdated bathroom becomes more obvious. It's the room that still looks like it did in 1987.
Here's what we see most often:
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Poor layouts - showers that are too small, vanities with no counter space, awkward door swings that waste room
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Aging tile and fixtures - cracked grout, stained caulk, faucets that drip, toilets that run constantly
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Moisture and ventilation problems - mold on ceilings or in corners, foggy mirrors that take forever to clear, exhaust fans that make noise but don't move air
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Water damage -soft spots in the floor, stains on the ceiling below, rot around the tub or shower
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Storage issues - vanities with no drawers, medicine cabinets that don't hold anything useful, no built-in niches for shampoo bottles
These aren't just cosmetic annoyances. Moisture problems lead to mold, rot, and structural damage. Poor ventilation affects indoor air quality. Outdated plumbing can waste water or cause slow leaks that go unnoticed until they've done real damage. And a bathroom that doesn't function well affects your daily routine and your home's resale value.
Fixing it means addressing the underlying issues - not just covering them up with new finishes.
Complete Bathroom Remodeling Services
We manage bathroom renovations from start to finish. Design, demolition, construction, installation, finishing work — everything. You're working with one team that's accountable for the entire project, not trying to coordinate between a plumber, electrician, tile installer, and carpenter who all operate independently.
Here's what that includes:
Layout & Design Updates
Reconfiguring the footprint to make better use of available space. That might mean moving the vanity, enlarging a shower, replacing a tub with a walk-in design, or repositioning fixtures to improve flow. We walk through what's possible given your bathroom's size, existing plumbing locations, and structural constraints.
Tile & Waterproofing Systems
Proper tile installation starts with proper waterproofing. We use modern membrane systems (not just tar paper like older bathrooms), set tile correctly over appropriate substrates, and pay attention to slope in shower floors so water drains properly. We also handle floor tile, backsplashes, and accent work. This is one of the areas where cutting corners causes problems years later, so we don't.
Flooring
Tile, luxury vinyl, or other moisture-resistant materials depending on what you're looking for. We also handle subfloor repairs if demolition reveals water damage or rot (common in bathrooms with older tub surrounds or poorly sealed tile).
Plumbing & Fixtures
New toilets, faucets, shower valves, tub installations, drain line modifications if you're changing the layout. We coordinate with licensed plumbers for any work that requires it and make sure everything meets current code. Older homes sometimes have galvanized pipes or outdated configurations that need updating - we'll flag those issues upfront so you're not surprised by the cost later.
Electrical, Lighting & Ventilation
Recessed lights, vanity lighting, GFCI outlets (required in bathrooms), exhaust fans that actually vent to the outside. Proper bathroom ventilation is critical - a lot of older bathrooms have fans that vent into the attic instead of outside, which causes moisture problems over time. We size fans correctly for the space and make sure they're ducted properly. Lighting is also a bigger deal than people realize - good task lighting around the mirror makes a difference.
Vanities, Storage & Finish Work
Custom or prefab vanities depending on your budget and storage needs. Medicine cabinets, built-in niches, recessed shelving. Trim carpentry, paint, hardware, mirrors — the details that complete the space.
The goal is to build a bathroom that holds up. Not something that looks good in photos but starts having problems six months later because the waterproofing wasn't done right or the ventilation system doesn't actually work.
Why Northern Virginia Homeowners Choose Vale Construction
We've been doing this for 19 years. Most of our clients find us through referrals, neighbors who've seen our work, or repeat customers who hired us for one project and came back for another. That kind of reputation doesn't happen by accident.
Here's what we bring to bathroom remodeling projects:
Local Permitting Knowledge
Fairfax and Arlington Counties both have specific requirements for bathroom renovations — electrical code for GFCI protection, plumbing code for fixture installations, ventilation requirements. We know what's required, how to get permits approved, and how inspections work. That prevents delays and ensures the work is done to code.
Clear Estimates
We provide detailed written estimates that explain what's included and what it costs. Line items are specific, not vague. If we find something unexpected during demolition (rotted subflooring, outdated plumbing that needs replacing), we explain what needs to happen and what the cost impact is before proceeding.
Honest Timeline
A typical full bathroom renovation takes 3–5 weeks depending on scope and material availability. Smaller updates (vanity, toilet, tile backsplash) can be faster. Projects that involve layout changes, structural work, or extensive water damage repairs take longer. We'll give you a realistic timeline upfront and communicate if anything shifts.
One Point of Contact
You work directly with the owner. No project managers who don't know the details of your project, no playing phone tag with subcontractors. If you have a question or need to make a decision, you get a direct answer.
Clean Job Sites
Bathroom demolition creates dust and debris. We contain work areas with plastic sheeting, vacuum regularly, and clean up at the end of each day. We're working in your home — treating it with respect isn't optional.
Long-Term Thinking
We're not interested in doing things the fastest or cheapest way if it means compromising quality. Proper waterproofing takes extra time. Good ventilation costs more upfront. Quality tile installation requires skill and patience. We build bathrooms that are going to last because that's what you're paying for.
This isn't about being flawless. It's about being reliable, experienced, and good at what we do.
Our Bathroom Renovation Process
Here's how a typical project unfolds:
1. Free In-Home Consultation
We meet at your house, look at the bathroom you want remodeled, and talk through what's working and what isn't. You'll get a sense of what's realistic given your space, budget, and goals. We answer questions, point out potential issues (ventilation, plumbing access, structural concerns), and give you a rough idea of cost and timeline.
This is just a conversation. No obligation to move forward.
2. Design & Detailed Estimate
If you decide to proceed, we develop a design plan and provide a written estimate that breaks down costs, materials, and timeline. This stage includes finalizing selections — tile, fixtures, vanity, lighting, etc. — so there are no surprises later. You'll know exactly what's included and what it's going to cost before any demolition begins.
3. Planning & Scheduling
We pull permits, order materials, and schedule the work. You'll know the start date and expected completion timeline. We coordinate inspections with the county and make sure everything is ready before we start tearing things apart.
4. Construction & Final Walkthrough
We begin the work, keep you updated throughout, and manage the project day-to-day. Once construction is complete, we walk through the finished bathroom together to make sure everything meets expectations. Any final touch-ups or adjustments get handled before we consider the job done.
Most full bathroom remodels take 3–5 weeks. Smaller projects can be completed in 1–2 weeks. Larger projects with custom tile work, layout changes, or significant water damage repairs can take longer. We'll give you a realistic estimate based on your specific project.
Request Your Free Bathroom Remodeling Estimate
If you're considering a bathroom renovation, the first step is a conversation. We'll come to your home, assess what you're working with, and give you honest feedback about what makes sense for your situation.
No pressure. No sales tactics. Just straightforward information so you can make an informed decision.
We work with homeowners throughout Northern Virginia who want bathrooms built correctly, on a reasonable timeline, and without unnecessary headaches. If that's what you're looking for, we'd be happy to discuss your project.
Quality Bathroom Renovations Built for Real Life
Vale Construction has remodeled bathrooms across Northern Virginia for nearly two decades. Townhomes in Falls Church, single-family homes in Arlington, older properties in Fairfax and Alexandria. Primary bathrooms, hall bathrooms, basement bathrooms, powder rooms. Different sizes, different challenges, different budgets — but the same focus on durability and quality.
If you're ready to move forward, reach out. We'll give you straight answers and help you figure out the right approach for your bathroom.
Licensed • Insured • Local Expertise
Common Questions About Bathroom Remodeling in Northern Virginia
How much does a bathroom renovation cost?
Most full bathroom renovations in Northern Virginia run between $25,000 and $60,000 depending on size, materials, and scope. Smaller updates (vanity, toilet, tile surround) typically start around $10,000–$15,000. Primary bathrooms with custom tile, upgraded fixtures, and layout changes can exceed $60,000. We provide detailed estimates after seeing your space.
Do I need permits for a bathroom remodel?
Most bathroom renovations require permits in Fairfax and Arlington Counties. Plumbing changes, electrical work, structural modifications, and new ventilation systems all require permits and inspections. Cosmetic updates like painting or replacing a vanity without moving plumbing generally don't. We handle the permitting process.
How long will I be without a bathroom?
For a full renovation, expect 3–5 weeks without access to that bathroom. We move as quickly as we can while maintaining quality, but proper tile installation, waterproofing, and finish work take time. If it's your only bathroom, we can discuss phasing strategies or temporary solutions.
What happens if you find water damage during demolition?
It's fairly common to find some level of water damage in older bathrooms — soft subflooring around toilets or tubs, rot behind shower walls, moisture damage in framing. When we find it, we stop, document what we found, explain what needs to be repaired, and provide a cost estimate for the additional work before proceeding. We don't just cover it up.
Common Questions About Bathroom Remodeling in Northern Virginia
How much does a bathroom renovation cost?
Most full bathroom renovations in Northern Virginia run between $25,000 and $60,000 depending on size, materials, and scope. Smaller updates (vanity, toilet, tile surround) typically start around $10,000–$15,000. Primary bathrooms with custom tile, upgraded fixtures, and layout changes can exceed $60,000. We provide detailed estimates after seeing your space.
Do I need permits for a bathroom remodel?
Most bathroom renovations require permits in Fairfax and Arlington Counties. Plumbing changes, electrical work, structural modifications, and new ventilation systems all require permits and inspections. Cosmetic updates like painting or replacing a vanity without moving plumbing generally don't. We handle the permitting process.
How long will I be without a bathroom?
For a full renovation, expect 3–5 weeks without access to that bathroom. We move as quickly as we can while maintaining quality, but proper tile installation, waterproofing, and finish work take time. If it's your only bathroom, we can discuss phasing strategies or temporary solutions.
What happens if you find water damage during demolition?
It's fairly common to find some level of water damage in older bathrooms — soft subflooring around toilets or tubs, rot behind shower walls, moisture damage in framing. When we find it, we stop, document what we found, explain what needs to be repaired, and provide a cost estimate for the additional work before proceeding. We don't just cover it up.
Where Our Projects Take Us
Vale Construction works with homeowners throughout Northern Virginia and the surrounding areas, managing kitchen, bathroom, and basement remodeling projects in homes of all types — townhomes, single-family houses, older properties, and newer builds.
While our work is centered around Alexandria, we regularly take on projects within an easy commuting distance, including:
Alexandria
Arlington
Falls Church
Fairfax
McLean
Vienna
Springfield
Annandale
Burke
Tysons
We focus on projects where being local matters — homes with older construction, tight access, specific permitting requirements, and homeowners who want clear communication and consistent on-site management.
If you’re planning a remodel and your home is within roughly an hour of Alexandria, there’s a good chance we’re already working nearby. We’re happy to review your project and let you know if it’s a good fit.