Vale Construction is a licensed, insured general contractor based in Alexandria, VA. Vale Construction offers full-service bathroom remodeling, from design and material selection through demolition, construction and final installation. Vale Construction serves Alexandria, Arlington, Falls Church, Fairfax, Springfield and the surrounding Northern Virginia communities.
Replacing a tub with a walk-in shower is one of the most requested bathroom changes. A curbless or low-curb shower is easier to step into, easier to clean, and makes a small bathroom look larger. It is also a bigger job than it looks, because the floor, the drain and the waterproofing all change. This guide covers the decisions that matter before the old tub comes out.
Why Homeowners Choose a Walk-In Shower
- Easier access: no tub wall to step over, which helps anyone planning to stay in the home long term.
- More usable space: glass panels and a single floor surface make the room feel open.
- Simpler cleaning: fewer seams and corners than a tub and surround.
- Design flexibility: benches, niches and handheld sprayers fit naturally into a shower build.
Curbless or Low-Curb?
A curbless shower needs the floor recessed or sloped so water runs to the drain instead of across the bathroom. In many homes that means changing the subfloor or framing. A low curb is simpler and still much easier to use than a tub. The right choice depends on the floor structure under the bathroom.
Drains, Slope and Waterproofing
A linear drain along one wall lets the floor slope in a single direction, which works well with large tiles. A center drain needs the floor sloped from all sides. Either way, the shower needs a continuous waterproofing layer under the tile. This is the work that decides whether a shower lasts, and it is hidden once the tile is set.
Removing an old tub sometimes reveals water damage in the subfloor or framing. It is better to plan for that possibility, and to agree on how it will be handled, before demolition starts.
Glass, Fixtures and Safety Details
Fixed glass panels keep the room open, while a door keeps more heat in the shower. Place the controls where they can be reached before stepping under the water, and consider blocking in the walls for grab bars even if they are not installed now.
Permits, Timeline and Cost
Most bathroom renovations require permits in Fairfax and Arlington Counties, especially when plumbing moves. A typical full bath renovation in Alexandria takes three to five weeks. Bathroom remodeling costs in Alexandria typically range from $15,000 to $45,000 and up, and full renovations with layout changes, custom tile and plumbing upgrades can exceed $40,000.
Homeowners weighing a tub-to-shower conversion can talk through drains, waterproofing and permits with Vale Construction's bathroom remodeling team in Alexandria.
Starting from Del Ray, the map below shows the drive to Vale Construction's office in Alexandria.
Vale Construction
6020 Alexander Ave
Alexandria, VA 22310
(571) 474-1920
Vale Construction has over 20 years of hands-on remodeling experience and has worked in Alexandria homes since 2005.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to replace a tub with a shower?
Most bathroom renovations require permits in Fairfax and Arlington Counties, particularly when plumbing is moved or replaced.
How long will I be without a bathroom?
A typical full bath renovation in Alexandria takes three to five weeks. Smaller updates can be completed faster.
What happens if water damage is found during demolition?
Damaged subfloor or framing has to be repaired before the new shower is built, so it is worth agreeing on how that will be handled before work starts.
Is a curbless shower always possible?
Not always. A curbless shower needs the floor recessed or sloped to the drain, which depends on the floor structure under the bathroom.