Bathroom Remodeling with Tub to Shower Conversion in Alexandria, VA, N Naylor St – Project #55

When NextDay Remodeling took on this bathroom remodel in Alexandria, Virginia, the homeowners had a clear goal: replace an outdated, cramped space with something that actually worked for their lifestyle. What we uncovered once we stripped everything back to the framing and subfloor told a more complete story. Aging infrastructure, an unlevel subfloor, and plumbing that had run its course — these are the kinds of hidden conditions that separate a real bathroom remodeling project from a surface-level refresh. Addressing them properly is what makes a bathroom renovation last.

The Challenge

The original bathroom felt tight and tired. A bathtub that went unused dominated the space, and the homeowners wanted it gone in favor of a walk-in shower that was both more accessible and more functional. But the cosmetic changes were only part of the picture.
The subfloor needed leveling and structural reinforcement before any tile could go down. Skip that step, and grout cracks within a year. We also found that the plumbing and ventilation systems required a full overhaul. Getting these foundational elements right before the first tile was set was the only way to deliver a bathroom that performs as well as it looks.

Scope of Work

• Structural and Plumbing Preparation. All existing drain and supply lines were replaced with modern materials. Updated lines deliver better water pressure and eliminate the slow-leak risk that comes with aging pipe connections. Across the entire wet area, we applied professional-grade waterproofing (a system designed to keep moisture where it belongs). A high-capacity ventilation fan was also installed to protect the home from the long-term damage that humidity buildup causes in bathroom spaces.
• Tub-to-Shower Conversion. The heart of this renovation is the walk-in shower. We removed the tub entirely and built out a shower that uses a frameless sliding glass enclosure — a clean, space-efficient design that keeps the room feeling open. The walls are covered in large-format ceramic tile, which reduces grout lines and makes the surface significantly easier to maintain. Inside the shower, we built a recessed niche directly into the wall for storing soaps and bottles. No shelving units, no corner caddies, just a clean, built-in solution that keeps the floor clear.
• Vanity and Lighting. The vanity selection anchors the room's design. We chose a dark wood double vanity on legs, a furniture-style piece that adds warmth without feeling heavy. Topped with white quartz and dual undermount sinks, it provides both a durable working surface and generous daily storage. A wide mirror with integrated LED lighting runs above the vanity, delivering even, shadowless illumination across the full grooming area. It handles the bulk of the room's lighting needs while keeping the look simple and polished.
• Flooring and Walls. The floor is finished in textured, slip-resistant tile in a soft gray tone. This is a practical choice that holds up in a wet environment while tying the room's palette together. Outside the shower, the remaining walls are finished in premium moisture-resistant paint in a neutral shade. The result is a clean backdrop that lets the tilework and vanity carry the visual weight of the room.

Code Compliance and Inspections

Every phase of this project followed the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC). We coordinated directly with Alexandria city inspectors at each required milestone (rough-in plumbing, electrical, and framin) and all received independent verification before we moved forward. This isn't just paperwork. It means the wiring behind your walls, the drainage under your floor, and the structural headers above your head were reviewed and approved by licensed inspectors. Homeowners sometimes overlook this part of the process, but it's what separates a well-built bathroom from one that causes problems five years down the road.

Whole-Home Scope and Basement Bathroom

This master bath was one piece of a larger whole-home remodel we managed for this property in Alexandria. Our team also completed a full bathroom renovation in the basement, applying the same quality of finishes and plumbing standards to the lower level. Running both projects under one roof allowed us to coordinate scheduling efficiently and keep the design consistent from floor to floor.