Bathroom Remodeling FAQ

Yes. Expanding your bathroom by borrowing space from a nearby closet, hallway, or bedroom is a common and effective remodeling strategy. The key is creating a larger, more functional bathroom without hurting the flow or usability of adjacent rooms.

We evaluate structural walls, plumbing, electrical, and HVAC to determine what’s possible, then handle all design, permitting, and construction. Whether you’re adding a double vanity, walk-in shower, or just more breathing room, we’ll help you maximize your home’s existing square footage.

Yes, most bathroom remodels in Fairfax, Arlington, Alexandria and other areas of Northern Virginia require permits. Any work involving plumbing, electrical, or structural changes—such as remodeling or adding a shower, adding a tub, relocating a vanity, or installing new lighting—typically needs approval from your local county building department. Permits ensure the work meets Virginia Residential Code and protects your home’s safety and resale value. Most bathrooms will require building, electrical and plumbing permits. Some will require an HVAC permit.

At HandyMensch Home Remodeling, we handle all permitting and inspections as part of our full-service remodel. This means your master bathroom is built safely, fully code-compliant, and avoids potential issues when selling your home. Working with licensed professionals also ensures inspections pass the first time, keeping your project on schedule and on budget.

Sometimes, yes—but not always. Converting a powder room into a full bathroom by adding a shower depends on several key factors: available space, plumbing access, Virginia code requirements, and how the bathroom will be used.

The 2021 Virginia Residential Code requires specific clearances: at least 30" x 30" of interior space for a shower, 15" from the centerline of the toilet to any side wall, and 21" of clearance in front of vanities and toilets. These are minimums—meeting them doesn’t always mean the bathroom will be functional or comfortable.

Another critical factor is who will be using the bathroom. If it’s just for guests or kids, a compact layout might work. But if it’s intended for daily use—especially by an older adult, someone using a walker or wheelchair, or with a caregiver—you’ll need more space for safe movement and accessibility. That often means reconfiguring the layout to move existing plumbing fixtures, which increases cost but dramatically improves long-term usability.

At HandyMensch Home Remodeling, we take time to understand how your family will use the space. Then we design a layout that balances code compliance, comfort, accessibility, and value. Adding a shower isn’t just about squeezing it in—it’s about making sure the bathroom works for your real life.

Not anymore. Most buyers today prefer a large, walk-in shower in the primary bathroom—as long as there’s at least one tub elsewhere in the home (typically in a hall or guest bathroom).

That said, if you love soaking in a tub after a long day, go for it. We’ll help you design a spa-like master bath that fits your lifestyle—rubber ducky optional.

Yes, adding a bathroom in your basement is often possible in Northern Virginia homes—but it depends on your layout, plumbing access, and local codes. The process usually includes framing, plumbing, venting, waterproof flooring, and moisture-resistant drywall.

The biggest challenge is drainage. If the new bathroom is below your home’s main sewer line, you may need an ejector pump. If we need to trench and cut concrete to run new waste lines, that adds labor and flooring costs.

HandyMensch manages everything—design, permitting, inspections, and construction—so your new basement bathroom is safe, functional, and fully code compliant.

The cost of a bathroom remodel in Fairfax, Arlington, Alexandria, and nearby Northern Virginia suburbs depends on size, layout, materials, fixtures, and complexity. Pricing online can vary widely, so it’s important to know what a fair budget looks like.

Key factors affecting cost include material selection, permits (building, electrical, plumbing, HVAC), and custom versus off-the-shelf products. For example, we prefer frameless glass that is fabricated specifically for each project, ensuring an exact fit and higher-quality hardware. Older homes may require additional electrical or plumbing upgrades to meet current code.

Typical hall bathroom remodels—such as converting a tub to a frameless glass shower—start at $30,000 to $35,000. This includes professional design, project management, high-quality materials, permits, inspections, and full installation.

Master bathroom remodels, often featuring a tub, separate shower, double vanity, upgraded fixtures, and premium finishes, generally range from $70,000 to $80,000. This covers design, permitting, inspections, materials, and complete installation. If the layout requires significant reconfiguration, additional costs should be included in your initial discussion.

At HandyMensch Home Remodeling, we guide you through every step of the bathroom remodel process in Northern Virginia. Whether updating a hall bathroom or completing a full master suite, we combine thoughtful design, expert craftsmanship, and project management to create a functional, stylish space that adds lasting value to your home.

At HandyMensch, we remodel bathrooms with purpose, precision, and a focus on a smooth, stress-free experience. As a full-service design-build firm based in Northern Virginia, we guide you from first concept to final walkthrough.

Design That Fits Your Life: We start by learning how you use your bathroom—whether it’s your daily workhorse, a spa-like escape, or both. Then we design a layout that improves flow, storage, and comfort. You’ll see the space with 3D renderings before construction starts.

Detailed Planning Up Front: Our proposals are clear and complete—no vague allowances or surprise costs. We include not just what you’ll see, but also what’s behind the walls to make your bathroom last.

Strong Project Management: We handle the schedule, trades, inspections, and materials to keep your remodel moving forward. Our systems help prevent delays and miscommunication.

One Point of Contact: You’ll have a dedicated HandyMensch lead throughout the process—no bouncing between contractors. Just straight answers and support when you need it.

Built for Northern Virginia Homes: We specialize in upgrading older homes with tight layouts, aging systems, and tricky structural issues. We know how to modernize your bathroom the right way.