Bathroom Remodel in Clearwater, FL
Built for Florida. Not just "good enough." Every bathroom we build is engineered for the humidity, not despite it.
Clearwater homes on Island Estates and Clearwater Beach face salt air exposure that accelerates corrosion on fixtures, hardware, and exposed metal components. Pinellas County is the most densely populated county in Florida, and many of its 1970s and 1980s condos and single-family homes have original plumbing that is overdue for replacement. Drome Contracting builds every Clearwater bathroom remodel around humidity-resistant materials, marine-grade hardware for coastal properties, and waterproof membrane behind all tile surfaces. Permits go through Pinellas County Building Services at (727) 464-3888, and we handle the entire process under license CGC1515971.
Our Process
How We Work
Bathroom Assessment
We evaluate your current bathroom, discuss your vision, and identify any moisture or ventilation issues that need to be addressed.
Design and Estimate
Detailed scope covering layout, tile selections, fixtures, vanity, and ventilation. Line-item pricing.
Permits
Required for plumbing and electrical changes. We handle all permit applications through the county.
Demo
Existing fixtures, tile, and finishes removed. Subfloor and wall conditions assessed for moisture damage.
Waterproofing
Waterproof membrane applied behind every tile surface. This is the step most contractors skip. We do not.
Rough-In
New plumbing and electrical as needed. Tub-to-shower conversions, fixture relocations, heated floor wiring.
Tile and Finishes
Wall and floor tile, vanity installation, countertop, fixtures, lighting, mirrors, accessories.
Final Inspection
County inspection passed. Ventilation tested. Every grout line, every fixture, every seal checked.
Local Expertise
What We Know About Building Here
Pinellas County Building Services processes bathroom remodel permits at 440 Court Street, Clearwater
Coastal properties on Island Estates and Clearwater Beach require marine-grade fixtures to resist salt air corrosion
Many 1970s-era Clearwater homes have galvanized steel supply lines that should be replaced with PEX during a remodel
Condo remodels in Clearwater require HOA architectural review approval before county permit submission
Why Drome
Credentials That Matter
Florida Certified General Contractor
General liability insurance coverage
Full workers compensation coverage
Richard Drouet personally manages your project
FAQ
Common Questions
How long does a bathroom remodel take in Clearwater?
Standard remodels take 2-3 weeks. Full renovations with layout changes take 4-6 weeks depending on scope and Pinellas County inspection scheduling.
Why is waterproofing so important in Florida bathrooms?
Florida humidity finds every shortcut. Without proper waterproof membrane behind tile, moisture penetrates the wall cavity and causes mold growth. We waterproof behind every tile surface.
Can you make a bathroom ADA-accessible?
Yes. Walk-in showers, grab bars, wider doorways, comfort-height toilets, and roll-under vanities. We build aging-in-place bathrooms that are functional and attractive.
Why do Florida bathrooms need larger ventilation systems than homes up north?
Florida ambient humidity is significantly higher year-round compared to northern states. Bathroom exhaust fans need to be sized at a minimum of 1 CFM per square foot, and in many Pinellas County homes we recommend oversized units or continuous-run low-sone fans. Without adequate ventilation, even a properly waterproofed Florida bathroom will develop mold on ceilings and grout lines within months.
What should I look for behind tile in a Florida bathroom remodel?
When we remove old tile in Clearwater bathrooms, we commonly find mold on drywall that was never replaced with cement board, deteriorated green board that has absorbed moisture for years, and sometimes termite damage in the wall studs behind the shower. We inspect every surface after demo and address any damage before waterproofing and installing new tile.
Are heated bathroom floors worth it in Florida?
Electric radiant floor heating in a bathroom is relatively inexpensive to install during a remodel, typically adding $800 to $2,000 depending on bathroom size. Most Clearwater homeowners use them only 2 to 3 months per year during cooler mornings, so the operating cost is minimal. It is a comfort feature that adds resale value, especially in master bathrooms.
What aging-in-place features can you add to a bathroom remodel in Clearwater?
We install curbless walk-in showers with linear drains, blocking in walls for future grab bar installation, comfort-height toilets, lever-handle faucets, wider doorways, and non-slip tile flooring. Many Clearwater homeowners in their 40s and 50s are building these features into remodels now so they do not need a second renovation later.
Do I need a permit for a tub-to-shower conversion in Pinellas County?
Yes. A tub-to-shower conversion involves plumbing modifications and drain relocation, which requires a plumbing permit in Pinellas County. If you are also adding new electrical for lighting or a ventilation fan, an electrical permit is also needed. We handle all permit applications and inspections as part of the project.
Licensed and Insured
Serving Clearwater and Pinellas County
Describe your project in a few sentences. We call you back within one business day with honest answers and a clear next step. No sales pitch. No obligation.
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