Bathroom Remodel in Tampa, FL
Built for Florida. Not just "good enough." Every bathroom we build is engineered for the humidity, not despite it.
Tampa bathroom remodels concentrate in three housing eras that each deliver distinct surprises on demo day. In Hyde Park and South Tampa, the pre-war concrete block homes almost universally have original cast iron drain lines that require a camera scope before any tile work begins — a pinhole in the drain stack at the shower rough-in will fail a pressure test and add a week to the project. The water table in these neighborhoods sits 1 to 3 feet below grade, so any drain line repair that requires under-slab excavation needs temporary dewatering before the jackhammer starts. In Seminole Heights, the expansive clay soil shifts 0.75 to 1.5 inches seasonally — enough to crack tile set on an inflexible substrate within 18 months. Drome Contracting installs uncoupling membrane under all tile floors in Seminole Heights and South Tampa and scopes the drain line before design is finalized. All permits through City of Tampa Development Services Department via Tampa eTRAKiT under license CGC1515971.
What Affects Your Cost
- — Bathroom size
- — Scope of changes (surface vs. layout vs. luxury)
- — Tile quality and coverage area
- — Fixture quality (standard vs. premium)
- — Whether plumbing needs to be moved
- — Accessibility features (ADA compliance)
What You Get
What's Included
Waterproof Membrane — Every Tile Surface
We apply a waterproof membrane behind every tiled wall and floor before any tile goes up. This is the step most contractors skip. We do not.
Plumbing and Electrical Permits
Tub-to-shower conversions, fixture relocations, and new ventilation all require permits in Hillsborough County. We pull every one under CGC1515971.
Proper Ventilation Sizing
Florida bathrooms need ventilation sized at minimum 1 CFM per square foot. We spec and install exhaust fans that actually move moisture out.
Full Demo to Studs When Needed
When existing tile hides moisture damage, we remove it all, assess the studs and subfloor, repair what we find, then waterproof before rebuilding.
County Inspection Passed
Hillsborough County plumbing and electrical inspections passed before the job closes. Certificate of completion provided with your permit records.
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
Permit Authority
City of Tampa Development Services Department
Online portal: Tampa eTRAKiT
City of Tampa Development Services Department processes permits via Tampa eTRAKiT; plumbing and electrical changes require permit
South Tampa and Hyde Park: cast iron drain lines require camera scope before tile work; water table 1-3 ft below grade complicates under-slab repairs
Seminole Heights: expansive clay soil with 0.75-1.5 in seasonal movement — uncoupling membrane required under all tile floors
Pre-1940 homes: original drain stacks often 3-inch cast iron, undersized for modern shower flow rates — upsizing may be required
THPC design review required for any window or vent penetration visible from street in historic overlay districts
Service Area
Bathroom Remodel Across Tampa Neighborhoods
Drome Contracting serves homeowners throughout Tampa — from South Tampa to Channel District and every neighborhood in between. As a Florida Certified General Contractor (CGC1515971) based in Odessa, we know Hillsborough County permitting, soil conditions, and local code requirements.
Free Estimate · No Obligation
Ready to start your bathroom remodel in Tampa?
Why Drome
Credentials That Matter
Florida Certified General Contractor
General liability insurance coverage
Full workers compensation coverage
Same person from estimate to final walkthrough
Why Drome
Built for Tampa Homeowners
Built for Tampa Humidity, Not Despite It
Florida bathrooms fail when contractors use drywall instead of cement board, skip the membrane, and undersize the fan. We do none of those things.
We Find Hidden Damage Before It Gets Worse
Demo in Tampa bathrooms regularly uncovers mold on drywall, rotted framing behind showers, and termite damage. We document and repair it — not cover it up.
CGC1515971 — One Contractor, All Trades
Your tile setter, plumber, and electrician all work under our Florida Certified General Contractor license. One point of contact throughout.
Aging-in-Place Expertise
Curbless showers, grab bar blocking, wider doorways, comfort-height fixtures. We build these into remodels for Tampa homeowners planning to stay long-term.
Investment
Bathroom Remodel Pricing in Tampa
Ranges based on typical Hillsborough County projects. Your itemized estimate reflects your exact scope.
Surface Update
$8,000 – $25,000
New tile, vanity, fixtures. Same footprint.
- ✓ New tile on floors and walls
- ✓ Vanity and countertop replacement
- ✓ Updated fixtures and lighting
- ✓ Proper waterproofing
Full Renovation
$18,000 – $45,000
Complete tear-out, new layout, all new plumbing.
- ✓ Everything in Surface Update
- ✓ Layout redesign
- ✓ Tub-to-shower conversion
- ✓ New plumbing and electrical
Luxury / Spa
$45,000 – $150,000
Premium finishes, walk-in shower, soaking tub, heated floors.
- ✓ Everything in Full Renovation
- ✓ Custom tile work
- ✓ Heated flooring
- ✓ Premium fixtures and finishes
FAQ
Common Questions
How long does a full bathroom remodel take in Tampa?
A full gut-and-rebuild typically takes 4 to 6 weeks from demo to completion. Permit review through Tampa eTRAKiT runs 7 to 10 business days upfront. Older homes in Seminole Heights and Hyde Park may add a week if the camera scope reveals deteriorated cast iron drain lines that need replacement before tile work begins.
Why does waterproofing matter so much for Tampa bathrooms?
Tampa averages more than 50 inches of rainfall annually and indoor relative humidity stays above 60% for most of the year. Without a continuous waterproof membrane behind tile — not just in the shower, but on every tiled surface — moisture migrates into wall cavities and produces mold conditions within months. Drome Contracting installs uncoupling and waterproofing membrane on every tiled surface as a non-negotiable standard, not an upgrade.
My Seminole Heights bathroom tiles keep cracking after remodels. What causes that?
Seminole Heights sits on expansive clay soil that moves 0.75 to 1.5 inches seasonally as it absorbs and releases moisture. Tile set directly on a rigid substrate over this soil cracks along the grout lines within a season or two. Drome Contracting installs uncoupling membrane between the slab and the tile setting bed on every Seminole Heights bathroom project — the membrane absorbs the differential movement so the tile layer stays intact.
How long does a bathroom remodel take in Tampa?
Standard remodels take 2-3 weeks. Full renovations with layout changes take 4-6 weeks depending on scope and Hillsborough 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.
Licensed and Insured
Serving Tampa and Hillsborough County
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