Home Renovation in Brandon, FL
One contractor. Every trade. Zero excuses. Full interior overhauls, structural changes, and system upgrades managed from demo to final walkthrough.
Brandon has a broad mix of housing stock, from 1970s-era ranch homes near the historic core to early 2000s production builds in the surrounding subdivisions. Homes built before 2002 are of particular interest because Hillsborough County requires a structural engineer analysis for roof replacements on these properties, which often triggers a broader renovation conversation. Drome Contracting manages complete home renovations in Brandon through Hillsborough County Development Services permitting.
Our Process
How We Work
Home Walkthrough
We walk your home and listen to what you want changed. We assess structural conditions and identify scope.
Detailed Estimate
Line-item estimate with a detailed scope of work. Every cost visible before any demo begins.
Permits
We pull all required permits. Structural modifications, electrical upgrades, plumbing changes.
Demo and Structural Work
Controlled demolition. Load-bearing wall removal with proper engineering. Structural modifications completed and inspected.
Mechanical Updates
Plumbing, electrical, and HVAC upgrades or rerouting as needed.
Finish Work
Drywall, paint, trim, flooring, cabinets, countertops, fixtures. Your home transformed.
Final Walkthrough
We do not consider it done until you do. Punch list items addressed before final sign-off.
Local Expertise
What We Know About Building Here
Hillsborough County Development Services handles all renovation permits via HillsGovHub
Pre-2002 homes require structural engineer analysis for roof replacement per county policy
Flat terrain and sandy soil mean drainage must be re-evaluated when adding square footage
Many 1990s-era homes have polybutylene plumbing that should be replaced during renovation
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
Can I stay in my home during a renovation in Brandon?
It depends on the scope. Cosmetic renovations usually allow you to stay. Full structural renovations may require temporary relocation for safety and efficiency.
How long does a full home renovation take?
Cosmetic renovations take 4-8 weeks. Structural renovations with layout changes take 3-6 months depending on scope and Hillsborough County permitting timelines.
Do you handle permits for renovations in Hillsborough County?
All of them. We pull every permit, schedule every inspection, and manage every code requirement through Hillsborough County.
What happens if my renovation uncovers termite damage in Brandon?
Termite damage is extremely common in Florida homes, especially in older construction. When we open walls during a renovation and find termite damage, we document the extent, replace all compromised framing and sheathing, and treat the affected areas before closing the walls back up. We handle all permits through Hillsborough County for the additional structural work.
What is the 50% rule for renovations in Florida flood zones?
If your home is in a FEMA flood zone and your renovation cost exceeds 50% of the home market value, Hillsborough County requires the entire structure to be brought into full compliance with current flood regulations. This can mean elevating the home or significant structural modifications. We evaluate this threshold before quoting any renovation in a flood zone.
My older Florida home has aluminum wiring or polybutylene plumbing. What should I know?
Many Florida homes built between the 1960s and 1980s contain aluminum branch wiring or polybutylene (gray plastic) supply pipes. Both are known failure points. Aluminum wiring is a fire risk at connections, and polybutylene pipes become brittle and crack over time. During a renovation, we recommend upgrading these systems while the walls are already open, which saves significant cost compared to doing it later.
Do I need to upgrade my electrical panel during a renovation in Hillsborough County?
If your existing panel is under 100 amps or uses Federal Pacific or Zinsco breakers, Hillsborough County will likely require an upgrade when you pull permits for significant electrical work. Many older Florida homes have 100-amp panels that cannot support modern HVAC loads, and upgrading to 200 amps during a renovation is the most cost-effective time to do it.
Should I worry about asbestos or lead paint in my pre-1980 Florida home?
Yes. Homes built before 1978 may contain lead-based paint, and homes built before 1980 often have asbestos in popcorn ceilings, floor tiles, pipe insulation, or siding. Florida law requires proper testing and licensed abatement before disturbing these materials. We coordinate testing and certified removal as part of the renovation scope when working on older Brandon homes.
Licensed and Insured
Serving Brandon and Hillsborough 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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