Kitchen Remodel in Clearwater, FL
Honest price. Clear timeline. No vanishing act. Cosmetic refreshes to full gut remodels with one licensed contractor managing every detail.
Clearwater kitchen remodels frequently address water damage, salt air corrosion on fixtures and hardware, and outdated layouts from the 1970s and 1980s construction era that dominates much of the city. Island Estates and Clearwater Beach condos add complexity with building association approvals and limited access for material delivery. Permits run through Pinellas County Building Services, and Drome Contracting handles the full remodel from demolition day through your first meal in the new kitchen.
Our Process
How We Work
Kitchen Assessment
We measure your kitchen, discuss layout options, and understand your priorities. Cabinets, countertops, appliances, workflow.
Design and Estimate
Detailed scope with line-item pricing. Cabinet layout, countertop selections, fixture choices. No surprises.
Permits
Required for plumbing, electrical, or structural changes. We handle all permit applications and inspections.
Demo
Controlled removal of existing cabinets, countertops, flooring, and fixtures. Dust containment to protect your home.
Rough-In
New plumbing and electrical runs for updated layout. Island additions, outlet relocations, lighting changes.
Installation
Cabinets, countertops, backsplash, flooring, fixtures, appliance hookups. Every detail finished to spec.
Final Inspection
County inspection passed. Walkthrough with you. Every drawer, every outlet, every finish checked.
Local Expertise
What We Know About Building Here
Pinellas County Building Services processes kitchen remodel permits; coastal properties face additional review
Salt air environment requires corrosion-resistant hardware, fixtures, and fasteners for longevity
Barrier island and waterfront condos often require building association approval before county permits
Pinellas County density means tight driveways and limited staging areas; material delivery logistics matter
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 kitchen remodel take in Clearwater?
Cosmetic refreshes take 2-4 weeks. Full gut remodels take 6-10 weeks depending on scope, material lead times, and Pinellas County inspection scheduling.
Can I use my kitchen during a remodel?
For cosmetic refreshes, partial use is sometimes possible. For full remodels, plan on setting up a temporary kitchen elsewhere in your home for 4-8 weeks.
Do kitchen remodels require permits in Pinellas County?
Yes, if the project involves plumbing, electrical, or structural changes. Cosmetic-only work (paint, hardware, countertop replacement without plumbing changes) typically does not require a permit.
How does Florida humidity affect kitchen cabinet and countertop choices?
Florida indoor humidity levels regularly exceed 60% even with air conditioning running. Solid wood cabinet doors can warp and swell in these conditions. We recommend plywood box construction with hardwood or thermofoil doors, and we always install cabinets with proper ventilation spacing. For countertops, quartz and granite handle Florida humidity well, while some natural stones and butcher block require more maintenance in this climate.
What if my kitchen remodel uncovers termite or water damage in Clearwater?
It is common in Florida kitchens, especially around sink areas and exterior walls. When we open walls and find damage, we document it, provide a change order with exact costs, and repair all compromised framing before proceeding with the remodel. We handle the additional structural permits through Pinellas County.
Do I need a permit just to replace kitchen cabinets in Pinellas County?
If you are only replacing cabinets in the same locations without moving plumbing, electrical, or gas lines, a permit is generally not required in Pinellas County. However, if the project involves moving a sink, adding an island with plumbing or electrical, or relocating any outlets, permits are required. We clarify this during your estimate so there are no surprises.
Should I budget for hurricane impact windows as part of my kitchen remodel?
If your kitchen has older single-pane or non-impact windows, a remodel is the most cost-effective time to upgrade them. Impact-rated kitchen windows typically add $500 to $1,200 per opening depending on size, but they reduce your insurance costs and eliminate the need for shutters. Many Clearwater homeowners combine kitchen remodels with window upgrades for this reason.
Can I add a gas line for a range during my kitchen remodel in Clearwater?
Yes, but it requires a separate gas permit through Pinellas County and must be installed by a licensed gas contractor. If your home does not currently have a gas line, running one from the meter to the kitchen typically adds $500 to $2,000 depending on distance and routing. We coordinate the gas line installation as part of the remodel scope so it does not create scheduling conflicts.
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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