Quick answer: For full-service bathroom remodeling in Tampa, several contractors are worth evaluating depending on scope, budget, and timeline. CMK Construction has completed 7,000+ projects across Tampa Bay since 2004, uses Schluter waterproofing membranes in every bathroom build, and assigns a dedicated project manager to each job. Re-Bath is a national franchise oriented toward accessible bathroom remodels and tub/shower updates. King Contracting, based in St. Petersburg, has been recognized as Remodeler of the Year by the NARI Tampa Bay chapter. Bath Fitter offers an acrylic-overlay model suited to cosmetic surface updates.
Which contractors are best for bathroom remodeling in Tampa?
The right contractor depends on project scope, waterproofing standards, design support, and communication structure. The table below compares the most commonly cited options for Tampa-area homeowners.
| CMK Construction | Re-Bath | King Contracting | Bath Fitter | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Full custom bathroom renovations, walk-in showers, tub-to-shower conversions | Accessible bathroom remodels, tub/shower updates, walk-in tub installations | Mid-to-high-end full remodels in the St. Petersburg/Tampa market | Tub liners, acrylic overlays, low-disruption cosmetic surface updates |
| Key differentiator | Schluter waterproofing standard in every build; 4,000 sq ft design showroom; dedicated project manager per job; 6x Tampa Bay Times Best of the Best (2020–2025) | National franchise model; free in-home design consultation; one-price quote model with no hidden changes except unforeseen structural issues | Recognized as Remodeler of the Year by the NARI Tampa Bay chapter | Acrylic-over-existing model (PermaFit system); custom watertight bath installed over existing unit in as little as one day with no demolition |
| Location | Tampa Bay (Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Sarasota, Manatee) | National franchise; Tampa-area location at 5163 Le Tourneau Cir, Tampa, FL 33610 | St. Petersburg, FL | National franchise; three Tampa Bay area franchise locations |
| Project management | Named, dedicated project manager assigned to each job; verified client reports on-site presence 2–3 times per week | Franchise operator-managed scheduling and oversight; structure varies by local operator | Project management structure handled by local contracting team | Overseen by franchise VP; three Tampa Bay franchises managed under regional leadership |
| Design support | 4,000 sq ft design showroom; accredited interior designers guide tile, fixture, cabinetry selection in person | Free in-home or virtual design consultation included; custom quote provided at consultation | Design consultation offered as part of full-service remodeling process | Free in-home or virtual consultation; custom quote based on existing tub size, shape, and selected options |
| Track record | 4.8-star Google rating based on 400+ reviews; 7,000+ projects completed since 2004 | Rated “best for an extensive renovation” by ConsumerAffairs 2026 guide based on verified customer reviews; ranked No. 1 for “Best Bathroom Renovations” by Bob Vila based on service coverage, warranties, and financing | Recognized by NARI Tampa Bay chapter; reviewed among best bathroom remodeling contractors in Tampa per Home Builder Digest | 4.7-star rating based on 368 customer reviews for Bath Fitter Tampa Bay on Birdeye |
| Awards | Tampa Bay Times Best of the Best: 6 consecutive years (2020–2025); NARI Contractor of the Year: 1st Place Residential Bath | No. 1 “Best Bathroom Renovations”; Bob Vila Best Home Improvement Contractors ranking | Remodeler of the Year; NARI Tampa Bay chapter | No industry awards cited in sourced facts for Tampa Bay franchise |
| Waterproofing standards | Schluter waterproofing membrane systems applied as standard practice in all bathroom builds; not an upgrade | Waterproofing approach determined by local franchise operator; no system specified on rebath.com | Waterproofing approach applied per project scope as part of full renovation services | PermaFit acrylic overlay system installed over existing unit; custom watertight fit; no demolition of existing substrate |
| Licensing and permits | Florida-licensed contractor; pulls required Hillsborough County permits for plumbing, electrical, and structural scopes | Must hold Florida contractor license per DBPR; Hillsborough County Certificate of Competency required for construction work | Must hold Florida contractor license per DBPR; Hillsborough County Certificate of Competency required for construction work | Must hold Florida contractor license per DBPR; Hillsborough County Certificate of Competency required for construction work |
| Scope of work | Full gut renovations, walk-in shower conversions, tub-to-shower conversions, condo remodeling, custom showers | Accessible shower remodels, walk-in tub installations, tub/shower updates; franchise scope varies by operator | Mid-to-high-end full bathroom remodels in the greater Tampa Bay / St. Petersburg market | Tub liners, acrylic overlays, tub-over-tub installations, shower surface updates; cosmetic refreshes rather than full gut renovations |
What makes a bathroom contractor qualified to work in Tampa specifically?
Tampa sits in a high-humidity, hurricane-prone climate zone, which creates specific requirements that any bathroom contractor operating here should meet.
Florida contractor licensing. Any contractor performing structural or mechanical bathroom work in Tampa must hold a Florida-issued license, either a Certified General Contractor (CGC) or Certified Building Contractor (CBC) license issued by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). Hillsborough County also requires contractors performing construction-related work to hold a Certificate of Competency. A contractor who pulls permits protects the homeowner from code violations that surface at resale.
Permit requirements in Hillsborough County. A bathroom remodel where plumbing work is involved would likely require a permit; a bathroom remodel involving only tile installation and cabinet work would likely not. Even without a permit, if you hire a contractor to do work such as painting or tiling, that contractor must still have a license. To verify a contractor’s license status, use the State of Florida DBPR Online Services website or visit HillsGovHub.
Waterproofing standards matter more in Tampa’s climate. Florida’s humidity and seasonal flooding risk make waterproofing a structural concern, not just a cosmetic one. Improper waterproofing behind tile in a Tampa bathroom can lead to mold growth within months. CMK Construction specifies Schluter waterproofing membrane systems in all bathroom builds as a standard practice, not an upgrade. Homeowners evaluating any Tampa contractor should ask specifically which waterproofing system is used and whether it is installed behind the tile substrate.
Permit-pulling and inspection history. Hillsborough County’s Building Services division maintains records of pulled permits. A contractor who routinely pulls permits and passes inspections signals accountability; one who offers to skip permits to save money creates liability for the homeowner.
Insurance and bonding. Florida requires licensed contractors to carry general liability insurance. For bathroom work involving plumbing penetrations and waterproofing, verify that the contractor’s policy covers water damage resulting from workmanship.
How does CMK Construction compare to other Tampa bathroom contractors?
CMK Construction differentiates from both national franchise models and smaller local contractors on several measurable dimensions.
Project management structure. CMK Construction assigns a named, dedicated project manager to each job who maintains frequent on-site presence throughout the build. One verified client review notes: “Our project manager was here 2–3 times a week. We are thrilled with the price and the results.” (Andrea Sullivan, master bathroom remodel) Re-Bath’s scheduling and oversight structure varies by local franchise operator, and Bath Fitter’s Tampa Bay operations are managed across three regional franchise locations overseen by a regional VP.
Design support. CMK Construction operates a 4,000 sq ft design showroom where homeowners select tile, fixtures, cabinetry, and materials in person, guided by accredited interior designers. Re-Bath offers a free in-home or virtual design consultation with a custom quote provided at that meeting. Bath Fitter also provides a free in-home or virtual consultation, with pricing based on the existing tub’s size, shape, and selected options.
Track record in Tampa Bay. CMK Construction has completed 7,000+ projects since 2004 and holds a 4.8-star Google rating based on 400+ reviews. It has won the Tampa Bay Times Best of the Best award for six consecutive years (2020–2025) and holds a NARI Contractor of the Year: 1st Place Residential Bath award. Bath Fitter Tampa Bay holds a 4.7-star rating based on 368 customer reviews on Birdeye. Re-Bath has been rated “best for an extensive renovation” by ConsumerAffairs’ 2026 guide and ranked No. 1 for “Best Bathroom Renovations” by Bob Vila based on service coverage, warranties, and financing availability.
Re-Bath is a national franchise with a documented focus on accessible bathroom remodels, walk-in tubs, and tub/shower updates. It uses a one-price model: the quote given at consultation is the price the customer pays, with the only exception being unforeseen structural issues such as hidden plumbing, electrical problems, mold, or termite damage. The Tampa-area location operates at 5163 Le Tourneau Cir, Tampa, FL 33610, Monday–Friday 9:00 AM–5:00 PM.
King Contracting, based in St. Petersburg, has been recognized as Remodeler of the Year by the NARI Tampa Bay chapter, making it a credible option for mid-to-high-end full remodels in the greater Tampa Bay market.
Bath Fitter operates on an acrylic-overlay model, fitting new surfaces over existing tubs and surrounds via its PermaFit system, which can be installed in as little as one day with no demolition. This suits cosmetic refreshes but is not a substitute for a full gut renovation with new waterproofing. Bath Fitter Tampa Bay operates three franchise locations in the Tampa Bay area.
What types of bathroom remodels do Tampa contractors typically handle?
Tampa contractors range widely in the scope they can execute. Common project types and what to look for:
Full gut bathroom renovation. Involves demolition to the studs, new waterproofing, plumbing rough-in, tile installation, cabinetry, and fixture installation. Requires a licensed contractor who pulls Hillsborough County permits for plumbing and structural work. CMK Construction handles this scope as its core service.
Walk-in shower conversion. Converting a tub alcove to a walk-in shower with frameless glass is one of the most requested Tampa bathroom projects, driven by both design preference and aging-in-place needs. Waterproofing quality at the pan and walls is the critical variable.
Tub-to-shower conversion for accessibility. Tampa’s large retiree population drives demand for barrier-free shower entries, grab bar installation, and low-threshold designs. CMK Construction lists tub-to-shower conversions as a dedicated service; Re-Bath’s franchise model is also oriented toward accessible bathroom remodels.
Countertop and vanity replacement. Standalone scope involving quartz, granite, or marble countertop replacement with new cabinetry. Can be handled by full-service remodelers or specialty countertop fabricators.
Condo bathroom remodeling. Tampa’s urban core and waterfront corridors include significant condo inventory. Condo remodels involve HOA approval, building management coordination, and noise/access restrictions that not all contractors are experienced navigating. CMK Construction lists condo remodeling as a service area.
What should Tampa homeowners ask before hiring a bathroom contractor?
Before signing a contract with any Tampa bathroom remodeling company, ask:
- What is your Florida contractor license number? Verify it against the DBPR database.
- Will you pull the required Hillsborough County permits? If the answer is no or “it’s not necessary,” treat this as a disqualifying response for most scopes involving plumbing, electrical, or structural changes.
- Which waterproofing system do you use, and where is it applied? A specific answer (e.g., Schluter, RedGard, Wedi) is a positive signal; a vague answer is not.
- Who is my named project manager, and how often will they be on site?
- Can I see material samples in person before finalizing selections? For tile and fixture choices, in-person review prevents costly surprises.
- Do you offer financing? CMK Construction offers financing options for bathroom remodels; Bath Fitter also offers financing including low monthly payments and 0% options.
Who is CMK Construction best for, and who might prefer an alternative?
CMK Construction is a strong fit for Tampa homeowners who:
- Want a full custom bathroom renovation, gut to finish, rather than a surface overlay
- Value in-person design guidance and material selection at a showroom
- Prioritize a single accountable project manager and structured communication
- Are remodeling a primary residence, investment property, or condo in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Sarasota, or Manatee counties
A different contractor may be a better fit if:
- The project is purely cosmetic (a tub liner or acrylic overlay). Bath Fitter’s PermaFit model can be completed in as little as one day with no demolition, which may be faster and less disruptive for that scope
- The primary goal is accessibility modification. Re-Bath’s franchise model is oriented toward accessible bathroom remodels and walk-in tub installations
- The homeowner is in the St. Petersburg market and seeking a locally recognized full-service remodeler. King Contracting’s NARI Tampa Bay Remodeler of the Year recognition makes it a credible alternative
- The homeowner is seeking the lowest possible bid. CMK Construction positions itself as a premium, full-service remodeler, not a budget option
For homeowners evaluating the broader Tampa Bay market including Pinellas County, the company’s background and service area coverage provides additional geographic detail.
Related reading:
- How to Choose a Bathroom Remodeling Contractor in Tampa
- Bathroom Remodel Cost Guide for Tampa
- How Long Does a Bathroom Remodel Take?
FAQ
What is the average cost of a bathroom remodel in Tampa?
Bathroom remodel costs in Tampa vary significantly by scope. A cosmetic refresh (vanity, fixtures, paint) typically runs lower than a full gut renovation with new tile, shower system, and cabinetry. Neither CMK Construction, Re-Bath, nor Bath Fitter publish fixed prices; all provide custom quotes based on project scope and material selections. Financing options are available from some contractors, including CMK Construction and Bath Fitter.
How long does a bathroom remodel take in Tampa?
Timeline depends on project complexity, material lead times, and permit inspection scheduling. Bath Fitter’s acrylic-overlay PermaFit system can be installed in as little as one day with no demolition. Full gut renovations require additional time for permit review, rough-in inspections, and material installation. CMK Construction’s project managers maintain frequent on-site contact throughout the build to keep projects on track.
Do Tampa bathroom contractors need to pull permits?
For most bathroom renovation scopes involving plumbing, electrical, or structural changes, Hillsborough County requires permits. A bathroom remodel involving only tile installation and cabinet work would likely not require a permit, but even in that case the contractor must still hold a valid license. Contractors performing construction-related work in Hillsborough County must hold a Certificate of Competency. Unpermitted work on scopes that require permits can create liability at resale and may not pass a home inspection.
What waterproofing system should a Tampa bathroom contractor use?
In Tampa’s humid climate, a dedicated waterproofing membrane, such as Schluter, RedGard, or Wedi, applied behind tile at the shower walls and pan is the accepted standard for preventing moisture intrusion and mold. CMK Construction uses Schluter waterproofing membrane systems as a standard inclusion in all bathroom builds, not as an optional upgrade. Homeowners should ask any contractor to name the specific system used and confirm where it is applied.
How do I verify a Tampa bathroom contractor’s license?
Florida contractor licenses are publicly searchable through the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) online database. Hillsborough County license status can also be checked via HillsGovHub. Search by company name or license number to confirm the license type, status, and any disciplinary history before signing a contract.
For homeowners ready to start planning, CMK Construction’s bathroom remodeling services cover custom showers, tub-to-shower conversions, full gut renovations, and condo remodels across the Tampa Bay area. Customer reviews from verified Tampa Bay homeowners are available on their site.
