Table of Contents [hide]
In Orlando, the line between indoor and outdoor living is often blurred. Your bathroom might need to serve as a high-end master spa in the morning and a rugged pool changing room in the afternoon. Whether you are updating a mid-century terrazzo home in Conway or modernizing a sprawling estate in Lake Nona, your bathroom must be built to handle the intense humidity and daily use of the Florida lifestyle.
Mr. Remodel connects you with the most qualified remodeling contractors in Orange County. We partner with licensed contractors who are registered with theFlorida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). The experts in our network know how to navigate everything from strict waterproofing codes to the specific "shower pan tests" required by city inspectors.
Get a free, no-obligation quote from a trusted Orlando bathroom remodeler.
Why Orlando Homeowners Use Mr. Remodel
1. The “Pool Bath” Experts
Many Orlando homes feature a Cabana Bath that opens directly to the lanai or pool deck. These spaces face unique challenges like wet feet, chlorine exposure, and high traffic. The contractors we connect you with specialize in using slip-resistant tile and moisture-proof materials to ensure these spaces are durable and safe.
2. Slab Leak and Concrete Solutions
Almost all Orlando homes sit on a concrete "slab on grade" foundation. Moving a toilet or shower drain requires cutting into the concrete. Our network pros use ground penetrating radar (GPR) or careful trenching to move plumbing lines without compromising the structural integrity of your slab.
3. Humidity and Mold Defense
Central Florida humidity is relentless. A poorly ventilated bathroom will grow mold in weeks. The experts we recommend go beyond code. They install high-CFM exhaust fans and use advanced waterproofing membranes (like RedGard or Schluter-Kerdi) behind the tile to create a watertight seal that prevents rot.
Average Cost of Bathroom Remodeling in Orlando
Costs in Central Florida are driven by the labor intensity of working with concrete slabs and the demand for high-end waterproofing.
|
REMODEL TYPE |
AVERAGE COST |
TYPICAL PROJECT SCOPE |
TIMELINE |
|
Cosmetic Update |
$8,500 to $13,000 |
New vanity, toilet, tile flooring, and paint. No layout changes. |
1 to 2 Weeks |
|
Tub-to-Shower |
$12,000 to $18,000 |
Durable non-slip tile, exterior door replacement, walk-in shower. |
2 to 3 Weeks |
|
Full Gut |
$11,000 to $16,000 |
Converting tub to tiled shower with frameless glass. |
2 to 3 Weeks |
|
Master Suite |
$35,000 to $65,000+ |
Moving walls, soaking tub, dual vanities, quartz surfaces. |
4 to 6 Weeks |
Common Bathroom Challenges in Central Florida
1. The “Sweating” Toilet
In Orlando, the water in your toilet tank is cold, but the air in your bathroom is hot and humid. This causes the tank to sweat condensation, which drips onto the floor and rots the subfloor or baseboards. Our partners install insulated tanks or anti-sweat mixing valves to solve this common Florida problem.
2. Failing Cast Iron or Copper in Slab
Homes built before 1975 in neighborhoods like Winter Park often have cast iron drains under the slab. These corrode and collapse over time. Copper water lines in the slab can also develop pinhole leaks. The pros in our network often recommend an overhead re-pipe with PEX to abandon the old underground lines.
3. Hard Water Scale
Orlando water is notoriously hard. It leaves a thick white scale on glass doors and faucets. The teams we work with recommend installing a whole-home water conditioner or using fixtures with PVD finishes that are resistant to mineral buildup.
4. Small 1950s Layouts
Bungalows in Colonialtown and Audubon Park often have tight 5x8 bathrooms. Maximizing this space is an art. Our network pros use pocket doors, wall-mounted sinks, and recessed niches to reclaim every inch of floor space.
The Cabana Bath vs. The Master Spa
Orlando homeowners often have to prioritize which bathroom to tackle first.
Option A: The Cabana (Pool) Bath
- Best For: Families with pools in Dr. Phillips or Windermere.
- The Goal: Durability and safety.
- The Strategy: Pros install textured porcelain tile that prevents slipping when wet. They often use pedestal sinks to save space and choose materials that resist chlorine corrosion.
- The Benefit: It keeps wet traffic out of the main house and increases the usability of your outdoor living space.
Option B: The Master Spa
- Best For: Homeowners in Baldwin Park and Lake Nona.
- The Goal: Relaxation and resale value.
- The Strategy: Pros remove the unused garden tub to build an oversized walk-in shower with dual heads. They focus on premium finishes like quartz and frameless glass.
- The Benefit: It offers the highest return on investment (ROI) when selling in a competitive market.
Expert Advice: If you have a pool, fix the Cabana Bath first to protect your floors from water damage. If you are selling soon, update the Master Bath for maximum value. 1
How Mr. Remodel Works
We ensure your project is compliant with Florida law.
- Notice of Commencement: For jobs over $2,500, the contractor files this document with theOrange County Comptroller. This protects you from liens.
- Shower Pan Test: City inspectors often require a flood test where the shower pan is filled with water for 24 hours to ensure it does not leak. Our pros handle this coordination.
- Dust Protection: Pros use plastic barriers to protect your bedroom from the concrete dust generated during slab trenching.
Serving the Entire Orlando Metro
Mr. Remodel connects you with pros across Orange and Seminole counties.
- Orlando Neighborhoods: Baldwin Park, Lake Nona, College Park, Delaney Park, Thornton Park, Metro West, Conway.
- Surrounding Cities: Winter Park, Maitland, Oviedo, Winter Garden, Ocoee, Altamonte Springs, Kissimmee.
FAQ: Bathroom Remodeling in Orlando
Do I need a permit to remodel my bathroom in Orlando?
Yes. You need a building permit for almost any renovation beyond painting. If you are changing a faucet, you might not need one, but if you replace the shower valve or move a drain, you definitely do. The contractor files this with theCity of Orlando Permitting or Orange County.
Can I move my shower drain in a concrete slab?
Yes, but it is labor intensive. The contractor must saw-cut the concrete, dig out the dirt, lay the new pipe, and pour new concrete. It creates a lot of dust and adds cost to the project, but it is the only way to change the layout in a Florida home.
How do I check a contractor's license?
Florida has strict laws. You must hire a Certified Building Contractor (CBC), Certified General Contractor (CGC), or Certified Residential Contractor (CRC). You can verify their license status at theFlorida DBPR License Search. Never hire someone who is licensed and insured but cannot show you a state license number.
What is the best tile for a pool bath?
We recommend textured porcelain. Natural stone (like Travertine) can be slippery and absorbs water. Textured porcelain is waterproof, slip-resistant (look for a high DCOF rating), and easy to clean even if people track in mud and grass.
Why is my contractor doing a 24-hour water test?
This is the "Shower Pan Test." The inspector requires the shower floor to be filled with water for 24 hours to prove the liner does not leak before the tile is installed. It is a critical step to prevent water damage in your home.
Get Your Free Orlando Bathroom Remodeling Quote
Don't let a sweating toilet or a dated cabana bath ruin your Florida lifestyle. Whether you need a pool bath update in Winter Garden or a luxury master in Baldwin Park, Mr. Remodel is your link to the best licensed pros in Central Florida.
Ready to upgrade your home? Request Your Free Quote Today.