What to Expect When Remodeling a Bathroom in Southwest Florida
A bathroom remodel is more than just a cosmetic update—it’s an investment in your home’s comfort, function, and resale value. In Southwest Florida, where high humidity, coastal weather, and local design trends all influence material choices and construction methods, it’s especially important to plan your remodel with long-term durability and regional best practices in mind.

At Voakes Construction LLC, we’ve helped homeowners across the region transform outdated bathrooms into modern, efficient spaces built for Florida living. Here’s what to expect, step-by-step.

🧱 Step 1: Initial Consultation & Goal Setting

Every successful remodel starts with a conversation.

✅ Understanding Your Needs
Do you need better storage? Are you upgrading for resale, aging-in-place, or luxury? We’ll work with you to identify your top priorities—whether it’s expanding a small space, upgrading finishes, improving ventilation, or addressing long-standing plumbing issues.

✅ Evaluating the Existing Bathroom
We assess the age and condition of your current bathroom. In many Florida homes built before 2000, we find outdated plumbing, moisture damage, or poor ventilation. Fixing these during the remodel adds value and longevity to your investment.

✅ Setting a Realistic Budget
We walk you through estimated costs based on your goals, square footage, and finish level. We also account for contingencies—because with bathroom remodels, hidden damage behind the walls is common in Florida homes due to past water leaks or improper sealing.

🎨 Step 2: Design, Layout & Material Selection

This is where your vision starts taking shape.

✅ Custom Layout Planning
We optimize the layout for both function and flow. For example, in older Southwest Florida homes, we often remove garden tubs to make space for large, walk-in showers that are safer and more practical.

✅ Moisture-Resistant Design
In Florida’s high-humidity environment, we recommend products that stand up to daily steam, condensation, and salt-laden air. This includes:

• Porcelain or ceramic tile (resistant to mold and easy to clean)
  
• Quartz countertops (non-porous and low-maintenance)
  
• PVC or marine-grade cabinetry (less prone to swelling or warping)
  
• Anti-microbial grout and waterproof membranes behind tile
  

✅ Fixtures & Lighting
We guide you through smart upgrades like water-saving faucets, touchless flush toilets, anti-fog mirrors, and integrated LED lighting. These not only improve comfort but also increase energy efficiency and resale appeal.

✅ Permits & Approvals
All major bathroom remodels in Florida require permits—especially if plumbing or electrical systems are moved. We handle this on your behalf to ensure everything is up to code and ready for inspection.

🔨 Step 3: Demolition & Hidden Conditions

Once work begins, we focus on protection and precision.

✅ Site Prep & Dust Control
We carefully seal off the work area to keep dust and debris from spreading. Flooring is protected, and debris is removed daily to maintain a clean site.

✅ Removal of Existing Fixtures & Finishes
We demo walls, floors, cabinetry, and old plumbing with care. If we uncover issues like mold, leaks, or wood rot (common in older Florida homes), we address them immediately—ensuring your remodel has a solid foundation.

✅ Structural Adjustments (if needed)
If you’re changing the bathroom footprint—adding square footage or moving walls—we’ll take care of all necessary framing and support, following Florida’s strict hurricane and wind-load codes.

🛠️ Step 4: Plumbing, Electrical & Installation

Now the new bathroom starts to take shape.

✅ Plumbing & Electrical Rough-In
We install new drain lines, water supply, outlets, and switches as needed—prepping the space for modern fixtures, dual vanities, or luxury amenities like towel warmers and rain showers.

✅ Shower Systems & Waterproofing
This is a critical step in Florida bathrooms. We install:

• Shower pans with slope-to-drain design
  
• Cement board behind tile
  
• Full waterproofing membranes to protect walls from seepage
  
• Niche shelving or benches where desired
  

✅ Tile, Cabinetry & Countertop Installation
With waterproofing complete, we install tile floors and shower walls, followed by custom or semi-custom vanities, solid-surface countertops, and high-quality finishes.

✅ Ventilation Upgrades
To help prevent mold and improve air quality, we upgrade fans and ventilation systems as needed—critical in our humid climate.

🎯 Step 5: Finishing Touches & Final Walkthrough

✅ Lighting, Mirrors, Hardware, Paint
We install all remaining elements—light fixtures, towel bars, smart mirrors, and high-humidity-resistant paint. These details pull the entire space together.

✅ Quality Inspection
Before we finish, our team walks through the space with you. We check that everything functions as it should—fixtures, drains, doors, lights—and complete any final touch-ups.

✅ Clean-Up & Handoff
Your bathroom is cleaned, polished, and ready to use. You’ll receive maintenance tips, warranty information, and recommendations for keeping it looking great.

💡 Popular Bathroom Upgrades in Southwest Florida

Here’s what many of our clients are choosing:

• Zero-threshold (curbless) showers for aging in place and easy cleaning
  
• Freestanding tubs for a spa-inspired look
  
• Dual vanities with extra storage
  
• Built-in bench seating in showers
  
• Luxury vinyl or wood-look tile for style and durability
  
• Smart toilets with bidet functionality
  
• Backlit LED mirrors for sleek, modern lighting
  

🧰 Why Work with Voakes Construction LLC?

✔️ We’re licensed and experienced Florida contractors
✔️ We specialize in moisture-resistant, code-compliant remodeling
✔️ We bring local knowledge, proven craftsmanship, and personalized design guidance to every project
✔️ We handle everything—from permits to punch list—so you don’t have to

💬 Let’s Talk About Your Bathroom Goals

A well-designed bathroom can improve your quality of life, increase your home’s value, and give you peace of mind knowing it’s built to handle Florida’s climate.

📞 Call Voakes Construction LLC today to schedule a consultation
🌐 Visit voakesconstructionllc.com to explore more projects
✔️ Voakes Construction LLC – Built for Florida. Built for You.