A budget bathtub update in Tampa Bay runs about $3,500 to $12,000 for a tub-to-shower conversion or a new tub and surround, and 2 to 4 days of work. A full to-the-studs bathroom remodel starts around $18,000 and takes 10 to 14 days. CraftLine is a licensed design build contractor and we will give you a fixed price before any demo starts.
What Bathtub Remodeling Costs in Tampa Bay
The right move depends on the shape your tub area is in. If the tub is sound and you just want a cleaner look, refinishing is the cheapest path. If the tile is failing or the floor feels soft, you are better off opening the wall and fixing it once. Here is what each option costs locally.
| Option | What You Get | Tampa Bay Price | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reglaze or refinish tub | Strip and recoat the existing tub surface | $400 to $900 | 1 to 2 days |
| Tub-to-shower conversion | Remove tub, build a walk-in shower in the same footprint | $5,500 to $12,000 | 3 to 5 days |
| New tub and tile surround | Replace tub plus new wall tile and valve | $6,000 to $14,000 | 4 to 7 days |
| Full bathroom remodel (base tier) | To-the-studs rebuild, new everything | $18,000 to $30,000 | 10 to 14 days |
Most of the budget goes to labor and tile work, not the tub itself. Moving the drain is the one change that quietly adds cost, so keeping the new shower or tub in the same spot keeps the number down. See the full tier breakdown in our Tampa bathroom remodeling cost guide or run your own numbers in the free cost calculator.
Older Tampa and Pinellas Bathrooms
A lot of Tampa Bay housing stock is small mid-century baths. St. Petersburg and Gulfport bungalows from the 1940s and 1950s often have a 5×8 layout with a cast iron tub and original pink or blue wall tile set in mortar. South Tampa and Seminole homes from the 1960s and 1970s usually have fiberglass tub-shower units that have yellowed. Cast iron is heavy and the mortar-bed tile behind it tends to hide water damage, so on these older homes we always check the subfloor before quoting a simple swap. A drain or vent move on an older slab home in Pinellas usually needs a county plumbing permit, while Hillsborough handles the same work through the City of Tampa or unincorporated county permit office.
What a CraftLine Bathtub Project Includes
- Demo and haul-away of the old tub and surround
- New tub or custom walk-in shower pan, set level and waterproofed
- Cement board and proper waterproofing membrane behind the tile
- Wall tile, niche, and new valve and trim
- Subfloor repair if we find rot, priced before we proceed
- Final caulk, cleanup, and a walkthrough with you
What Homeowners Say
CraftLine Remodeling holds a 5.0 rating across 93 Google reviews. We are a licensed and insured Tampa Bay contractor and a NARI Tampa Bay member. You can see real before and after work on our Tampa Bay project showcase.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to replace a bathtub in Tampa?
Most tub replacements with a new tile surround run $6,000 to $14,000 installed. A simple tub-to-shower conversion in the same footprint is usually $5,500 to $12,000. Refinishing the existing tub is the budget option at $400 to $900.
How long does a bathtub remodel take?
A tub swap or conversion is typically 3 to 5 working days. A full bathroom remodel to the studs runs 10 to 14 days. Refinishing is a 1 to 2 day job.
Do I need a permit to convert my tub to a shower?
If we keep the drain where it is, many jurisdictions treat it as a like-for-like fixture replacement. Moving the drain or rerouting plumbing triggers a permit in both Hillsborough and Pinellas. We pull the permit for you when one is required.
Can you reuse the plumbing in my older St. Pete bathroom?
Often yes. If the existing valve and drain are sound and in the right spot, we reuse them to keep cost down. On 1950s bungalows we check for old galvanized supply lines and corroded cast iron drains first, since those are worth replacing while the wall is open.
Get a Real Number on Your Project
Want a fixed price for your own home? Schedule a free quote or call (813) 522-4359. CraftLine is a licensed design build contractor serving Tampa, St. Petersburg, Brandon, and the rest of Tampa Bay.