Licensed Kitchen Remodeling Contractor — Tampa Bay, FL
Kitchen Remodeling in
Manatee, Hillsborough
& Pinellas Counties
Florida License No. CBC1264493 | Serving the Tampa Bay Area
Expert kitchen renovation services built specifically for Florida's coastal climate. Custom cabinets, countertops, full gut-and-rebuild projects — done right, the first time.
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Florida Licensed & Insured — CBC1264493
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Manatee, Hillsborough & Pinellas Counties
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Free In-Home Estimates — Financing Available
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Climate-Aware Materials for Florida's Coastal Air
The Honest Truth
The Truth About Kitchen Remodeling in Florida No One Tells You
Here is something most kitchen remodeling contractors will never say out loud. Florida kitchens fail faster than kitchens almost anywhere else in the country. Not because homeowners here do something wrong. The problem is the climate. Salt air. Year-round humidity. Summers that push moisture into every wall, cabinet, and grout line in your home. We have walked into kitchens in Clearwater, Bradenton, and St. Petersburg where beautiful-looking renovations were already falling apart in under five years. Why? The contractor used standard particleboard cabinets. Cheap thermofoil doors. Grout that was never sealed. Materials built for Ohio or Colorado but not for life on the Gulf Coast. Honestly, it drives us crazy when we see it. Those homeowners paid good money. They deserved better. At Flagstone Builders, kitchen remodeling in Florida is something we take seriously. We have worked on kitchens across Manatee, Hillsborough, and Pinellas Counties for years. We know how coastal air corrodes metal hardware. We know which cabinet box materials hold up when indoor humidity stays above 50 percent for months. We know that open-concept conversions in older St. Petersburg bungalows need a structural assessment before anyone swings a hammer. That knowledge is what you are getting when you call Flagstone Builders.
500+
Projects Completed
3
Counties Served
17
Cities in Tampa Bay
100%
Licensed & Insured
Why Tampa Bay Trusts Us
Why Tampa Bay Homeowners Trust Flagstone Builders for Kitchen Renovation
Flagstone Builders is a fully licensed and insured general contractor. We hold Florida Contractor License No. CBC1264493. We serve homeowners throughout Manatee County, Hillsborough County, and Pinellas County. Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Bradenton, Largo, Palm Harbor, Tarpon Springs. We have worked in all of them. We know which homes were built in the 1920s and which ones went up during the postwar boom. That difference matters when you are planning a kitchen renovation. Over the years, we have completed hundreds of kitchen remodeling projects. Small updates in Pinellas Park condos. Full gut-and-rebuild renovations in waterfront homes along Tampa Bay. Custom kitchen designs for new homeowners in Bradenton who wanted to start fresh. Every project taught us something. Customers tell us two things consistently. First, they are relieved we actually showed up when we said we would. Second, they appreciate that we respected their home. No disaster at the end of each day. No dust coating every surface in the house. We handle all permitting for projects that require it. We know Pinellas County permit requirements, Hillsborough County inspection standards, and Manatee County building processes. Written contracts. Clear scope. Defined timeline. Transparent pricing. These are our minimum standards on every project. 🛡
FL General Contractor License No. CBC1264493
Verifiable through Florida Dept. of Business & Professional Regulation
What We Do
Our Kitchen Remodeling Services: What We Actually Do
Let us be specific about what kitchen remodeling covers. Because it is a wide range — from a cosmetic refresh to a complete structural transformation. Here is what that looks like in practice.
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Kitchen Cabinet Installation & Replacement
Cabinets typically represent 30 to 40 percent of a kitchen remodel cost. They are the most important decision you will make. Here is what we tell every homeowner we work with. Do not use particleboard cabinet boxes in a Florida kitchen. Particleboard absorbs moisture and swells over time. In a Tampa Bay home where indoor humidity can stay above 50 percent even with AC running, particleboard cabinets break down faster than most homeowners expect. We have walked into homes where big-box store cabinets installed just a few years prior were already showing swelling, warping, and finish deterioration. We install semi-custom and fully custom cabinetry built to handle Florida conditions. For coastal homes near Tampa Bay and the Gulf Coast, we specifically use moisture-resistant plywood boxes over particleboard construction. Investing in the right materials upfront saves real money later. We also install cabinet hardware, soft-close hinges, full-extension drawer guides, and pull-out shelving systems. Storage optimization is one of the most practical upgrades you can make during any kitchen renovation. 💡
Cabinets account for up to 40% of your total remodel budget. Spending wisely here — on quality plywood construction — protects your investment for 15 to 20 years in Florida's humid climate.
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Kitchen Countertop Installation
We work with granite, quartz, marble, porcelain, and laminate surfaces. Each material has honest trade-offs. Granite is durable and adds strong resale value in Florida's competitive housing market. Quartz is non-porous, which matters a great deal in humid coastal homes where bacteria and moisture can penetrate porous surfaces. Marble is beautiful but requires regular sealing and maintenance. We will give you a straight recommendation based on your usage patterns, your budget, and the specific conditions in your home. One trend we are seeing clearly in 2026 is a move toward honed and leathered stone finishes. Homeowners are moving away from high-gloss surfaces that show every water spot and fingerprint. These textured finishes are practical and genuinely stunning in Florida kitchens. For countertop fabrication and installation, we use CNC-templated stone cutting for precise seam alignment. Seam placement matters. Poor seams interrupt the visual flow and draw the eye in the wrong direction. We are pretty obsessive about getting this right. 💡
For Florida kitchens with heavy daily use, quartz is typically the stronger choice. It is non-porous, requires no sealing, and will not stain or absorb bacteria in the humid coastal air.
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Kitchen Layout & Open-Concept Conversions
One of the most popular requests we get across all three counties is open-concept kitchen conversion. Homes built in the 1950s through 1980s often have closed floor plans that do not match how modern families actually live. We work with you on full layout redesigns, including open-concept conversions that remove non-load-bearing walls to connect the kitchen and living area. This changes how your entire home functions every single day. We assess structural walls before any layout conversation begins. We coordinate structural engineering, handle all permitting, and manage all rough-in work. This is not a cosmetic change. It requires proper planning, and we do not skip steps. We also coordinate structural assessments for homes in St. Petersburg's older neighborhoods — including Historic Kenwood and Old Northeast — where 1920s and 1930s construction has walls that are not always square, plumb, or structurally standard. A cookie-cutter approach does not work in these homes. We know the difference. 💡
Open-concept kitchen conversions are among the highest-ROI remodeling projects in Florida. They improve daily living immediately and add strong resale appeal in the Tampa Bay market.
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Custom Kitchen Remodeling
For homeowners who want something built to exact specifications, we offer fully custom kitchen remodeling. This is the option when you have a specific vision, a particular set of functional requirements, or a space that standard semi-custom options simply cannot accommodate. Fully custom cabinetry is built to exact dimensions. Every inch of space is accounted for. Layout configurations are designed around how you actually cook — where you prep, where you store, how many people use the kitchen at the same time. Material selections are chosen for your specific conditions and style. Custom kitchen remodeling takes longer and costs more than semi-custom work. But for many homeowners, the result is worth every dollar and every extra week. You end up with a kitchen that could not have been built from a catalog. That matters to a lot of people. We bring the same climate-aware material approach to custom work. Moisture-resistant construction throughout. Corrosion-resistant hardware for coastal properties. Materials specified for Florida, not for some generic national standard.
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Flooring, Backsplash & Lighting
We install tile, hardwood, luxury vinyl plank, and porcelain flooring in kitchens throughout the Tampa Bay area. For Florida homes, we generally recommend tile or high-quality luxury vinyl plank near the sink and dishwasher areas, where water exposure is higher. Hardwood looks beautiful but is vulnerable to moisture damage in coastal conditions near high-use kitchen areas. Backsplash installation, under-cabinet lighting, pendant lighting, and recessed lighting upgrades are all part of our full scope. These finishing details make an enormous difference in how a completed kitchen looks and functions day to day. One thing homeowners report as a costly mistake: if your flooring goes in first and cabinets are installed on top of it, removing cabinets later requires cutting around the existing floor. If you are doing a full remodel, talk to us about installation sequence from the start. Proper sequencing prevents expensive problems down the road and ensures a cleaner finished result. 💡
In Florida kitchens, we use epoxy grout near sinks and dishwashers instead of standard grout. Standard grout absorbs moisture and discolors over time in humid conditions. Epoxy grout costs more but holds up in the climate.
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Plumbing & Electrical Coordination
If your kitchen remodel involves moving a sink, adding a dishwasher, upgrading to a gas range, or adding new outlets and circuits, we coordinate all plumbing and electrical work through our licensed trade partners. We manage this so you are not left trying to juggle multiple contractors at once. One point of contact. One accountable team. That continuity produces better results and fewer headaches for homeowners. We have seen what happens when homeowners coordinate their own trades — timeline conflicts, inspection failures, and work that does not connect properly between disciplines. We require that every trade partner working on your project holds valid Florida licensing and carries proper workers compensation insurance. This matters for a reason most contractors will not say out loud. If an unlicensed or uninsured worker is injured on your property, your homeowner's insurance could be on the hook. We protect you from that exposure on every project. All plumbing and electrical work is done to current code and inspected. We handle all permit applications for work that requires them. We do not take shortcuts here.
How We Work
Our Kitchen Remodeling Process: What to Expect
Here is how a kitchen renovation project with Flagstone Builders typically moves from start to finish. Every job is a little different, but the structure stays consistent.1
Free Consultation & Estimate
We come to your home, look at the existing kitchen, and listen to what you want. We also check for moisture damage, outdated electrical panels, or plumbing that may need attention before renovation starts.
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Design & Material Selection
We work through cabinet styles, countertop materials, layout adjustments, and finish choices together. 3D design concepts let you visualize the result before any materials are ordered. Typically one to two weeks.
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Permit Submission
Projects involving structural changes, plumbing moves, or electrical upgrades require permits. We prepare and submit all applications to the relevant county — Pinellas, Hillsborough, or Manatee. We handle this entirely.
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Demolition & Rough-In Work
Existing cabinets, countertops, and flooring come out. Plumbing and electrical rough-in work happens here. We protect adjacent rooms from dust and debris throughout this phase using proper containment systems.
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Cabinet & Countertop Installation
Cabinets go in first. We laser-level everything carefully. A cabinet that goes in even slightly off-level causes doors and drawers to fail within two to three years. Countertops templated and installed after cabinets are confirmed plumb and square.
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Flooring, Backsplash & Fixtures
Flooring, tile work, backsplash, lighting, plumbing fixtures, and hardware all installed in correct sequence to prevent costly rework later.
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Final Walkthrough
We walk through every detail with you before we call the job complete. We do not leave until you are genuinely satisfied. County inspection scheduled if required by permit.
Most kitchen remodels run four to eight weeks from demolition start to final completion. Projects involving structural changes can take longer. We give you a realistic timeline upfront and keep to it as closely as possible.
Materials & Technology
Tools, Materials, and Climate-Specific Choices We Make
We are particular about tools and materials. This is not a talking point. It is what produces results that actually last in Florida. Cabinet installation uses laser levels and precision measuring throughout. A cabinet that goes in a quarter inch out of level looks fine on day one. It causes real problems within a year or two. We do not accept that. For countertop work, we use CNC-templated measuring for granite and quartz seam alignment. Seam placement matters. Poor seams interrupt the visual flow. We use 3D layout software so you can visualize configurations before anything is ordered — catching design problems early and saving real money.💧
Epoxy Grout in High-Moisture Areas
Near sinks and dishwashers — holds up in Florida's humidity where standard grout discolors and fails over time
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Moisture-Resistant Plywood Cabinet Boxes
Not particleboard that swells and warps in coastal air — specified for every kitchen we build in Tampa Bay
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Moisture-Resistant Cement Backer Board
Behind all tile installations — prevents moisture penetration behind backsplashes and kitchen walls
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Proper Ventilation Planning
Range hoods and exhaust systems designed into every remodel — Florida DOH recommends keeping indoor humidity below 60%
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CNC-Templated Countertop Measuring
Precise seam alignment on granite and quartz surfaces — no visible gaps or misalignment on your finished counters
Why Timing Matters
What Happens When You Keep Putting Off a Kitchen Remodel
We understand that timing is real. Remodels cost money and cause temporary disruption. But there are genuine consequences to deferring a kitchen renovation that is clearly overdue. In Florida's climate, aging grout lines, failing caulk, and deteriorating cabinet backs become moisture pathways. Once moisture gets behind a backsplash or under cabinet bases, mold growth can begin within 24 to 48 hours according to Florida Department of Health guidelines. At that point you are not just remodeling — you are paying for mold remediation on top of the remodel. Mold remediation costs in the Tampa Bay area range from several hundred dollars for small areas to well over ten thousand dollars for widespread problems. That is real money that could have gone into a beautiful new kitchen instead. From a home value standpoint, kitchen renovations consistently rank as one of the highest-return improvements in Florida real estate. Research from the National Association of Realtors shows homeowners typically recoup 60 to 80 percent of kitchen remodeling costs at resale. A thirty thousand dollar kitchen renovation may add eighteen to twenty-four thousand dollars in resale value in Tampa Bay area homes. There is also an energy cost argument worth making. Upgrading to Energy Star certified appliances during a kitchen remodel reduces utility bills. In Florida, where appliances and AC run hard all year, that monthly savings adds up significantly over the life of the appliances. And then there is the daily quality of life change. Customers tell us, almost every single time, that they genuinely enjoy being in their kitchen again after a renovation. They cook more. They entertain more. For a space you use every single day, that matters more than most people expect. 💰
60–80% ROI at Resale
Kitchen renovations consistently return 60 to 80 percent of investment value in Tampa Bay's real estate market per National Association of Realtors data.
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Mold Risk in 24–48 Hours
Once moisture gets behind failing cabinets in Florida's humidity, mold growth can begin within 24 to 48 hours per Florida DOH guidelines. Remediation can cost $10,000+.
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Energy Star Savings
Upgrading to Energy Star certified appliances during a kitchen remodel reduces utility bills year-round in Florida's demanding climate where appliances run hard all year.
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Up to $24K Added Value
A $30,000 kitchen renovation may add $18,000 to $24,000 in resale value for Tampa Bay area homes depending on neighborhood and market conditions.
Why Trust Us
Why You Can Trust Flagstone Builders With Your Kitchen
The trust issue is real. The home remodeling industry has a documented problem with contractors who disappear mid-project, inflate costs after work starts, or deliver results that fail within a couple of years. We are a fully licensed and insured contractor under Florida General Contractor License No. CBC1264493. We carry general liability insurance and workers compensation coverage on every single project. We do not use unlicensed subcontractors for structural, electrical, or plumbing work. This matters for a specific reason. If an unlicensed worker is injured on your property and the contractor lacks proper workers compensation coverage, your homeowner's insurance could be on the hook. This is a real concern that homeowners raise constantly — and very few contractors address it directly. We do. Our written contracts specify the complete scope of work, every material to be used, the project timeline, and the full payment schedule. We do not collect large upfront deposits and disappear. We do not present surprise costs mid-project that were not disclosed at the start. We also stand behind our work after completion. If something is not right after the final walkthrough, we address it. That is not special treatment. That is what professional licensed contracting should look like. 🛡
FL General Contractor License No. CBC1264493
Verifiable through Florida Dept. of Business & Professional Regulation
Hyper-Local Knowledge
Local Knowledge That Makes a Real Difference in Tampa Bay
Here is what most competitor pages skip entirely. This is the most valuable thing we can share with Tampa Bay homeowners planning a kitchen renovation. Historic St. Pete Homes — Old Northeast & Historic Kenwood
These neighborhoods often have original 1920s and 1930s construction. Older electrical panels, cast-iron plumbing, and walls that are not always square or plumb. Kitchen remodeling here requires a thorough structural assessment before planning starts. A cookie-cutter approach does not work.
Waterfront Homes — Tampa Bay, Clearwater Beach, Longboat Key
Salt air corrodes metal hardware faster than inland environments. Cabinet hinges, drawer pulls, and appliance components need corrosion-resistant specification for coastal properties. We factor this into every material recommendation for waterfront homes along the Gulf Coast.
Florida Building Code — Hurricane Season Requirements
Florida Building Code has specific requirements for window and door openings in coastal areas, including kitchen windows. Impact-rated glazing requirements apply in many Pinellas and Manatee County locations. We ensure all work is properly permitted and inspected per current Florida Building Code.
FEMA Flood Zones — Anna Maria, Bradenton Beach, Holmes Beach
Properties on Anna Maria Island and Bradenton Beach sit in coastal high-hazard and FEMA flood zones. Any renovation work in these areas requires attention to local flood zone regulations. We are familiar with these requirements and navigate them as part of our standard permitting process.
Per-County Permit Requirements — Pinellas, Hillsborough & Manatee
Permitting varies across all three counties. Kitchen remodels involving structural wall removal, plumbing relocation, or electrical panel upgrades all require permits. We have experience navigating each county's process and will be upfront about how permit timelines affect your project schedule.
Florida Humidity and Year-Round Subtropical Climate
Tampa Bay's subtropical climate means indoor humidity can stay above 50 percent even with AC running. Standard builder-grade materials were not designed for this environment. We select every material with Florida's specific conditions in mind — from marine-grade cabinet boxes to epoxy grout and moisture-resistant backer board.
Our Commitment
Why Homeowners Choose Flagstone Builders for Kitchen Remodeling
We believe strongly that great kitchen remodeling is about more than aesthetics. It is about building something that lasts specifically in Florida conditions. That is what we show up to do on every project.- ✓Florida Licensed & Insured General Contractor License No. CBC1264493 — fully verifiable through the Florida DBPR online system
- ✓Full-Scope Service Design, permits, demolition, installation, and full cleanup — one point of contact, one accountable team throughout
- ✓Climate-Aware Material Selection Materials specified for Florida's humidity and coastal air — not for generic national projects designed for other climates
- ✓Transparent Written Contracts Clear scope, material specs, timeline, and pricing — no surprise costs mid-project under any circumstances
- ✓Three-County Coverage Manatee, Hillsborough, and Pinellas Counties — local and familiar with the building stock in each area
- ✓Free In-Home Consultations No pressure, no obligation — a real written estimate before making any decision or committing to anything
- ✓Historic Home & Waterfront Experience We know the specific challenges of 1920s bungalows and Gulf Coast waterfront properties
- ✓Financing Options Available For qualified homeowners — we do not expect everyone to pay for a full kitchen remodel upfront
Where We Serve
Kitchen Remodeling Service Areas
We provide kitchen remodeling services throughout the greater Tampa Bay region. Based in St. Petersburg — every homeowner across our service area gets the same level of attention regardless of location. Pinellas County
8 Cities Served
St. Petersburg
Clearwater
Largo
Palm Harbor
Pinellas Park
Tarpon Springs
East Lake
Lealman
Hillsborough County
3 Cities Served
Tampa
Plant City
Temple Terrace
Manatee County
6 Cities Served
Bradenton
Bradenton Beach
Anna Maria
Holmes Beach
Longboat Key
Palmetto
Not sure if your address falls within our service range? Call us at 727-748-9251
and we will confirm quickly. In most cases the answer is yes.
📞 Call 727-748-9251
Common Questions
FAQs About Kitchen Remodeling in Tampa Bay
Real questions from Tampa Bay homeowners — answered with the kind of straight talk you deserve before starting a major renovation project.Well, it depends on the scope. Based on current local market data, a basic kitchen remodel in the St. Petersburg area typically runs between ten thousand and twenty-five thousand dollars. That usually covers cabinet replacement, new countertops, updated fixtures, and fresh flooring without significant layout changes. A mid-range renovation with semi-custom cabinetry, new appliances, and some layout work generally falls between twenty-five thousand and fifty thousand dollars. A full custom kitchen remodel can run fifty thousand dollars and above. We provide a detailed written estimate after visiting your home. You get a real number, not a vague range.
Usually yes, if the project involves moving plumbing, upgrading electrical, removing walls, or changing the kitchen's footprint. A purely cosmetic update like replacing countertops or installing new flooring without touching structure or utilities typically does not require a permit. We assess this during the initial consultation and handle all permit applications for projects that require them. Never let a contractor skip permits to save time. Unpermitted work creates serious problems when you try to sell your home.
Most kitchen remodels take four to eight weeks from demolition start to final completion. Projects with structural changes, custom cabinet orders, or permit-required work can take longer. The planning and permit phase typically adds two to six weeks before physical work begins. We give you a realistic schedule upfront and keep to it as closely as possible.
In most cases, yes. We seal off the work area to contain dust and maintain access to your plumbing so you are not completely without water. The first few days of demolition create the most disruption. After that, it becomes much more manageable. If your project involves significant structural work, we will discuss the logistics with you honestly before we start.
This is one of our most common questions, for good reason. We recommend moisture-resistant plywood box construction over particleboard for cabinet frames. Particleboard is standard in lower-cost cabinets and absorbs humidity over time, which leads to swelling and warping, especially under sinks. For door finishes, thermofoil and painted MDF can delaminate near stoves and dishwashers in Florida's heat. Solid wood or high-quality wood veneer finishes with proper sealing tend to perform better long-term here.
Both perform well, but they have different strengths. Quartz is non-porous, which means it does not absorb moisture or bacteria. That is a genuine advantage in a humid coastal climate. Granite is porous and requires periodic sealing, but it adds strong resale appeal in Tampa Bay's real estate market. If your kitchen gets heavy daily use and you want low-maintenance performance, quartz is typically the stronger choice in Florida conditions. In 2026, honed and leathered surface finishes are trending for both materials across Tampa Bay kitchen renovations.
Kitchen renovations consistently rank as one of the highest-return home improvement investments. Research from the National Association of Realtors indicates homeowners typically recoup 60 to 80 percent of kitchen remodeling costs upon resale. The actual return depends on your home's overall value, your neighborhood, and the quality of the work. Over-improving a kitchen well beyond the surrounding neighborhood's price point reduces ROI. We discuss realistic expectations for your specific area during the consultation.
For electrical and plumbing work, we coordinate with licensed trade partners. This is standard practice for general contractors. What we require is that every trade partner working on your project holds valid Florida licensing and is properly insured. We do not bring in unlicensed workers to cut costs. If a worker on your project is not covered by proper workers compensation insurance and is injured on your property, it creates serious legal and financial exposure for you. We take this responsibility seriously on every single project.
A few things worth checking. First, verify the contractor holds a valid Florida contractor license through the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation online system. Second, confirm they carry liability insurance and workers compensation coverage and ask for certificates. Third, get a written contract with defined scope, materials, timeline, and payment schedule before any work begins. Fourth, ask specifically how permits are handled. A contractor who says permits are unnecessary for work that clearly requires them is a serious red flag. Fifth, check recent local reviews and ask for references from projects completed in your specific county.
Yes, and in the right situation it is a smart choice. Cabinet refacing involves applying new veneer to the existing cabinet boxes and replacing the door fronts and drawer fronts. It costs significantly less than full replacement and can be done without removing your existing countertops. However, refacing only makes sense if the existing cabinet boxes are structurally sound and made of quality material. In Florida homes with older particleboard cabinets that have absorbed moisture over years, refacing over damaged boxes is not a long-term solution. We will give you an honest assessment of which approach is right for your specific kitchen.
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Serving St. Petersburg, Tampa, Clearwater, Bradenton, and all of the Tampa Bay area. Call or email us now — no pressure, no obligation.
Florida General Contractor License No. CBC1264493 | Fully Licensed and Insured | flagstonebuilders.net
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Serving St. Petersburg, Tampa, Clearwater, Bradenton, and all of the Tampa Bay area. Call or email us now — no pressure, no obligation.
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727-748-9251
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St. Petersburg, FL 33709
Serving All of Tampa Bay
