Most people picture installation as "they drop in a tub." The reality is a small construction project — usually a smooth one, but a project. Here is the whole thing, in order, so you know what to expect and what questions to ask.
The timeline, honestly
A straightforward swap — new walk-in tub where your old tub was — usually takes one to three days. Day one is demolition and rough plumbing; day two is setting the tub, connecting everything, and starting the surround; day three is finishing, sealing, and cleanup. Jobs run longer when plumbing moves to a new wall, the opening gets widened, electrical work is needed for a heated seat or fast drain, or we find water damage or rot behind the old tub. That last one is common in older Florida bathrooms — and a good contractor finds it before quoting, not during.
Permits in Florida
Most Florida cities and counties require permits when plumbing or electrical work changes, and a walk-in tub usually involves both. The exact rules vary by city and county — there is no single statewide rule. We pull the permits and schedule inspections as part of the job. If a contractor suggests skipping permits "to save time," walk away: unpermitted work can void your homeowner's insurance and complicate a future sale. See our Florida permits guide for more.
Step by step
1. Measure and plan. We confirm the tub fits the space, the door swing works with your bathroom layout, and the drain lines up — or plan the move.
2. Protect your home. Drop cloths, door protection, and a clear path from the front door to the bathroom. The old tub comes out in pieces; the new one comes in whole.
3. Demolition. Out with the old tub, surround, and valve. This is when hidden damage shows up — we photograph everything and talk through it with you before proceeding.
4. Rough plumbing and electrical. New valve, new drain assembly, and a dedicated circuit if the tub needs one. Pressure-tested before anything gets covered.
5. Set and level the tub. The tub is set in mortar or on its leveling system, anchored, and the door gasket is fitted and tested.
6. Surround and sealing. Tile or panels go up, everything is caulked and sealed. The seal is the whole game on a walk-in tub — we take our time here.
7. Water test and walkthrough. We fill it, drain it, check every seam, and show you how the door, drain, and controls work. Then we clean up — haul-away included.
Your water heater matters
Walk-in tubs hold more water than standard tubs — often 40 to 60+ gallons — so your water heater has to keep up. During the visit we check the heater's size and temperature setting. Many Florida homes do fine; some need the temperature raised (we recommend 120°F max for seniors) or a larger/tankless unit. We tell you before you buy the tub, not after your first lukewarm soak.
What slows jobs down
Hidden water damage, a full electrical panel with no room for a new circuit, tile that crumbles when touched, and HOA approval delays in condos. None of these are disasters — they just take time. A written schedule that names these possibilities beats a verbal "two days, easy" every time.
Ready for a safer bathroom?
Call (407) 434-9297 or send the form. Ask us about installation done right, with permits handled — the safety visit and the written price are free, and there is never any pressure.