Bathroom Remodel Contractor - Broward County
Broward Bathroom Remodels Scoped for Moisture, Ventilation, and Code
Every exhaust fan spec reviewed against Florida Building Code CFM minimums before a tile is set.
- NVN Construction LLC, Serving Broward County, FL
- CGC1539896 - This Is NVN Construction's Florida Contractor License Number
South Florida Bathroom Remodels Require a Moisture Plan Before a Layout Plan
A bathroom remodel in Broward County without a ventilation plan is a timeline for mold. South Florida’s humidity doesn’t behave the way it does in other states. The air is wet year-round — not just in summer. Tile can look perfect from the front and hide moisture damage in the wall cavity behind it. By the time you smell something or see grout discoloration, the backer material is already compromised.
The moisture problem in a Broward bathroom isn’t always a leak. Often it’s condensation. Steam from a shower with nowhere to go builds up behind the tile wall, month after month, until the substrate gives way. Understanding how moisture and condensation lead to mold growth makes clear why ventilation planning can’t be treated as a finishing detail in South Florida.
NVN Construction integrates ventilation compliance into every bathroom remodel scope before a single design decision is locked in. This same integrated approach extends across our whole-home remodeling services in Broward County. Broward County requires exhaust fans to meet Florida Building Code CFM minimums. CFM rating, or cubic feet per minute, measures how much air a fan moves each minute and determines whether it can actually clear moisture from the room. That number gets confirmed at the planning stage — not during the inspection.
Broward County's Year-Round Humidity Dictates Every Wet Area Material Choice
Broward’s humidity is not seasonal — it’s structural, and your bathroom materials have to match it. The county sits close enough to the coast that salt air is a factor in eastern municipalities. Inland, the water table is high and the soil holds moisture. The building environment is wet from the outside in.
That affects what goes behind your tile. Standard drywall — even moisture-resistant drywall — absorbs water in a South Florida wet area over time. It fails. What belongs behind shower tile in Broward County is cement board backer, a water-resistant panel designed to replace drywall in wet areas and prevent the wall structure from absorbing moisture. It costs more than regular backer. It also doesn’t fail.
The floor matters too. A shower floor in a Broward bathroom needs a waterproof membrane — a layer of waterproofing material applied to the floor and walls before any tile goes down. That membrane is what keeps water from reaching the wall structure underneath. Without it, the tile can look completely fine while water migrates into the subfloor.
Florida’s building code treats any surface regularly exposed to water as a wet area — shower walls, tub surrounds, and floors within 18 inches of a wet fixture all fall under specific material and installation requirements. Reviewing the Florida Building Code requirements before any remodel confirms exactly which surfaces and materials apply to your project. Those requirements exist because of exactly the climate conditions Broward County experiences every day. For a full reference, the Florida Building Code official standards document the wet area material and installation specifications that govern every Broward bathroom remodel.
Material choices that work in Central Florida, or in any national remodeling guide, are not automatically the right choices for a Broward bathroom. The climate here is specific. The scope should reflect that.
What a Broward Bathroom Looks Like Two Years After the Wrong Ventilation Spec
Two years is about how long it takes for a South Florida bathroom with undersized ventilation to show the consequences. The grout line near the ceiling starts to discolor. There’s a faint smell that gets worse after someone showers. The homeowner recaulks, assuming it’s a surface issue. The smell comes back.
I walked a bathroom in a home in Plantation – a well-finished master bath, maybe three years old, full tile shower with a frameless glass enclosure. The homeowner had noticed discoloration at the top of the shower wall and assumed it was a hard water problem.
It wasn’t. The exhaust fan in that bathroom was rated for 50 CFM. The bathroom was over 100 square feet. Florida Building Code requires a minimum of 1 CFM per square foot – that fan was moving half the air the space needed.
The result: chronic high humidity inside the shower enclosure after every use. Moisture had been working its way into the tile assembly at the top of the wall – the highest point, where steam concentrates. The tile itself was intact. What was behind it wasn’t.
The fix required removing tile in the affected section to assess and address the wall cavity. Then a new exhaust fan – appropriately sized, properly ducted to the exterior, not into the attic – was installed as part of the remodel scope. Then new cement board backer, a fresh waterproof membrane application, and retile.
That repair cost more than the original spec correction would have. It always does.
When NVN scopes a Broward bathroom remodel, the exhaust fan CFM calculation happens first. Not as an afterthought. The fan size gets specified before the tile selection meeting.
Plumbing and Tile Permits Filed Under CGC1539896 - No Permit Agent Required
In Broward County, bathroom work that moves plumbing requires a separate plumbing permit alongside the building permit. Most homeowners don’t know that. Both permits — a Broward County plumbing permit and the building permit — are filed through Broward County’s ePermits portal, but they’re distinct approvals covering distinct scopes of work.
A plumbing permit is required any time supply or drain lines are moved, extended, or replaced. That includes repositioning a shower drain, relocating a sink, or adding a second showerhead with its own supply line. A tile-only remodel with no plumbing movement has a different permit threshold — but tile work in a wet area still requires documentation of waterproofing compliance.
NVN Construction holds Florida CGC license #CGC1539896 — a Certified General Contractor credential issued by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation. You can review our licensed general contractor credentials for your project before any scope is discussed. That license authorizes direct permit submission to Broward County Building Services through the ePermits portal for plumbing, tile, and structural bathroom work. No separate permit expediting service. No owner-builder workaround.
The homeowner doesn’t create an account. They don’t track application status. They don’t schedule inspections. That process runs through the CGC license. The homeowner receives updates on permit status and inspection scheduling — they don’t manage the portal.
Broward County’s ePermits system distinguishes between contractor-submitted and owner-builder permits, and the inspection queue for contractor-submitted work processes differently. Getting the permit type right from the start keeps the project moving.
Our CFM and Cement Board Standards for Every Broward Bathroom
Every Broward bathroom remodel NVN scopes meets specific material and ventilation standards – not general guidelines. Here is what that means in practice:
WHAT GOES WRONG IN SOUTH FLORIDA BATHROOMS | WHAT THE REMODEL FIXES
| What Goes Wrong | What the Remodel Fixes |
|---|---|
| Exhaust fan sized for a smaller room; humidity stays trapped after every shower | Fan specified to Florida Building Code minimum — 1 CFM per square foot of bathroom area, ducted to exterior |
| Standard drywall or greenboard used as backer in shower surround | Cement board backer installed throughout all wet area walls — no drywall behind tile |
| Tile set directly on floor without waterproof layer | Waterproof membrane applied to shower floor and walls before any tile is set |
| Tile edges left exposed at transitions — chips and moisture entry points develop | Schluter strip — a metal trim piece that seals tile edges and transitions — installed at every wet area junction |
| Plumbing work completed without a Broward County plumbing permit | Plumbing permit pulled through Broward County ePermits alongside building permit before any work begins |
| Grout selected without sealant specification for South Florida humidity | Grout sealed per manufacturer spec for humid climates; joint width sized for movement in Florida’s temperature cycle |
Additional standards NVN applies to every Broward bathroom remodel:
- Exhaust fan ducted to the exterior only — not into the attic. Ducting into the attic defeats the purpose of the fan and creates a separate moisture problem in the attic space.
- Cement board fastened with corrosion-resistant screws — standard drywall screws corrode in Broward’s humidity and lose holding strength over time.
- Waterproof membrane applied to a minimum 6 inches above the wet area boundary — not just at the base of the shower.
- All tile work inspected for lippage — uneven tile surface creates water pooling in a shower pan, which accelerates grout degradation in South Florida’s climate.
- Rough plumbing inspected before walls are closed — the Broward County rough-in inspection confirms supply and drain work is correct before cement board and tile go on.
Florida Building Code sets CFM minimums based on room size. A bathroom under 50 square feet requires a minimum 50 CFM fan. A bathroom over 100 square feet requires 1 CFM per square foot at minimum. NVN’s standard is to specify the next size up from code minimum on every project – South Florida’s ambient humidity means code minimum often isn’t sufficient in practice.
From Permit Submission to Schluter Strip: The Broward Bathroom Remodel Sequence
A Broward bathroom remodel follows a fixed sequence – every phase gates the next, and skipping any step creates a code compliance problem. Here is exactly what that sequence looks like:
Diagnostics
The first visit is an inspection, not a design meeting.
NVN walks the bathroom before any scope is written. That means checking the existing exhaust fan location, CFM rating, and duct path. Checking whether the current backer material behind tile is cement board or drywall — which requires probing or accessing a wall cavity. Reviewing the existing plumbing layout to determine whether the new scope moves any supply or drain lines. Checking the Broward County public permit record for the property to see what has and hasn’t been permitted on this bathroom previously.
The assessment also checks the subfloor condition around the wet area. A soft spot in the subfloor — common in older Broward homes — means the scope has to address structural work before waterproofing can begin. Finding that during the assessment, rather than on demo day, keeps the project timeline and budget accurate.
The homeowner receives a written summary of findings before any scope of work is proposed.
Implementation
Permit first. Demo second. No exceptions.
Once the scope is agreed upon, the permit application goes to Broward County Building Services through the ePermits portal. For a full bathroom remodel involving plumbing movement, that means both a building permit and a Broward County plumbing permit. Understanding the Broward County permit process for bathroom renovations helps homeowners know what to expect at each stage, including when inspections are scheduled and what code compliance sign-off requires. Permit review for a standard residential bathroom typically runs two to four weeks in Broward County, depending on project complexity and the municipality.
Demo begins after permit approval. The sequence from that point:
- Demo — existing tile, backer, and fixtures removed. Subfloor and wall framing inspected for damage before any new material goes in.
- Rough plumbing — supply and drain lines repositioned or extended per the permitted layout. Rough-in inspection scheduled through Broward County Building Services. This inspection must pass before walls are closed.
- Cement board backer — installed throughout all wet area walls after rough-in inspection approval.
- Waterproof membrane — applied to shower walls and floor over cement board. The membrane cures before tile begins.
- Tile — set using appropriate thin-set for wet area application in South Florida’s temperature range. Grout joints sized and sealed per specification.
- Schluter strip — installed at all tile edges and surface transitions in wet areas. This step precedes fixtures, not follows them.
- Fixtures and trim — faucets, shower valve, toilet, and vanity set after all tile work is complete and inspected.
- Exhaust fan — installed and ducted to exterior. Fan placement confirmed against CFM calculation for room square footage.
Post-Service
The final inspection closes the permit and creates the Certificate of Completion.
After all work is complete, the final inspection is scheduled through Broward County Building Services. The inspector confirms that all permitted work — plumbing, tile, ventilation — meets Florida Building Code requirements. Passing the final inspection triggers the Certificate of Completion, the official record that the work was completed to code.
That document is part of the property’s permanent permit record. It appears in a title search. It matters at resale. It confirms the bathroom remodel was permitted, inspected, and approved — not just completed.
The homeowner also receives written documentation of the installed CFM rating and the product specifications for the waterproof membrane and cement board used. That paperwork is available for FPL rebate applications where ventilation upgrades qualify and for HOA or insurance documentation if needed.
Broward County Communities Where We Remodel Bathrooms
NVN Construction completes bathroom remodels across Broward County. That includes older ranch homes in Davie and Plantation, where original tile work from the 1970s and 1980s often hides backer materials that were never code-compliant. We work in Pembroke Pines and Miramar, where HOA design guidelines affect finish selections. We also complete projects in Hollywood, Dania Beach, Hallandale Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Lauderhill, Tamarac, Coral Springs, and Deerfield Beach.
Older Broward neighborhoods frequently have bathrooms with original cast iron drain lines – a condition that affects remodel scope and plumbing permit requirements. We identify that during the assessment, not during demo.
Request a Broward Bathroom Assessment - Written Scope Provided After the Visit
A Broward bathroom remodel done right starts with someone who has seen the wall cavity, not just the tile.
NVN Construction conducts every assessment in person, at the property. The assessment covers existing ventilation, backer material, plumbing layout, subfloor condition, and Broward County permit history — before any scope is written or any number is discussed.
You receive a written summary of findings. Not a verbal estimate on a follow-up call.
Schedule your free on-site bathroom assessment for Broward homeowners. The same CGC license holder who walks your bathroom files the permit.
Questions Broward Homeowners Ask Before Starting a Bathroom Remodel
How much does a bathroom remodel cost in Broward County?
A full Broward County bathroom remodel typically runs $12,000-$35,000, depending on square footage, plumbing changes, and material selections. Permit fees, cement board backer, and waterproof membrane are cost lines that surprise homeowners budgeting from national guides – South Florida’s code requirements add material costs that standard estimates don’t include. Labor rates for licensed tradespeople in the county run above the national median. NVN provides a written scope with cost ranges after the on-site assessment, not before it.
How long does a bathroom remodel take from start to finish in Broward County?
A full bathroom remodel in Broward County takes 6-10 weeks from permit submission to final inspection sign-off. Permit review alone runs 2-4 weeks through Broward County Building Services, depending on project scope. Construction after permit approval typically takes 2-4 additional weeks, phased around the required rough-in inspection before walls close.
Does replacing bathroom tile without moving plumbing require a permit in Broward County?
A tile-only remodel with no plumbing changes does not automatically require a building permit in Broward County, but it depends on the scope. If tile removal exposes the wall structure and cement board backer is replaced, Broward County building officials may classify the work as a structural wet area repair requiring documentation. Any plumbing movement – even a drain shift – triggers a separate Broward County plumbing permit. NVN reviews the specific scope at the assessment to confirm the correct permit path before work begins.
Will NVN remove existing mold before starting the remodel?
Mold found during demo is assessed and addressed before new backer material goes in – NVN does not tile over a contaminated wall cavity. If mold is limited to the backer surface and framing is unaffected, removal is handled within the remodel scope. Significant mold penetration into wall framing or subfloor requires a licensed mold remediation contractor before remodel work proceeds – NVN identifies that condition during demo inspection and documents it before the scope advances.
Can I do any part of a bathroom remodel myself to save money in Broward County?
Painting, fixture hardware, and accessory installation are tasks a homeowner can legally complete without a license in Broward County. Any work covered by a building or plumbing permit – tile in wet areas, backer installation, plumbing rough-in, exhaust fan ducting – must be performed by or under a licensed contractor holding the correct permit. An owner-builder exemption exists under Florida law, but it limits home resale within one year and does not apply to all project types. Work completed outside a license and permit has no Certificate of Completion, which surfaces in title searches.
Does a permitted bathroom remodel affect my homeowner's insurance in Broward County?
A completed permit with a Certificate of Completion documents that the work meets Florida Building Code – some carriers use that record to confirm the home’s condition during policy renewal reviews. Updated ventilation and moisture-resistant materials can reduce the likelihood of a future mold-related claim, which some insurers factor into underwriting. Unpermitted bathroom work that later causes water damage may result in a denied claim if the insurer determines the work was not code-compliant. NVN provides the Certificate of Completion and installed specification documents after every permitted project.
What warranty covers the work on a bathroom remodel with NVN Construction?
Workmanship on NVN Construction bathroom remodels is backed by a one-year warranty covering installation defects – including waterproof membrane application, cement board fastening, and tile setting. Material warranties are governed by each manufacturer’s terms and are passed through to the homeowner in writing at project close. Florida CGC license #CGC1539896 requires the license holder to maintain general liability insurance, which provides additional financial protection if covered damage occurs. Warranty terms are stated in the written contract before work begins.
Do condo bathrooms in Broward County require any additional approvals beyond the county permit?
Yes – condo bathroom remodels in Broward County require building association approval before or alongside the county permit process. Condo associations commonly restrict work hours, control access to shared plumbing stacks, and require review of scope documents before authorizing a contractor. Any work touching a shared drain line or supply riser typically requires association sign-off separate from Broward County Building Services approval. NVN requests the association’s contractor requirements at the assessment stage so permit submission and construction scheduling account for both approval tracks.
What's the difference between a building permit and a plumbing permit for a bathroom remodel?
A building permit covers structural and finish work – demo, backer, tile, and ventilation. A plumbing permit is a separate Broward County approval required whenever supply or drain lines are moved, extended, or replaced. Both are submitted through the Broward County ePermits portal, but they are distinct applications with separate inspection requirements. The rough-in inspection required under the plumbing permit must pass before walls are closed – it is a sequenced checkpoint, not an optional review. NVN files both permits under CGC license #CGC1539896 when the scope requires it.