Mason Homes follows a 6-step process for every remodeling and construction project. From the first phone call through the final walkthrough, you know exactly what is happening, what it costs, and when it will be done. No surprises, no hidden fees, no scope creep without your written approval.
This process applies to all of our services: kitchen remodeling, bathroom remodeling, whole-home renovation, home additions, custom home building, ADU construction, flooring, and countertop installation.
Call (813) 999-5910 or request a free estimate to start at Step 1.
What happens: You call us at (813) 999-5910 or submit a request through our free estimate form. We follow up to schedule an on-site visit. During the visit — which typically takes about 60 minutes — we walk through the space with you, discuss your goals, take measurements, and identify any structural, plumbing, electrical, or code considerations that could affect the project.
What you get: A clear understanding of what is feasible within your space, a preliminary scope discussion, and an honest assessment of budget range. We will tell you if something is not worth the investment or if there is a more cost-effective approach.
Timeline: We schedule an on-site visit after your initial inquiry. Same-week appointments are often available.
Cost: Free. No obligation.
What happens: Based on the consultation, we develop a layout plan for your project. For kitchens and bathrooms, this includes cabinet layout, countertop material, flooring, fixtures, lighting, and appliance placement. For additions and whole-home renovations, this includes floor plans, structural plans, and finish selections.
We help you select materials and finishes. You can visit showrooms with us, review samples at your home, or choose from the options we present. We work with your preferences and budget — not a predetermined set of packages.
What you get: A design plan you approve before any work begins. You see the layout, the materials, and the finishes. Changes are easy at this stage and cost nothing. Changes during construction are expensive — that is why we spend the time here.
Timeline: 1-3 weeks depending on project complexity and material availability.
What happens: We prepare a line-by-line written estimate covering every component of the project: materials, labor, permits, dumpster and hauling, and a contingency allowance (typically 10-15% for remodels of homes over 20 years old).
What you get: A document that breaks down exactly where every dollar goes. No lump-sum pricing. No "allowances" that turn into surprise charges. If a material is $12/sq ft, you see that number. If demolition labor is 40 hours at $X/hour, you see that too.
What is included: - Material costs (itemized by room/area) - Labor costs (itemized by trade) - Permit fees - Dumpster/hauling - Contingency allowance - Payment schedule (typically: deposit, progress payments at milestones, final payment at walkthrough approval)
Timeline: Delivered within 1 week of your approved design plan.
What happens: We pull all required building permits from the City of Tampa or Hillsborough County. This includes general building permits and any specialty permits for electrical, plumbing, mechanical, or structural work. You do not need to visit the permit office or manage any paperwork — we handle everything.
Permit costs: $200-$800 for most residential remodeling projects (per City of Tampa Construction Services). Large additions and new construction may require higher permit fees.
Approval timeline: 10-15 business days for standard residential permits (Hillsborough County) in Hillsborough County. More complex projects (structural additions, ADUs) may take 2-4 weeks for plan review.
We do not begin construction until permits are approved and posted at the job site. Starting work without permits is illegal in Florida and voids your insurance coverage. Read our Tampa building permit guide →
Timeline: 1-4 weeks depending on project type and county review backlog.
What happens: Construction begins on the scheduled start date. You are assigned a dedicated project manager who is your single point of contact throughout the build. The project manager is on-site daily, coordinates all trades, manages the schedule, and communicates with you.
What to expect: - Weekly updates: Written progress updates every week, including photos and a look-ahead schedule for the following week. - Daily cleanup: Our crew cleans up at the end of every workday. Tools are secured, debris is contained, and common areas are kept accessible. - Dust and noise containment: We use plastic barriers, floor protection, and negative air pressure where needed to contain dust. Demolition days are the loudest — typically 1-3 days at the start of the project. - Change orders: If anything changes during construction (unexpected conditions, material substitutions, scope additions), we present a written change order with the cost and timeline impact before proceeding. No work is done outside the agreed scope without your written approval. - Inspections: We schedule all required rough-in inspections (framing, plumbing, electrical, mechanical) at the appropriate stages. Inspections must pass before we close up walls and proceed to finish work.
Can you live at home during construction? For most kitchen and bathroom remodels, yes. For whole-home renovations and major additions, it depends on the scope. Read more about living at home during a remodel →
Timeline by project type:
| Project Type | Typical Construction Duration |
|---|---|
| Bathroom remodel | 2-4 weeks |
| Kitchen remodel (mid-range) | 4-8 weeks |
| Kitchen remodel (full gut) | 8-12 weeks |
| Whole-home renovation | 8-20 weeks |
| Home addition | 8-16 weeks |
| ADU construction | 12-24 weeks |
| Custom home | 6-12 months |
Timelines do not include design, permitting, or material lead times. Custom cabinet orders add 4-6 weeks before construction begins.
What happens: After construction is complete, we schedule all required final inspections with the City of Tampa or Hillsborough County. Once the project passes final inspection, we schedule a walkthrough with you.
During the walkthrough, we go room by room and review every detail together. We create a punch list of any items that need attention — a paint touch-up, a cabinet adjustment, a grout line that needs cleaning. We complete all punch list items before requesting final payment.
What you get: - All code inspections passed and documented - A completed punch list - Warranty information for all materials and workmanship - Copies of all permits, inspection reports, and lien waivers - A clean, finished space ready to use
Final payment: Your last payment is due only after you approve the completed work at the walkthrough. We do not collect final payment before you are satisfied.
| Phase | Duration |
|---|---|
| Consultation + Design + Estimate | 2-5 weeks |
| Permitting | 1-4 weeks |
| Construction (varies by scope) | 2-24 weeks |
| Final inspection + walkthrough | 1 week |
A mid-range kitchen remodel, from first call to cooking in your new kitchen, typically takes 8-14 weeks total. A bathroom remodel takes 5-10 weeks total. Whole-home renovations and additions take 4-8 months from start to finish.
Call (813) 999-5910 or request your free estimate. We follow up promptly.
Learn more about our team → | See our services →
How long does it take to get an estimate from Mason Homes? We schedule an on-site visit after your first call or form submission. Written estimates follow the on-site visit — timing depends on scope, from a few days for straightforward projects (flooring, countertop replacement) to a week or more after the design phase for larger renovations.
Do you require a deposit before starting work? Yes. We collect a deposit after you sign the project agreement and before we order materials or pull permits. The deposit amount varies by project size — typically 10-20% of the total contract. The remaining balance is paid in progress installments tied to specific milestones, with the final payment due at walkthrough approval. The exact payment schedule is outlined in your written estimate.
What happens if the project goes over budget? Our line-by-line estimates include a contingency allowance (10-15%) for unexpected conditions — especially in older Tampa homes where hidden plumbing, electrical, or structural issues can surface during demolition. If the project will exceed the contingency, we stop and present a written change order with the additional cost before proceeding. You approve or decline any scope changes in writing.
Do you handle all the permits? Yes. We pull every required permit and schedule every required inspection. You do not need to visit the permit office or coordinate with inspectors. Permit fees are included as a line item in your estimate. Read our Tampa building permit guide →
Tell us about your home and what you're planning. We'll follow up to arrange an on-site consultation.
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