2026 South Florida Remodeling Cost Guide
Feb 18, 2026
Remodeling cost is one of the first questions homeowners start circling when a project is on the horizon.
The range can feel wide, especially in South Florida, where design expectations, building codes, and system upgrades all factor into the final number.
Understanding how kitchens, bathrooms, additions, and whole home remodels are priced makes planning far more manageable.
We’ll walk through realistic 2026 remodeling costs and the key factors that shape them.
Key Notes
Kitchen remodels typically run $50,000–$110,000+, with full custom projects exceeding $200,000.
Bathroom remodels span $9,000–$90,000+, driven by waterproofing, plumbing, and finish complexity.
Additions and loft conversions often exceed $150 per square foot once structure and finishes are included.
Remodeling Cost at a Glance (2026 South Florida Ranges)
At the highest level, most South Florida remodeling projects fall into one of three categories:
Cosmetic Refresh Projects
Typically range from $100 to $200 per square foot.
These focus on finishes rather than structure – layouts stay largely the same, systems are mostly left intact, and the goal is visual improvement rather than reinvention.
Comprehensive Renovations
Usually land between $150 and $300 per square foot.
These projects rework kitchens and bathrooms, adjust layouts, upgrade portions of electrical and plumbing, and bring the home to a noticeably different functional standard.
Extensive Renovations
Range from $200 to $450+ per square foot.
This is where structural changes, full system upgrades, impact windows, roofing, and premium finishes come into play. These projects reset a home for the long term.
Kitchen Remodeling Cost in South Florida (2026)
Kitchen remodeling cost tends to drive a disproportionate share of the total budget. It is one of the most complex rooms in the house and one of the easiest places for costs to drift.
Minor Kitchen Refresh
Typically ranges from $10,000 to $20,000.
This level focuses on painting or refacing existing cabinets, new hardware, a backsplash, lighting updates, and possibly one or two appliances.
Layouts stay the same and systems are minimally touched.
Mid-Range Kitchen Remodel
Usually lands between $45,000 and $95,000.
This is where semi-custom cabinetry, quartz countertops, new flooring in the kitchen zone, updated appliances, and a proper lighting plan come together.
Some plumbing and electrical work is common, especially in older homes.
High-End Kitchen Remodel
Often falls between $85,000 and $150,000+.
Custom cabinetry, premium stone or porcelain slabs, stronger ventilation, and more assertive layout changes are typical.
At this level, single decisions like appliance selection can move the number meaningfully.
Full Gut Kitchen Remodel
Generally starts around $100,000 to $130,000+.
This means demolition back to framing, new rough plumbing and electrical, updated subfloors, and addressing aging systems rather than building over them.
Luxury or Fully Custom Kitchen
Can range from $130,000 to $220,000+.
These projects often include bespoke millwork, professional-grade appliances, smart integrations, and architectural moves that reshape how the kitchen connects to the rest of the home.
Bathroom Remodeling Cost in South Florida (2026)
Bathroom remodeling cost varies widely because bathrooms are dense spaces. Plumbing, waterproofing, ventilation, tile labor, and fixtures all stack quickly.
Powder Room
Typically ranges from $5,000 to $12,000.
The scope is small, but specialty finishes can still push costs.
Guest Bathroom
Usually lands between $12,500 and $25,000.
New tile, fixtures, a tub or shower upgrade, and improved ventilation are common.
Mid-Range Primary Bathroom
Often falls between $35,000 and $55,000.
Quartz countertops, quality porcelain tile, semi-custom vanities, and a properly waterproofed shower define this tier.
High-End Primary Bathroom
Typically ranges from $45,000 to $85,000+.
Natural stone, custom vanities, premium fixtures, heated floors, and layout rework are common.
Full Gut Bathroom Remodel
Can reach $60,000 to $90,000+ when plumbing, electrical, framing, and HVAC are all rebuilt.
Whole Home Remodel vs Full Home Renovation Cost
These two phrases are often used interchangeably, but they describe different scopes:
Whole Home Remodel
Typically refers to an interior transformation.
Kitchens and bathrooms are updated, layouts are improved, finishes are replaced throughout, and select systems are upgraded.
Costs usually fall between $150 and $300 per square foot, depending on scope.
Full Home Renovation
Includes the interior work plus exterior and structural upgrades.
Impact windows, roofing, envelope improvements, and deeper system replacements are common.
Costs often range from $200 to $450+ per square foot.
Home Addition Cost in South Florida (2026)
Home addition cost is best understood in layers rather than a single headline number:
Ground-floor additions typically range from $175 to $225 per square foot before finishes. These are the most straightforward structurally.
Second-story additions often range from $200 to $350+ per square foot before finishes. Reinforcing existing structure and building stairs are major contributors.
Garage conversions can land between $90 and $160 per square foot before finishes, assuming the existing shell is in good condition.
Once finishes are added, flooring, ceiling details, bathrooms, kitchens, large glass openings, and comfort systems can add $80 to $200+ per square foot depending on design intent.
Loft Conversion Cost in South Florida (2026)
Loft conversions typically range from $150 to $350+ per square foot.
A 300 square foot loft conversion might roughly translate to:
$45,000 to $75,000 at an entry level
$75,000 to $140,000 at a mid-range
$140,000 to $300,000+ at a high-end
Structure, stair design, HVAC strategy, and natural light openings do most of the heavy lifting early. Finishes then define how refined the space feels.
Custom Cabinet Cost: Where Many Budgets Get Misread
Custom cabinets are often discussed per linear foot, but the range is wide.
Installed custom cabinetry typically falls between $500 and $2,500+ per linear foot.
For a full kitchen, that often translates to:
$25,000 to $35,000 for simpler custom layouts
$35,000 to $70,000 for most mid-range custom kitchens
$65,000 to $110,000+ for high-end work
Finish systems, box materials, hardware, installation conditions, appliance panels, and supporting electrical or plumbing work all matter here. Quotes should clearly spell those out.
What Drives Remodeling Costs in South Florida?
Scope & Layout Changes Are The Biggest Driver
moving plumbing
removing walls
expanding openings
or adding square footage
… pushes costs faster than finish upgrades alone.
Systems Matter More Than Many Expect
Electrical panels, rewires, repipes, HVAC upgrades, and dehumidification are common in older homes and rarely optional.
Materials & Finish Level
These create the widest visible spread.
Tile, stone, cabinetry, fixtures, and appliances all scale in quality and price.
Labor Is The Quiet Constant
Skilled labor rates in South Florida are high, and complex work compounds hours quickly.
Coastal Premiums You Cannot Ignore
Impact windows and doors are often non-negotiable and carry significant cost.
Roofing and envelope upgrades are shaped by hurricane and insurance requirements.
Waterproofing and moisture control standards are higher here than in many inland markets.
HOA approvals and review timelines can affect both schedule and carrying costs.
Soft Costs That Shape The Total Remodeling Cost
Design and engineering typically run 5 to 15% of construction cost.
Permits and reviews often add several thousand dollars, especially on larger projects.
HOA review fees and timelines should be factored in early.
Contractor overhead and profit are part of any legitimate proposal and should be transparent.
Want To Know What Your Remodel Will Cost?
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much should I budget for design before I talk to contractors?
For most South Florida remodels, design and documentation typically land between 5–15% of construction cost. That investment often saves far more by preventing scope gaps, pricing guesswork, and mid-project changes.
Does remodeling cost more in condos than single-family homes?
Often, yes. Condo remodels can carry added costs from HOA reviews, limited work hours, elevator protection, material staging, and stricter inspection requirements, even when the scope itself is smaller.
How accurate are online remodeling cost calculators for South Florida?
They’re useful for rough orientation, but rarely accurate locally. Most calculators don’t account for coastal codes, impact requirements, aging infrastructure, or the finish levels common in South Florida homes.
What’s the biggest reason remodeling budgets increase after work starts?
Undefined scope. When layouts, finishes, or system assumptions aren’t locked before pricing, costs tend to rise through change orders rather than intentional planning.
Conclusion
Remodeling cost in South Florida is shaped by far more than square footage or finishes.
Kitchens, bathrooms, additions, and whole home remodels all sit on top of labor realities, aging systems, coastal codes, and long lead items that quietly influence the final number.
The reason budgets feel unpredictable is usually not the work itself, but when decisions are made and how clearly scope is defined. When layouts, finish levels, and system assumptions are understood early, the numbers start to make sense and stay closer to plan.
Book a free discovery call to talk through realistic budget ranges for your home and the level of planning your project needs.
Pricing Disclaimer
The pricing figures referenced in this article are derived from an 18-month trailing analysis of projects completed by reputable contractors using quality materials and industry-standard construction practices. These figures are intended for general informational purposes only. Market conditions, material costs, labor rates, and contractor availability can change rapidly, and Palm Club Design Group makes no representation or guarantee that the prices cited reflect current costs or will apply to any future project. Readers should obtain up-to-date quotations from qualified professionals before making any budgeting or planning decisions.
