Costs, Climate, and Coastal Considerations
Remodeling your entire home in Southwest Florida is a big project requiring careful consideration of many different factors. There’s the obvious aesthetics, which are incredibly important, but significant renovation is also about adapting your property to your desired lifestyle, the regional climate, and long-term value.
“When homeowners come to us looking to renovate one part of their home, I always encourage them to step back and think big picture,” says David Wherry, President of Progressive Design Build. “A whole home remodel isn’t just about making things look better—it’s about improving how the home works as a system. From insulation and ventilation to floor plan flow and aging-in-place considerations, it all matters.”
In this article, we explore some of these factors, including the unique costs, challenges, and opportunities of whole-house remodeling here in Southwest Florida.
Climate-Driven Design for Coastal Home Renovations
Salt air, high humidity, and the threat of hurricanes all leave their mark on coastal homes in our region of the United States. That’s why climate-adaptive design is essential. The materials and structural elements you choose for your home will determine how effective your renovation will be in the long term.
With hurricanes a common issue, impact-resistant windows and doors protect against storms while also improving energy efficiency. Mold-resistant insulation helps prevent hidden damage and keeps your home healthier and easier to maintain. Similarly, good ventilation and dehumidification systems mean air quality remains high, even during the most humid months of summer.
Thankfully, these features don’t come at the expense of style and comfort. You can seamlessly incorporate these protective measures into the overall vision you have for your home without them looking out of place. The design-build approach we employ in every remodeling project ensures that aesthetics and structural safeguards work in tandem, with energy efficiency being an integral part of the process.
Hidden Challenges in Older Florida Homes
Many older homes in Southwest Florida carry hidden issues that only become clear during a renovation. Construction before the 1990s often lacked the safeguards that are required in today’s stricter building codes.
Mold and mildew from past water intrusion are common problems that can compromise both the structural integrity of a home and its indoor air quality. Plumbing and HVAC systems may also be outdated or poorly insulated, causing inefficiency and higher utility costs. Older wiring can fail under the pressure of modern loads, leading to safety risks due to an incompatibility with modern appliances and technology.
“So many homes here were built before modern building codes were in place,” says Nikki Bruty, a NCIDQ Certified Designer with Progressive Design Build. “I’ve seen sunken living rooms with trip hazards, tiny galley kitchens closed off from the rest of the house, and bathrooms without a single accessible feature. A whole home remodel gives us the opportunity to bring those homes up to today’s standards, and beyond, while reflecting each client’s unique style.”
Whole House Renovation Cost: What to Expect in Southwest Florida
Whole-house renovation costs in Southwest Florida vary widely, depending on the scope of the remodel, the size of the home, and its location. Understanding the ranges can help set realistic expectations.
On average, cosmetic remodels start around $30–$60 per square foot, mid-range remodels run $60–$150 per square foot, and high-end projects reach $150–$300+ per square foot. For example, renovating a 2,500 sq ft home could cost $150,000 at the mid-range level or more than $375,000 for a complete transformation.
Several factors influence these numbers. Structural changes and layout reconfigurations drive up costs, as do premium finishes such as custom cabinetry or imported stone. Older homes, as already covered, often add expenses for updated plumbing, wiring, or HVAC systems.
Permitting fees can range from $500 to $2,500, while coastal building codes and hurricane-rated materials add additional layers of cost.
“People are often surprised by the costs associated with coastal remodeling,” notes David Wherry. “Between permitting, hurricane-rated materials, and inflation in the trades, pricing is just different here. We work closely with our clients to create phased plans or prioritize areas to keep the project manageable, without sacrificing quality or safety. Transparency is everything.”
Permits, Codes & Contractor Licensing in Southwest Florida
Remodeling a coastal property in Southwest Florida comes with strict permitting and code requirements. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) regulations, wind load calculations, and elevation standards all need to be met before construction begins.
Homes nearest the ocean may also fall under Coastal Construction Control Line (CCCL) rules, which restrict how and where work can be done. The CCCL is a jurisdictional line established by the state of Florida to protect the coastal beach and dune system.
Collier and Lee counties each have their own permitting processes as well. Understanding these regulations is crucial to ensure a safe, compliant, and durable structure. Each process requires the submission of detailed plans, surveys, and engineering documents, followed by a technical review by various departments (such as building, zoning, and environmental services), and multiple on-site inspections throughout the construction phases.
It all sounds very complicated, but when you work with a licensed design-build firm, they ensure full compliance while streamlining the entire process. A single team (including your project manager) manages design, permitting, and construction, thereby reducing delays and miscommunication. Things like wind mitigation inspections, structural approvals, and material requirements are addressed early, so projects move forward smoothly.
“We’ve worked in every jurisdiction from Naples to Fort Myers, and that knowledge saves our clients time and money. We know how to navigate the permitting maze, so your project doesn’t get stuck,” says David Wherry.
Planning Your Whole Home Renovation: Where to Start
Deciding to renovate your home is an exciting moment, but then you’re suddenly faced with a problem – where do you even begin?
The first step in a whole-home remodel is setting priorities. Begin by selecting the areas that matter most, whether that’s merging a kitchen and dining room, upgrading bathrooms, building an extension, or rethinking an entire floor plan. This prioritizing makes it easier to then create a realistic budget and expectations around the timeline.
Working with a design-build team like Progressive simplifies this process. We have extensive experience helping homeowners determine which projects to tackle first, ensuring the biggest transformations within their desired budget. For example, during a whole house remodel in Fort Myers, we gradually reimagined and updated every element of the property, from layout flow to finishes, showing how a clear plan can turn an overwhelming project into a cohesive vision.
With the design-build method, you have a single group of professionals working together under one roof, responsible for both the creative vision and the technical execution of your project.
This integration and process ensure that you receive a detailed project scope, cost estimate, and schedule, and that all design choices align with construction feasibility from the outset. Visual tools also play an essential role in achieving your goals. 3D renderings, material boards, and detailed drawings help homeowners feel confident in decisions before work begins.
“A whole home remodel can feel overwhelming at first. There are so many decisions to make. That’s why we provide visual tools, sample materials, and clear guidance every step of the way. My role is to help clients feel confident—not just in what their home will look like, but in how it will support their lifestyle for years to come,” says Nikki Bruty.
Your Home, Reimagined for Southwest Florida
A whole-house remodel in Southwest Florida is more than a facelift. It’s about adapting and shaping your home to your lifestyle, tastes, and the unique Florida climate. From durable materials and hurricane-proof features to open layouts and ageing-in-place solutions, a design-build remodeling approach brings everything together to create a space that feels both secure and inviting.
Style and function are planned simultaneously, so structural upgrades, interior finishes, and lifestyle features work as a single vision. When complete, the result is a dream home that supports the way you entertain, relax, and spend time with family and friends.
Our team at Progressive Design Build specializes in striking a balance between beauty and resilience, where your home’s design is tailored precisely to your preferences.
Luxury Home Remodeling in Southwest Florida
Progressive is an award-winning design-build luxury remodeling firm founded in 1989 that serves Southwest Florida. Whether you’re looking to enhance an indoor or outdoor space – or create a new one – we’re the team that can get the job done.
Progressive Design Build is a trusted expert in custom home remodeling, from kitchens and bathrooms to whole houses, condos, and outdoor living projects. You can rely on our seamless processes, advanced technology, and exceptional customer service to deliver on-time and on-budget results.
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