FIRST HOME.
FIRST RENO.
You just bought a house. Now you're staring at dated kitchens, questionable bathrooms, and floors that have seen better decades. Here's how to approach it without losing your mind or your money.
WHAT TO RENOVATE FIRST.
STRUCTURAL & SAFETY FIRST
Roof leaks, foundation issues, outdated electrical panels, plumbing problems. These aren't sexy renovations, but they prevent catastrophic expenses later. In Jacksonville, aging roofs and AC systems should be evaluated before any cosmetic work.
KITCHEN
The kitchen drives the highest ROI of any renovation — 60-80% return at resale. It's also where you spend the most time. A mid-range kitchen remodel in Jacksonville runs $25,000-$45,000 and transforms how you live in your home.
BATHROOMS
Master bathroom renovations return 55-70% at resale. More importantly, a well-designed bathroom improves your daily life. In Jacksonville, Schluter waterproofing is non-negotiable — Florida humidity destroys improperly sealed bathrooms.
FLOORING
New flooring changes the entire feel of a home. In Jacksonville, luxury vinyl plank (LVP) is the most popular choice — waterproof, durable, and handles humidity. Whole-home flooring typically runs $8-$14 per square foot installed.
COSMETIC UPDATES
Paint, hardware, light fixtures, landscaping. These have the lowest cost and highest visual impact. Start here if budget is tight — $2,000-$5,000 can make a home feel completely different.
BUDGET REALITY.
The internet will tell you to budget 10-15% of your home value for renovations. That's a starting point, but here's what actually matters in Jacksonville:
Always keep 10-15% of your renovation budget as a contingency. Older Jacksonville homes especially can have hidden issues — outdated wiring, plumbing surprises, or water damage behind walls. A good contractor finds these during demo and addresses them honestly.
MISTAKES TO AVOID.
RENOVATING EVERYTHING AT ONCE
Phase your projects. Living through a kitchen and bathroom demo simultaneously is miserable. Do the kitchen first, then bathrooms.
HIRING THE CHEAPEST BID
The lowest bid usually means cut corners, change orders, or an unlicensed contractor. Get 3 quotes and pick the one that's most transparent, not cheapest.
SKIPPING PERMITS
Unpermitted work creates title issues, insurance problems, and safety risks. Always pull permits. Always.
FOLLOWING TRENDS BLINDLY
That all-grey everything trend from 2020? Already dated. Choose timeless over trendy for permanent installations. Save trends for paint and decor.
START HERE.
Free consultation. We'll walk your home, talk priorities, and give you a realistic plan — no pressure, no obligation.
(904) 889-4430