A PRACTICAL STARTING POINT
What will your South Florida remodel really cost?
By the Liquid Permit team · Updated
A useful renovation budget starts with the work you want done and what each quote actually includes. A photograph or price per square foot alone cannot tell you the installed cost of your project.
Compare the same project, not just the bottom line
Give each bidder the same description, drawings and selections. Ask them to separate demolition, preparation, materials, installation, building-system changes and cleanup. Write down quantities and what remains unmeasured. If two quotes include different work, first make the differences visible.
Separate allowances from confirmed selections
An allowance is a placeholder. Ask what product, quantity and installation work it covers, and how any difference will be charged. Keep the showroom price separate from delivery, tax, waste, preparation and installation. A selected finish is not a confirmed installed price until the scope is clear.
Make room for decisions and unknowns
Keep design and drafting, professional review, government fees and temporary living arrangements visible in the budget. Ask the project team to identify unresolved conditions and a suitable contingency. Before approving a change, get the added price and schedule effect in writing.
Use national research as context, not a local quote
In the 2026 U.S. Houzz and Home study, 37% of surveyed renovating homeowners exceeded their planned project spend in 2025. This describes that survey sample, not a price forecast for your South Florida home. Get address-specific scopes and current quotes before committing.
What to have ready
- Your must-haves and items you could defer
- The same scope and drawing version for each bidder
- Selected products, quantities and allowances
- Written exclusions, payment stages and change-order process
You do not need a complete package to ask for help.
Help me plan the next stepSources and further reading
2026 U.S. Houzz and Home Renovation Trends Study (PDF) ↗
Source checked September 20, 2026. Confirm current forms and case-specific requirements with the issuing authority. This checklist is not a technical design, professional opinion or permit approval.