Your Guide to Whole Home Renovations in Florida: Top 10 Questions Answered

1. How Do You Complete a Home Renovation?

Completing a whole home renovation involves several major phases: planning, budgeting, design, demolition, structural work, rebuilding, and finishing. It begins with identifying your goals—whether that’s increasing comfort, modernizing outdated rooms, or improving resale value.

Once you have your vision, consult with renovation experts like architects, interior designers, and licensed contractors.

In Florida, you’ll also want to ensure your renovation complies with state-specific building codes, especially those related to hurricane safety and energy efficiency. With the right team and clear planning, your home remodeling project can move smoothly from concept to completion.

2. Is It Required to Have a Contractor to Renovate a House?

In Florida, many types of renovation work—especially those involving structural, electrical, or plumbing changes—require a licensed contractor. While small DIY upgrades may not need one, tasks involved in whole house remodeling, such as removing walls, replacing electrical panels, or adding new HVAC systems, absolutely do.

Hiring a professional ensures compliance with state and local building codes, helps avoid costly mistakes, and typically speeds up project timelines. If you skip hiring a licensed contractor for major renovations, you could risk fines, failed inspections, or even having to redo the work.

3. Do You Need a Home Designer for Home Renovation?

Although it’s not mandatory, hiring a home designer or interior designer can bring your interior redesign to life. Designers help with floor plans, selecting materials, and making aesthetic decisions that ensure the result is both beautiful and functional.

In a whole home renovation, this guidance is especially important, as you’ll be dealing with multiple rooms and design elements. Designers can also help keep your vision cohesive and aligned with your budget. Many homeowners find that investing in a designer helps avoid expensive mistakes and regrets.

4. What Is Included in a Renovation?

A whole house remodeling project typically includes:

• Flooring updates (hardwood, tile, vinyl, etc.)
• Kitchen and bathroom remodels
• Drywall, insulation, and interior painting
• Electrical and plumbing upgrades
• Lighting and fixture installations
• HVAC updates
• Roofing or siding repairs
• Window and door replacements
• Smart home system installation

In Florida, whole home renovations may also include hurricane-proofing upgrades, such as impact windows or reinforced roofs, which are crucial for safety and insurance compliance.

5. When Renovating a House, What Order Should I Do Things?

The general order of operations for a full house makeover is:

• Planning and Design – Establish goals, budget, and architectural drawings.
• Demolition – Remove old structures, fixtures, and finishes.
• Structural Work – Roof, framing, and foundation changes.
• System Upgrades – Electrical, HVAC, and plumbing systems.
• Insulation and Drywall – Interior walls and soundproofing.
• Flooring and Tile – Install flooring and tilework.
• Cabinetry and Fixtures – Kitchens, bathrooms, built-ins.
• Painting and Trim Work – Finish walls, baseboards, and doors.
• Final Inspections and Punch List – Correct issues and clean up.

Following this sequence prevents rework and ensures your renovation progresses efficiently.

6. What Is Home Renovation or Remodeling?

Home renovation involves restoring or updating parts of a home without changing its structure. This might include painting, flooring, or new cabinets. Home remodeling, on the other hand, often means altering the home’s layout or design—like removing walls to create open floor plans, relocating bathrooms, or adding new rooms.



Both fall under the umbrella of whole home renovations, which combine renovation and remodeling to completely overhaul and modernize a home.

7. What Comes First in a Home Renovation?

The first step in any whole house remodeling project is planning. This includes:

• Determining your renovation goals
• Establishing a realistic budget
• Creating a project timeline
• Hiring licensed professionals
• Pulling necessary permits
• Failing to properly plan is the most common cause of project delays, budget overruns, and frustration. For Florida homes, it's also essential to understand local regulations on things like flood zones, hurricane-resistant materials, and energy codes.

8. What Is the Difference Between Construction and Renovation?

Construction typically refers to building something entirely new—such as a new home or room addition. Renovation refers to updating, repairing, or enhancing existing structures.

For example, turning an attic into a guest suite or replacing an outdated kitchen would be considered home remodeling, while building a brand-new garage from scratch would fall under construction.

Whole home renovations often blur the lines between the two, combining updates with new construction work like extensions or layout reconfiguration.

9. What Do You Call a Person Who Remodels Houses?

Professionals who handle home remodeling are usually referred to as general contractors or renovation contractors. Depending on the scope, you may also work with:

• Architects
• Structural engineers
• Interior designers
• Plumbers and electricians
• For whole house remodeling, you’ll typically hire a general contractor to manage the entire project and coordinate all the subcontractors involved.

10. Who Are the Best Home Renovation Contractors in Florida?

The best contractors for whole home renovations in Florida are those with extensive experience, proper licensing, and positive client reviews. Look for companies that:

• Are familiar with Florida’s unique weather and code requirements
• Have a strong portfolio of completed home remodeling projects
• Offer detailed and transparent contracts
• Provide warranty and post-project support

Be sure to check reviews on platforms like Google, Houzz, and the Better Business Bureau to assess reputation and service quality. Don’t hesitate to ask for references and visit past projects if possible.

Florida-Specific Considerations for Home Renovations

If you’re undergoing a whole home renovation in Florida, here are a few state-specific concerns to keep in mind:

• Hurricanes and Weatherproofing
• Due to the risk of hurricanes, many Florida homeowners invest in:
• Impact-resistant windows and doors
• Hurricane shutters
• Roof reinforcements
• Proper drainage systems
• Energy Efficiency
• Upgrading insulation, using reflective roofing, and installing energy-efficient HVAC systems can help reduce energy bills in Florida’s hot climate.
• Permits and Inspections

Each county has its own permitting process. Be sure your contractor pulls the correct permits and schedules all required inspections.

Tips for a Successful Whole Home Renovation in Florida

• Set Priorities: Focus on high-impact areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and living spaces.
• Hire Local Experts: Local contractors understand Florida’s codes and climate.
• Plan for Delays: Weather, material shortages, and permitting can slow things down.
• Stay Flexible: Unexpected issues can arise—be ready to adjust.
• Communicate Often: Keep in close contact with your contractor and designer.

Final Thoughts: Transform Your Florida Home with Confidence

A whole house remodeling project in Florida is a big commitment, but it can pay off with increased home value, enhanced comfort, and a more functional living space. Whether you're aiming for a modern aesthetic, more space, or a better layout, a well-planned whole home renovation can bring your vision to life.

Take the time to plan carefully, work with experienced professionals, and stay engaged throughout the process. With the right approach, your full house makeover will not only meet your goals—it will exceed them.

Ready to get started on your interior redesign or full home transformation? Reach out to a trusted Florida contractor today and bring your dream home to life.

Why Choose BittnerSweet Co. for Your Whole Home Renovation?

When it comes to whole home renovations in Florida, BittnerSweet Co. stands apart as your trusted partner. As a family-owned and operated business, we approach every project with care, integrity, and a personal touch—treating your home like it’s our own.

With over 20 years of experience, we’ve partnered with renowned names like HGTV and David Bromstad to deliver stunning, functional interiors that truly inspire. Whether you're seeking an interior redesign, full house makeover, or full-service home remodeling, we provide energy-efficient solutions and end-to-end project management that simplify the renovation process.

Backed by glowing reviews from homeowners across Greater Orlando, we take pride in our attention to detail, craftsmanship, and local expertise. From concept to completion, BittnerSweet Co. is your all-in-one solution for beautiful, lasting transformations.

Let’s bring your dream home to life—contact BittnerSweet Co. today to start your renovation journey.