Renovating a home in Orlando, FL, is one of the best ways to enhance your lifestyle and increase your property’s market value. Whether you plan to sell soon or upgrade your living space, a well-thought-out renovation can deliver a strong return on investment (ROI). With the help of local insights and strategic planning, Orlando homeowners can navigate the remodeling process efficiently and effectively.
Here are the top remodeling tips to help ensure your home renovation is a success.
1. Know Your Market and Neighborhood
Before investing in a remodel, it’s essential to understand the real estate landscape in your specific Orlando neighborhood. Not all renovations offer the same return, depending on the area. For example, a luxury kitchen upgrade in a mid-tier neighborhood may not yield a high ROI, while updating a dated bathroom in a high-demand area like Winter Garden or Lake Nona could boost your property’s marketability.
Tip: Consult with a local real estate expert like Fernanda Negromonte to assess what buyers are looking for in your neighborhood.
Tip: Consult with a local real estate expert like Fernanda Negromonte to assess what buyers are looking for in your neighborhood.
2. Set a Realistic Budget and Prioritize Projects
Home remodeling projects can quickly go over budget without careful planning. Determine how much you’re willing to invest and break it down by priority.
- High-ROI Renovations in Orlando Typically Include:
- Kitchen updates (new countertops, cabinets, and appliances)
- Bathroom remodels (new vanities, fixtures, and tile work)
- Fresh interior and exterior paint
- New flooring (especially replacing carpet with hardwood or luxury vinyl plank)
- Energy-efficient windows and insulation upgrades
Tip: Always build a 10–20% buffer into your budget to cover unexpected costs.
3. Focus on Curb Appeal
In the Orlando real estate market, curb appeal plays a big role in attracting buyers and increasing home value. Simple updates like landscaping, exterior lighting, painting your front door, or updating garage doors can transform your home’s exterior.
Tip: Consider Florida-friendly landscaping with native plants that thrive in the subtropical climate and require minimal maintenance.
Tip: Consider Florida-friendly landscaping with native plants that thrive in the subtropical climate and require minimal maintenance.
4. Work with Licensed Local Contractors
Hiring the right contractor is key to a successful remodel. In Florida, working with licensed professionals who understand local codes, permitting processes, and environmental factors such as hurricane-resistant materials is essential.
Tip: Ask for referrals, read reviews, and verify licenses with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).
Tip: Ask for referrals, read reviews, and verify licenses with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).
5. Upgrade for Energy Efficiency
Energy-efficient upgrades are a win-win: they save money on utilities and appeal to eco-conscious buyers. In hot, humid Orlando, improvements like better insulation, energy-efficient windows, and smart thermostats can make a big difference.
Tip: Consider applying for energy efficiency rebates and incentives available through local utilities like OUC and Duke Energy.
Tip: Consider applying for energy efficiency rebates and incentives available through local utilities like OUC and Duke Energy.
6. Keep the Florida Climate in Mind
Orlando’s hot and humid weather should influence your material choices. Opt for moisture-resistant materials in bathrooms and kitchens, UV-protective window treatments, and HVAC systems designed for Florida’s climate.
Tip: If you’re updating your roof, consider light-colored, heat-reflective materials to reduce cooling costs.
Tip: If you’re updating your roof, consider light-colored, heat-reflective materials to reduce cooling costs.
7. Avoid Overpersonalizing
While your home should reflect your style, avoid overly unique features if you plan to sell within a few years. Bold colors, niche themes, or extravagant upgrades may deter potential buyers.
Tip: Stick with neutral tones for large surfaces and add personality through easily changeable decor.
Tip: Stick with neutral tones for large surfaces and add personality through easily changeable decor.
8. Maximize Space and Functionality
In Orlando’s competitive real estate market, open floor plans and functional living areas are in demand. Consider removing non-load-bearing walls to create more open-concept spaces. Multi-use areas, like home offices or flex rooms, are also highly desirable post-pandemic.
Tip: Convert underutilized areas such as attics, garages, or basements into usable square footage.
Tip: Convert underutilized areas such as attics, garages, or basements into usable square footage.
9. Update Kitchens and Bathrooms First
Kitchens and bathrooms consistently offer the best ROI. Even minor renovations—like new cabinet hardware, updated lighting, and modern faucets—can significantly impact.
Tip: For wide appeal, choose durable, timeless finishes like quartz countertops, subway tile, and shaker-style cabinetry.
Tip: For wide appeal, choose durable, timeless finishes like quartz countertops, subway tile, and shaker-style cabinetry.
10. Consider Permit Requirements
Many remodeling projects in Orlando require permits, especially those involving structural changes, electrical work, or plumbing. Skipping permits can cause issues when selling your home later.
Tip: Check with the City of Orlando or Orange County permitting offices to understand your project's requirements.
Tip: Check with the City of Orlando or Orange County permitting offices to understand your project's requirements.
11. Don’t Forget About Outdoor Living Spaces
In Florida, outdoor living areas are an extension of the home. Covered patios, screened lanais, outdoor kitchens, and fire pits add both enjoyment and value.
Tip: Use materials that can withstand humidity and resist mold or mildew. Ceiling fans and shade structures can improve comfort year-round.
Tip: Use materials that can withstand humidity and resist mold or mildew. Ceiling fans and shade structures can improve comfort year-round.
12. Monitor the Market During Renovation
Keep an eye on current real estate trends in Orlando as you remodel. A shift in buyer preferences or market conditions may influence your renovation priorities. For example, if there's growing demand for multigenerational homes, consider adding a guest suite or in-law unit.
Tip: Work with Fernanda Negromonte to get regular updates on market dynamics and buyer behavior in your neighborhood.
Tip: Work with Fernanda Negromonte to get regular updates on market dynamics and buyer behavior in your neighborhood.
13. Invest in Smart Home Features
Smart home technology is increasingly popular in the Orlando market. Simple additions like smart thermostats, video doorbells, and smart lighting systems add appeal and convenience.
Tip: Ensure compatibility with popular home systems and make sure installations are user-friendly.
Tip: Ensure compatibility with popular home systems and make sure installations are user-friendly.
14. Time Your Remodel Strategically
If you’re renovating to sell, consider the timing. Orlando’s real estate market tends to heat up in spring and early summer. Completing renovations ahead of these peak seasons can help your home sell faster and for more.
Tip: Fernanda can help you plan the ideal listing timeline based on your renovation schedule.
Tip: Fernanda can help you plan the ideal listing timeline based on your renovation schedule.
15. Highlight Your Improvements When Selling
Once your renovation is complete, be sure to market the updates effectively. Highlight energy-efficient upgrades, new appliances, smart features, and any added square footage.
Tip: Work with a real estate agent who knows how to position your home to maximize buyer interest and value.
Tip: Work with a real estate agent who knows how to position your home to maximize buyer interest and value.
Ready to Renovate and Reap the Rewards?
Whether you’re preparing to sell or want to enhance your home’s comfort and value, smart renovations can make a big impact, especially in the thriving Orlando real estate market.
Looking for guidance on which upgrades make the most sense for your neighborhood and goals?
Connect with Fernanda Negromonte, your trusted Orlando real estate expert. With deep local knowledge and experience advising homeowners and investors, Fernanda can help you make informed decisions before, during, and after your remodel.
Looking for guidance on which upgrades make the most sense for your neighborhood and goals?
Connect with Fernanda Negromonte, your trusted Orlando real estate expert. With deep local knowledge and experience advising homeowners and investors, Fernanda can help you make informed decisions before, during, and after your remodel.
