Key takeaways
- A whole-home renovation is a big, multi-trade project that runs in phases over several months, so planning matters.
- Build a realistic budget with a contingency of 10 to 20 percent for the surprises older homes always hide.
- One licensed general contractor managing the whole job keeps the trades coordinated and the project accountable.
- Decide early whether you’ll live in the home during the work or move out for part of it.
Renovating a whole house is one of the most rewarding things you can do to a home, and one of the most disruptive if it’s not managed well. Here’s what to expect from a whole-home renovation in Jacksonville so you can go in with eyes open.
What does a whole-home renovation include?
It varies, but a true whole-home renovation usually touches most or all of the house: kitchen and bathrooms, flooring, paint, and often the systems behind the walls like plumbing, electrical, and HVAC. In older Jacksonville homes it frequently includes updating those systems to code, improving insulation and windows for our heat, and sometimes reworking the layout by moving or removing walls.
What are the phases of a renovation?
- Design and planning – decide the scope, layout, and finishes, and lock the budget.
- Permits – your contractor pulls the required Duval County permits.
- Demolition – out with the old, and this is when hidden issues usually surface.
- Rough-in – structural work, plumbing, electrical, and HVAC behind the walls, with inspections.
- Finishes – drywall, flooring, cabinets, tile, paint, fixtures.
- Final walkthrough – punch list and final inspection.
How long does a whole-home renovation take?
For a full house, plan on several months, commonly four to eight or more depending on size, scope, and how many surprises turn up once walls open. Permitting and material lead times add to the calendar. A good contractor gives you a phased schedule up front and updates it as the job moves.
How should you budget?
Set your project budget, then add a contingency of 10 to 20 percent on top. Older homes almost always reveal something once demolition starts, outdated wiring, hidden water damage, or framing that needs attention, and a contingency keeps those discoveries from derailing the project. For room-specific costs, see our kitchen remodeling and bathroom remodeling pages.
Should you live in the home during the renovation?
It depends on scope. You can sometimes stay put for a phased renovation that keeps a kitchen and bathroom usable, but for a gut renovation that takes out those rooms at once, most families move out for part of the work. Decide this early because it affects both the schedule and your budget.
Why one general contractor matters
A whole-home renovation involves many trades working in sequence. When one licensed general contractor manages all of it, the schedule stays coordinated, the permits and inspections are handled, and there’s a single person accountable for the result. Trying to coordinate separate trades yourself is where DIY-managed renovations tend to fall apart. Learn more about our general contractor services in Jacksonville, or call (904) 449-5112 for a free consultation.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to renovate a whole house in Jacksonville?
Whole-home renovations vary widely with size and finishes, commonly running from the high five figures into the low-to-mid six figures. The biggest factors are square footage, how many systems need updating, and the level of finishes you choose. A written estimate after a walkthrough gives you a real number.
How long does a full home renovation take?
Typically several months, often four to eight or more, including design, permitting, and construction. Older homes with hidden issues and longer material lead times can extend the timeline.
Can I live in my house during a renovation?
Sometimes, for a phased renovation that keeps a kitchen and bathroom usable. For a full gut renovation, most families move out for at least part of the work. Decide early since it affects schedule and budget.
Why hire a general contractor for a renovation?
A whole-home renovation involves many trades in sequence. A licensed general contractor coordinates the schedule, manages permits and inspections, and is the single point of accountability, which keeps the project on track and to code.
