By Bruno Venichand, J. Perry & Sons — Florida CGC1540699
A full condo renovation in South Florida usually costs more per square foot than a house, because building rules add time to every trade. At our current ranges, a kitchen runs $54,000–$140,000+, a guest bath $20,000–$30,000, a master bath $38,000–$75,000+, tile floors $14–$18 per sq ft and interior paint $4–$6 per sq ft of floor area. This guide from J. Perry & Sons kitchen renovation breaks down condo renovation cost in Brickell, downtown Fort Lauderdale and the beach towers.
Condo renovation cost by room and trade
| Scope | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Kitchen remodel | $54,000–$140,000+ | Cabinets, counters, backsplash, plumbing and electrical |
| Kitchen refresh (counters, backsplash, fronts) | $25,000–$37,000 | Layout stays |
| Guest bathroom | $20,000–$30,000 | Tub-to-shower or full rebuild |
| Master bathroom | $38,000–$75,000+ | Larger shower, double vanity, slab walls |
| Porcelain tile floors | $14–$18 per sq ft | Over approved sound underlayment |
| Large-format tile, 24x48 and up | $25–$34 per sq ft | Slab flatness matters |
| Interior painting | $4–$6 per sq ft of floor area | Walls, ceilings, trim |
| Walk-in closet system | $8,500–$29,000 | Built-in, custom |
| Interior demolition | $4–$9 per sq ft | Elevator and hallway protection |
A 1,200 sq ft two-bedroom with new tile floors, a full kitchen, two bathrooms and paint lands around $134,000–$274,000 at those ranges. Owner-supplied tile and fixtures change the total.
Why condos cost more than houses
- Elevator and hours. Most buildings limit work to weekday business hours with one booked service elevator. Less working time per day means more days.
- Protection. Hallways, elevator cabs and doors must be padded, and debris goes down in carts, not chutes.
- Sound rules. Hard flooring needs an approved underlayment meeting the building's sound rating. Some buildings require a test after install. See condo flooring rules and STC.
- Paperwork. Board approval, a certificate of insurance naming the association and management, and a city permit for most work beyond cosmetic.
- Parking and deliveries. Loading dock windows, no staging in the garage and limited parking for trades.
Free estimate — call (561) 556-7509 or send us your project. Send your floor plan, photos and the building's renovation rules and we'll reply with a same-day range.
Call (561) 556-7509 or send us your project with photos, the city, approximate dimensions, and material selections.
What the condo association needs from your contractor
- Renovation application with scope, drawings and contractor information.
- Certificate of insurance naming the association and management company. See certificate of insurance for condo contractors.
- License and permit copies posted in the unit.
- Product data for flooring underlayment and, for windows or slider replacement, approved products.
- Deposit for damage to common areas, set by the association.
We prepare these with the owner. Review the condo renovation rules checklist before you sign anything.
Common condo upgrades and where the money goes
- Floors. Old tile or carpet out, sound underlayment, large-format porcelain in. Flooring touches every room, so it moves the total most.
- Kitchens. Most condo kitchens keep the plumbing wall. Moving a sink to an island in a concrete building means coring the slab, which needs building approval and an X-ray or scan first.
- Bathrooms. Tub-to-shower conversions and porcelain slab walls are the most common requests.
- Ceilings. Popcorn or stucco ceilings come down and are skim-coated smooth; see our popcorn ceiling removal service.
- Walls. Damaged drywall, new openings in non-bearing partitions and better sound separation between units.
South Florida factors
Older towers in Fort Lauderdale, Miami Beach and Hollywood may have asbestos in ceilings or floor mastic; testing comes before demolition. Buildings in milestone inspection or concrete restoration can pause interior work or limit elevator use. In hurricane season, balconies must be cleared and loose materials secured when a storm is forecast. Snowbird owners often renovate while away; we handle access through management and send photo updates.
Timeline for a condo renovation
- Board approval and permit: 3–8 weeks, depending on the building and city
- Demolition: 1–2 weeks with elevator limits
- Kitchen and bathrooms: 6–12 weeks
- Floors and paint: 2–4 weeks, often overlapping
- Full unit: typically 3–5 months from approval
Condo renovation by city
- Kitchen renovation in Miami
- Kitchen renovation in Fort Lauderdale
- Kitchen renovation in Miami Beach
- Bathroom renovation in Aventura
- Bathroom renovation in Hollywood
- Bathroom renovation in Boca Raton
- Bathroom renovation in Pompano Beach
If walls or ceilings need repair after demolition, our drywall repair crew handles it.
Related guides: Interior demolition cost · Condo renovation rules checklist · Condo flooring rules and STC
Prefer to send photos or plans? Send us your project
Condo renovation cost — FAQ
How much does it cost to renovate a condo in South Florida? A 1,200 sq ft two-bedroom with new floors, kitchen, two baths and paint typically lands around $134,000–$274,000 at our current ranges. A cosmetic refresh costs far less.
Do I need condo board approval to renovate? Yes, for almost any work beyond paint. The association reviews scope, contractor insurance and flooring underlayment, and the city permit follows.
Can I install tile floors in a condo? Usually, over an approved sound underlayment that meets the building's rating. Some buildings require a sound test after installation.
How long does a condo renovation take? Typically three to five months from board approval for a full unit, longer in buildings with tight elevator schedules.
How do I get an exact price? Call (561) 556-7509 or send photos and rough dimensions through our project form. A written estimate is typically ready within 24–48 hours after a site review and scope confirmation.
Free estimate — call (561) 556-7509 or send us your project. Licensed Florida general contractor CGC1540699. Serving Broward, Palm Beach and Miami-Dade counties.
Call (561) 556-7509 or send us your project with photos, the city, approximate dimensions, and material selections.