By Bruno Venichand, J. Perry & Sons — Florida CGC1540699
A renovation while away from your Florida home works when three things are settled before you fly north: every selection is made, the association has approved the work, and there's a clear plan for keys and updates. During the job you get photos and short videos at each stage by text or email, and payments follow finished milestones. Summer is the usual window for snowbird projects in bathroom renovation, kitchen renovation and flooring. Here is how J. Perry & Sons runs them.
Renovation while away: what fits a summer and what it costs
| Project | Typical cost | On-site time | What you approve before leaving |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whole-unit flooring, condo, with sound underlayment | $6–$9 per sq ft LVP or $14–$18 tile, plus underlayment | 1–3 weeks | Flooring sample, underlayment product, association approval |
| Guest bathroom, same layout | $20,000–$30,000 | 3–5 weeks | Tile, vanity, fixtures, glass |
| Master bathroom | $38,000–$75,000+ | 5–9 weeks | Full selections and layout drawing |
| Kitchen refresh: tops, backsplash, sink, paint | $25,000–$37,000 | 2–4 weeks | Slab chosen in person, backsplash tile |
| Full kitchen remodel | $54,000–$140,000+ | 8–14 weeks | Cabinet order, slab, appliances, layout |
| Interior painting | $4–$6 per sq ft of floor area | 1–2 weeks | Colors tested on the wall |
The prices are the same whether you're in the house or not. Being away often makes the job faster, since crews can work through an empty home without moving furniture around people.
Before you leave: the three-part checklist
1. Selections. Pick every finish in person: tile, slab, vanity, faucets, paint colors. Photos of tile and stone don't show color reliably. We put each selection on a signed list with product names and quantities.
2. Approvals. Condo and HOA forms, contractor approval, insurance certificates and any building permit. Many forms need the owner's signature. Sign them before you go, or confirm your association accepts scanned or electronically signed copies. See the condo renovation rules checklist.
3. Access. Decide who holds keys: a lockbox, a key left with the building's front desk, or a key with us. Write down alarm codes, the garage or gate procedure, and who to call if something unexpected comes up.
Free estimate — call (561) 556-7509 or send us your project. Send photos of the rooms before you leave and we'll send a same-day range and a schedule for while you're gone.
Call (561) 556-7509 or send us your project with photos, the city, approximate dimensions, and material selections.
How updates work while you're away
We don't promise a special app or portal. What you get is plain and reliable:
- Photos and short videos by text or email at each stage: demo done, plumbing and waterproofing before tile, tile layout before it's set, and finished work.
- A call or message for decisions. If demo reveals rotted framing, a failed pan or a hidden pipe, we stop, send photos, explain options and prices, and wait for your written approval before continuing.
- A video call walkthrough at the end if you'd like one, going room by room.
- Inspection results forwarded when the city inspector signs off.
The rule is simple: nothing changes in scope or price without your written OK.
Payments tied to milestones
Remote projects work best with payments that follow visible progress: deposit at signing, then payments at defined stages such as demo and rough-in complete, tile complete, and final. Each payment request comes with photos of the finished stage. See what to look for in a renovation contract.
South Florida factors for seasonal owners
Association calendars. Many condo associations limit renovation hours, and some restrict noisy work during the winter season when most residents are home. Summer is often the easiest time to get elevator and loading dock bookings.
Hurricane season. June through November overlaps with snowbird months. When a storm is forecast, we secure the site, close openings, and send you photos of the house after it passes.
Humidity in a closed house. Leave the AC running at a reasonable setting. Thinset, grout, paint and wood all need controlled conditions, and a closed hot unit grows mildew fast.
Permits. We pull permits under our license and meet inspectors at the house, so you don't need to be there. See why the contractor pulls the permits.
Timeline for a summer project
- March–April: walkthrough, estimate, selections in person
- April–May: contract, association approval, permit application, orders placed
- June–September: work while you're away
- October: punch list and final cleaning before you return
Starting the paperwork in spring is what makes a summer project finish before November.
Renovation by city
- Bathroom renovation in Boca Raton
- Flooring installation in Delray Beach
- Kitchen renovation in Fort Lauderdale
- Bathroom renovation in Aventura
- Flooring installation in Jupiter
- Kitchen renovation in Palm Beach Gardens
- Painting in Pompano Beach
Related guides: Condo flooring rules and STC · Renovation timeline in South Florida · Certificate of insurance for condo contractors
Prefer to send photos or plans? Send us your project
Snowbird renovation while away — FAQ
Can I renovate my Florida condo while I'm up north? Yes. Make your selections and sign the association paperwork before you leave, set up key access, and you'll get photo and video updates through the job.
How will I know the work is done right? Photos at each stage, including the parts that get covered like waterproofing, plus city inspections on permitted work and a video walkthrough at the end if you want it.
What happens if something unexpected comes up? We stop, send photos and options with prices, and continue only after your written approval.
Who lets the inspector in? We do. We schedule inspections under our permit and meet the inspector at the house.
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.