A free, independent resource helping Georgia and Florida homeowners plan successful renovation projects with real data and honest guidance.
Most renovation information online falls into two categories: vague national averages that don't reflect your local market, or contractor websites designed to generate leads. Neither helps a homeowner in Cumming, Georgia or Winter Park, Florida understand what their kitchen remodel will actually cost, what permits they need, or how to tell a qualified contractor from an unlicensed one.
The Home Renovations was built to fill that gap. Every guide, cost range, and city page on this site is written specifically for the Georgia and Florida markets — accounting for regional labor rates, climate-driven material requirements, state licensing differences, and the specific permitting jurisdictions that govern renovation work in 46 cities across both states.
National renovation cost averages are misleading. A kitchen remodel in Naples, Florida costs 20–35% more than the same project in Macon, Georgia — driven by differences in labor rates, material availability, code requirements, and market demand. Our cost data reflects these regional realities rather than blending them into a meaningless national average.
Every city page identifies the specific permitting authority for that jurisdiction — whether it's the city, county, or a consolidated government. We cover historic district overlay requirements, HOA architectural review processes, flood zone considerations, and the state licensing frameworks that differ significantly between Georgia and Florida. The National Association of the Remodeling Industry recommends this level of local research before starting any renovation project.
The Southeast's heat, humidity, and — in coastal Florida — salt air exposure create material performance challenges that don't exist in other regions. Our guides address which flooring materials handle humidity without warping, why Miami-Dade requires specific product approvals (NOA) for hurricane zones, and how Georgia's expansive clay soil affects foundation work on home additions.
Georgia requires contractor licensing for projects over $2,500 through the Secretary of State's office. Florida requires licensing through the state Construction Industry Licensing Board. These are different systems with different requirements, and a contractor licensed in one state isn't automatically qualified to work in the other. Our city pages explain exactly what to verify and where to verify it for each jurisdiction.
We don't sell leads, run ads, or accept payment for placement. Our contractor recommendations are based on verified state licensing and insurance documentation, demonstrated experience across multiple project types, transparent pricing practices with detailed written estimates, and consistent positive outcomes documented through client references and public review platforms.
Every page on this site follows the same principles: specific over vague, local over national, useful over promotional. We don't publish content that restates obvious advice like "get multiple quotes" without explaining what to actually look for in those quotes. We don't round costs into ranges so wide they're meaningless. And we don't recommend products, materials, or contractors without being able to explain specifically why.
If you find information on this site that's outdated, inaccurate, or could be more helpful, we want to know. This resource improves when homeowners tell us what they actually needed to know that we didn't cover.
Use our free cost calculator for an instant estimate based on your specific project, or browse our guides for detailed planning information.