The kitchen is the most-used room in most Naples homes and one of the best investments in a remodel. It's also one of the most complex rooms to renovate, because cabinetry, counters, appliances, lighting and the systems behind the walls all have to fit together. Here's how to plan it in the right order.
Start with the layout
Common layout goals in Southwest Florida homes:
- Opening the kitchen to the living area or lanai for entertaining and views
- Adding or enlarging an island for seating and prep space
- Improving the work triangle between sink, range and refrigerator
- Adding a walk-in pantry or a coffee and beverage station
Removing or altering walls may require an engineer to confirm whether a wall is load-bearing, and it will require a permit. In condos, the association decides what can change—see our condo remodeling guide.
Cabinets
Cabinets set both the look and much of the budget. You'll choose between:
- Stock cabinets: fixed sizes, shortest lead time, most economical
- Semi-custom: more sizes, finishes and organizers
- Custom: built to your space, longest lead time, highest cost
Because cabinets often take several weeks to arrive, they're usually the item that sets the schedule. Finalize the design and order early. In humid coastal conditions, construction quality and finishes matter—ask about box material and moisture resistance.
Countertops
Quartz is popular for its consistency and low maintenance. Natural stones such as granite and quartzite offer unique patterns. Countertops are templated after the cabinets are installed, so there's usually a short gap in the schedule between cabinet install and counter install.
Islands
Decide early what the island will do—seating, prep, a sink, a cooktop or storage—because each use affects size, clearances and what has to be routed into it. On slab-on-grade homes, which are common in Naples, anything that has to reach the middle of the floor takes more planning.
Flooring
Kitchen floors must handle water, traffic and Florida humidity. Porcelain tile and quality luxury vinyl are common choices. Decide whether new flooring will run under the cabinets or stop at them, and whether you want it continuous with adjoining rooms. In condos, the association may require sound-rated underlayment.
Behind the walls: lighting, power and ventilation
Moving a sink, adding an island outlet, upgrading lighting or installing a more powerful range hood all involve work by licensed specialists, and that work needs permits and inspections. As your general contractor, we schedule and coordinate it so it happens in the right order—before drywall and cabinets go in. Plan ahead for:
- Task and under-cabinet lighting
- Enough dedicated circuits for modern appliances
- A properly sized and ducted range hood
- Outlets on the island that meet code
Permits for kitchen remodels in Naples
Replacing cabinets and counters in the same layout is often minor work, but changes to walls, structure, or building systems require a permit under the Florida Building Code. Permits go through the City of Naples or Collier County depending on your address (Lee County or the city for Fort Myers-area homes). Your contractor should pull them. In flood zones, a kitchen remodel that's part of a larger renovation may also count toward the FEMA 50% rule.
How long does a kitchen remodel take?
Plan for three phases:
- Design and ordering: layout, selections and ordering cabinets and materials
- Permitting: depends on the jurisdiction and the scope
- Construction: demolition, rough work and inspections, drywall, cabinets, counters, backsplash, finishes and final inspection
Most of the variation comes from design decisions, permitting and material lead times. Once materials are on site, the on-site work moves steadily. Your estimate should include a realistic schedule for your specific project.
Budgeting tips
- Keep the footprint if budget is tight; change the finishes instead.
- Spend on the things you touch every day—cabinet hardware, counters, a good sink.
- Leave a contingency for what you find behind the walls.
- Read how much home remodeling costs in Naples for the full list of cost drivers.
Common questions about kitchen remodeling
How long does a kitchen renovation take?
The on-site work for a typical kitchen remodel runs several weeks once materials arrive, but the full project—design, ordering, permits and construction—takes longer. Cabinet lead times are usually the biggest factor.
Can I stay in my home during a kitchen remodel?
Most homeowners do. Many set up a temporary kitchen with a microwave, coffee maker and refrigerator in another room. Your contractor should contain dust and protect the rest of the home.
Is it worth removing a wall to open the kitchen?
Often, yes—opening the kitchen to living areas is one of the most requested changes in Naples homes. But removing a load-bearing wall requires an engineer, a beam and a permit, so get a cost estimate before you commit to the design.
Ready to plan your kitchen?
We handle kitchen remodeling in Naples and Fort Myers from layout to final walkthrough, including the permits. Request a free estimate and we'll review your space and goals.
Sources and further reading
This article is general information, not legal, engineering or insurance advice. Requirements change; confirm specifics for your property with the appropriate professional or agency.
