Remodels & Additions in Marco Island, FL

Renewing Marco Island Homes

Marco Island’s housing stock includes original homes from the 1960s and 1970s, homes from the 1980s and 1990s building boom and newer homes built to modern standards. Many sit on beautiful canal or bay lots that owners would never want to give up. When these homes need updating, repair or more space, home remodeling and additions on Marco Island can help, as long as projects are planned carefully around the island’s flood rules.

Premier Home Builds manages remodels, additions and restorations across Marco Island. We review flood zones and elevation, plan scopes that meet your goals within the rules, coordinate permits with the City of Marco Island and deliver quality work with island-appropriate materials.

Remodeling Projects on Marco Island

Kitchen Renovations

Opening the kitchen to the great room and the water view, adding a large island, upgrading cabinetry and countertops and installing modern appliances and lighting are popular upgrades.

Bathroom Renovations

Large walk-in showers, double vanities, modern tile, improved ventilation and accessibility features make bathrooms more comfortable and functional.

Impact Windows and Doors

Replacing older windows and sliders with impact-rated systems improves storm protection, energy efficiency and convenience, eliminating the need for shutters.

Roof Replacement

A new roof installed to current wind standards protects the home and may affect insurance.

Lanai and Pool Upgrades

Lanai extensions, new screen enclosures, pool resurfacing, summer kitchens and new pavers refresh outdoor living.

Additions

Owner’s suite expansions, guest rooms and enlarged living spaces add function. Additions must meet setbacks, lot coverage and flood requirements, and they count toward substantial improvement.

Storm Restoration

Storm surge and wind from hurricanes such as Irma and Ian damaged many island homes. We assess, document, permit and restore, often with resilience upgrades.

Seawall and Dock Coordination

Remodels often coincide with seawall replacement or dock upgrades. We coordinate with marine contractors so waterfront and home projects work together.

Understanding the 50 Percent Rule on Marco Island

Most of Marco Island lies in FEMA special flood hazard areas. For homes in these areas, the substantial improvement rule is central to remodeling. If the cost of improvements or repairs reaches 50 percent of the structure’s market value, the entire home must be brought into compliance with current flood requirements, which for older, lower homes often means elevation or rebuilding. The City of Marco Island, as floodplain administrator, determines how the rule applies and may consider cumulative improvements over a period of time.

What this means for your remodel:

• Know your numbers early. We review the structure’s market value and estimate project costs before design.
• Prioritize. We help you focus on the improvements that matter most within the threshold.
• Document accurately. Detailed estimates support the city’s review.
• Compare with rebuilding. If your goals would exceed the threshold, a new elevated home may provide better value and resilience.

Our Remodeling Process on Marco Island

1. Consult on Goals, Budget and Timeline

We visit your home, discuss your goals and review the flood zone, elevation certificate, structure, systems and seawall.

2. Preliminary Budget

We prepare a preliminary budget and an early estimate of where the project stands relative to the 50 percent threshold.

3. Design and Engineering

We develop layouts and coordinate structural engineering for additions, wall removals or other structural changes.

4. Final Specifications, Selections and Construction Pricing

You choose finishes and fixtures, and we provide a detailed scope and final price.

5. Permitting

We submit to the City of Marco Island, including substantial improvement documentation where required.

6. Construction

We protect your home, manage dust and debris, plan island logistics and provide regular updates.

7. Completion

We walk the finished work with you and complete any punch-list items.

Restoring After Storm Surge

Saltwater flooding is particularly damaging. Proper restoration includes:

• Prompt documentation of damage for insurance and permitting.
• Removal of wet materials, including drywall, insulation, flooring and cabinetry below the flood line.
• Thorough drying to prevent mold.
• Inspection of electrical, plumbing and mechanical systems exposed to saltwater.
• Substantial damage review by the city.
• Restoration with flood-resistant materials where appropriate.
• Elevation of equipment and other resilience upgrades.

We are not public adjusters and do not negotiate claims, but we provide clear documentation and pricing to support the process.

Updating Original and Boom-Era Marco Homes

1960s and 1970s Homes

Original Marco Island homes are typically single-story block homes with low ceilings and modest rooms, often sitting well below current flood elevations. Because of the 50 percent rule, major renovations of these homes are frequently limited, and many owners choose to rebuild. Targeted updates within the threshold, such as kitchen and bath refreshes, impact windows or a new roof, may still be possible.

1980s and 1990s Homes

Homes from this era often have larger layouts, vaulted ceilings, tile roofs and pool cages. Depending on elevation, they may be good remodel candidates. Popular updates include kitchen and bath renovations, flooring, impact glass, roofing and outdoor living.

2000s and Newer Homes

Newer homes are often built closer to current elevations and may have more remodeling flexibility. Updates typically focus on finishes, technology and outdoor living.

Choosing Materials for Island Remodels

• Porcelain tile floors that handle sand and moisture.
• Quartz or quartzite countertops.
• Moisture-resistant cabinetry construction.
• Coastal-rated plumbing fixtures and lighting.
• Stainless or coated exterior hardware.
• Impact-rated glass with corrosion-resistant frames.
• Flood-resistant materials in areas below the design flood elevation.

Outdoor Living Remodels on Marco Island

The lanai, pool and dock are where Marco Island life happens. Outdoor remodels that make a big difference include:

• Screen enclosure replacement with taller roofs, picture-window panels and corrosion-resistant components.
• Lanai extensions and roof-overs engineered for wind loads.
• Summer kitchens with grills, refrigeration, sinks and bar seating facing the water.
• Pool renovations with new finishes, tile, sun shelves, spas, LED lighting and automation.
• New pavers or porcelain decking that stay cooler underfoot.
• Outdoor showers for after the beach or boating.
• Dock upgrades with new decking, lighting, water and power.
• Boat lift replacement sized for your current vessel.

Strengthening Your Home During a Remodel

• Impact-rated windows and doors.
• New roof with sealed deck and secondary water barrier.
• Wind-rated garage door.
• Elevated mechanical equipment where feasible.
• Flood-resistant finishes in lower areas.
• Standby generator.
• Leak detection and remote monitoring.

Some upgrades may qualify for wind mitigation credits. Ask your insurance agent.

Cost Factors for Marco Island Remodels

• Scope and size.
• Structural changes and additions.
• Hidden conditions in older or storm-damaged homes.
• The substantial improvement threshold.
• Corrosion-resistant materials and island-grade specifications.
• Seawall and dock work.
• Island logistics.
• Finish selections, permits and engineering.

Remodel or Rebuild on Marco Island?

Consider rebuilding when the home sits far below required elevation, has major storm damage, cannot meet your goals within the 50 percent threshold or would need extensive structural changes. Consider remodeling when the home is reasonably elevated, structurally sound and has a layout that can be updated efficiently. We can price both paths so you can decide with your advisors.

Start Your Marco Island Remodel

Ready to refresh or restore your island home? Call (239)-898-1288 or fill out the form below.

More Marco Island Services

If rebuilding makes more sense, explore new home construction on Marco Island and custom home builder services on Marco Island. See our general contractor services on Marco Island, floor-plan homes on Marco Island and lot and home packages on Marco Island. Visit our Marco Island area guide or our remodels and additions overview.

Remodeling While You Are Off the Island

Summer is a popular time to remodel on Marco Island, when many seasonal residents are away. To make it work smoothly, we finalize selections before you leave, order long-lead items early, provide weekly photo and video updates, coordinate with your house watcher or property manager, keep the home secure and protected, follow island work rules and prepare the site for hurricanes. When you return, your renovated home is ready for the season.

Design Ideas for Marco Island Remodels

Homeowners updating their island homes are embracing a bright, relaxed coastal style:

• White and sand-toned palettes with accents of ocean blue or sea-glass green.
• Wood-look porcelain floors throughout living areas and onto the lanai.
• Shaker or flat-panel cabinetry in white or light wood.
• Quartz countertops with subtle veining.
• Open shelving to display coastal decor.
• Frameless glass showers with pebble or large-format tile.
• Statement pendants over kitchen islands.
• Larger impact sliders to frame water views.
• Shiplap or beadboard accents for a beach cottage feel.
• Outdoor living rooms with weather-resistant furniture and fans.

These choices brighten older homes and make them feel connected to the water.

Additions on Marco Island

Adding space on Marco Island requires careful planning. Lots are often compact, with setbacks from the street, side yards and seawall. In flood zones, additions may need to be built at a higher elevation than the existing home, and their cost counts toward the substantial improvement calculation. Common additions include expanded owner’s suites, guest rooms, enlarged great rooms and covered outdoor living spaces. We evaluate feasibility early so you can decide whether an addition or a rebuild best fits your goals.

Aging in Place on Marco Island

Many Marco Island residents plan to enjoy island life for many years. Remodels that support aging in place include curbless showers with benches, grab bars integrated into the design, wider doorways, lever handles, slip-resistant floors, improved lighting and accessible kitchen storage. For elevated homes, a residential elevator or lift can make entry and multiple levels accessible. These changes add comfort and safety while preserving the beauty of your home.

Protecting Your Home and Neighbors

Island neighborhoods are close-knit, and remodeling should respect that. We protect areas of your home not under construction, control dust, keep the site clean and secure, follow city work hours, coordinate deliveries to avoid blocking streets, protect landscaping, seawalls and docks and communicate with neighbors when appropriate. When storms threaten, we secure materials and protect open areas.

Insurance and Documentation

After storm damage, clear documentation helps insurance claims and permitting move forward. We provide written scopes, photos and pricing for repairs, attend adjuster meetings when helpful and keep records organized for your files. For remodels that improve resilience, such as impact glass or a new roof, we provide product information and installation documentation that your insurance agent may request for wind mitigation inspections.

A Thoughtful Approach

Every Marco Island remodel starts with listening and a clear understanding of the rules. We help you decide what is possible, what makes sense financially and what will deliver the most enjoyment. The result is a home that feels refreshed, performs better in island conditions and lets you keep enjoying the waterfront lifestyle you love.

Coordinating Waterfront Projects With Your Remodel

Many Marco Island remodels are a good time to address the waterfront too. Seawalls, docks and boat lifts have their own life spans, and coordinating them with home improvements can save mobilization and reduce disruption. A typical coordinated sequence might begin with a seawall inspection, followed by any seawall replacement, then pool and lanai work, and finally dock and lift installation once the heavy work near the water is complete. Each step involves its own permits and specialists, and we coordinate them so the finished home and waterfront work together beautifully.

Planning Around the Season

Marco Island’s rhythms affect remodeling. Winter brings seasonal residents, more traffic and community preferences for quieter construction. Summer brings fewer residents but more rain and hurricane risk. Interior work can proceed in any season, while roofing, windows, pools, cages and seawall work benefit from careful scheduling. We plan your project around both community expectations and weather so it progresses smoothly and finishes when you need it.

Common Questions About Marco Island Remodels

Homeowners often ask whether they can keep their existing home’s character while updating it, whether impact windows will change the look of their home, how long a kitchen remodel will take on the island and whether they should address the seawall first. The answers depend on the home, its elevation, its condition and your goals. We walk through each question during your consultation and give you clear, practical guidance.

Helpful Guides

• The FEMA 50% rule explained
• Hurricane-resistant home features
• How to choose a general contractor
• Impact windows vs hurricane shutters
• Rebuild or repair after hurricane damage?

Browse all of our home building resources.