Construction Cost Calculator
Free Instant Estimates for Southwest Florida Projects. Get a preliminary cost range for new homes, kitchen remodels, bathroom renovations, stucco, and drywall work — in seconds.
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Contact UsNew Home Construction Estimator
Estimate the cost of building a new home in Southwest Florida.
Kitchen Remodel Estimator
Estimate the cost of your kitchen renovation in Southwest Florida.
Galley or U-shape
L-shape with island
Open-concept chef's kitchen
Bathroom Remodel Estimator
Estimate the cost of your bathroom renovation in Southwest Florida.
~25 sqft
~50 sqft
~100+ sqft
Stucco / EIFS Cost Estimator
Estimate the cost of stucco work for your Southwest Florida property.
Drywall Cost Estimator
Estimate the cost of drywall installation or repair in Southwest Florida.
* This is a preliminary estimate based on 2026 Southwest Florida averages. Actual costs vary based on site conditions, material selections, permitting, and project complexity. Contact CR Benge for a free, detailed in-home consultation and accurate proposal.
Get Your Detailed Cost Breakdown
See itemized costs for every category — free, no obligation.
Itemized Cost Breakdown
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A CR Benge project manager will contact you within 1 business day with a personalized proposal based on your specific project details.
How Much Does Construction Cost in Southwest Florida?
Whether you are building a custom home on a waterfront lot, renovating your kitchen and bathrooms, or repairing stucco damage from hurricane season, understanding realistic costs is the first step in planning a successful project. Southwest Florida construction costs reflect the region's unique demands: hurricane-rated materials, strict building codes, and the specialized labor needed to work in our tropical climate.
The cost guides below are based on 2026 market data from Lee and Collier County projects. Use these ranges alongside the interactive calculator above to develop a preliminary budget, then contact CR Benge for a free, no-obligation in-home consultation with an accurate, itemized proposal.
New Home Construction Costs
Building a new home in Southwest Florida in 2026 typically costs between $200 and $500 per square foot, depending on the level of finishes, lot conditions, and structural requirements. A standard-quality 2,500 sqft home generally falls in the $500,000 to $750,000 range, while custom and luxury builds can reach $1 million or more.
Key factors that influence your new home construction cost include:
- Lot preparation: Fill, compaction, and site work vary significantly across Bonita Springs, Naples, Fort Myers, and Estero — especially on waterfront or flood-zone lots.
- Hurricane engineering: Florida Building Code requires impact-rated windows, reinforced roof-to-wall connections, and wind-rated garage doors, adding 10-15% over non-coastal builds.
- Foundation type: Slab-on-grade is most common; elevated or pile foundations for flood zones can add $20,000 to $60,000.
- Material selections: The gap between builder-grade laminate and custom marble, hardwood, and designer tile accounts for the largest price difference between Standard and Luxury tiers.
- Pool and outdoor living: A screened pool enclosure with a summer kitchen is one of the most requested add-ons in Southwest Florida, typically ranging from $55,000 to $120,000.
- Permitting and impact fees: Lee and Collier Counties charge impact fees that can total $15,000 to $30,000 depending on location and home size.
Kitchen Remodel Costs
A kitchen renovation in Southwest Florida ranges from $18,000 for a budget-friendly small kitchen refresh to $160,000+ for a large, high-end chef's kitchen. The average mid-range kitchen remodel in the Bonita Springs and Naples area falls between $45,000 and $75,000.
Factors that drive kitchen remodel pricing:
- Cabinetry: Stock cabinets start around $5,000; semi-custom runs $12,000 to $25,000; fully custom cabinetry can exceed $40,000. Cabinets typically account for 30-35% of the total budget.
- Countertops: Laminate starts at $15/sqft; quartz averages $60-$100/sqft; natural marble and quartzite range from $80 to $200/sqft installed.
- Layout changes: Moving plumbing, removing load-bearing walls, or opening the kitchen to the living area adds $5,000 to $15,000 in structural and mechanical work.
- Appliance package: A standard appliance suite runs $3,000 to $6,000; a premium Sub-Zero, Wolf, or Thermador package can reach $25,000 to $40,000.
- Electrical upgrades: Older homes often need a panel upgrade, new circuits for modern appliances, and added outlets to meet current code — adding $2,000 to $6,000.
Bathroom Remodel Costs
Bathroom renovations in Southwest Florida range from $8,000 for a basic half-bath refresh to $100,000+ for a luxury master bath transformation. A typical full bathroom remodel with mid-range finishes costs between $25,000 and $40,000.
What influences bathroom remodel pricing:
- Tile and stone: Ceramic tile starts at $5/sqft; porcelain averages $8-$15/sqft; natural stone (marble, travertine) ranges from $15 to $50/sqft. Tile work is typically the largest line item at 22-28% of the budget.
- Shower enclosures: A standard tub/shower combo with ceramic surround runs $2,000-$4,000; a frameless glass walk-in shower with custom tile can cost $8,000-$15,000.
- Plumbing relocation: If you are reconfiguring the layout, moving drain lines and supply pipes through a concrete slab adds $3,000-$7,000.
- Vanity and countertop: A stock vanity with cultured marble runs $500-$1,500; a custom floating vanity with quartz or marble countertop ranges from $3,000 to $8,000.
- Ventilation and waterproofing: Proper moisture management is critical in Florida's humid climate. Expect $1,000-$3,000 for new exhaust fans, cement board, and membrane waterproofing.
Stucco and EIFS Costs
Stucco is the dominant exterior finish for Southwest Florida homes and commercial buildings. New stucco application typically costs $9 to $14 per square foot, while re-stucco projects (removing and replacing deteriorated stucco) range from $10 to $16 per square foot. A typical 2,500 sqft home exterior requires 3,000-4,000 sqft of wall area.
Stucco cost factors specific to Southwest Florida:
- Finish type: Smooth finishes require more labor and skill, adding 10-15% over sand or float finishes. Skip trowel and other textured finishes fall in between.
- EIFS (Exterior Insulation and Finish System): EIFS provides superior insulation and moisture management but costs 30-50% more than traditional stucco. It is increasingly popular for energy efficiency in Florida's heat.
- Crack repair scope: Hairline cracks can be filled and coated for $500-$2,000; structural cracking that requires lath replacement and re-application costs $5,000 to $15,000 depending on the area.
- Scaffolding: Multi-story homes require scaffolding, adding $1,500 to $5,000 to the project. Single-story homes may only need ladders and basic staging.
- Painting and coating: An elastomeric coating over new or repaired stucco adds protection against Florida rain and UV exposure, typically $2-$4/sqft additional.
Drywall Installation and Repair Costs
Drywall costs in Southwest Florida range from $2.25 to $4.50 per square foot for new installation, depending on the finish level. Repair and patching work typically costs $3 to $8 per square foot, while water damage restoration that includes mold remediation can reach $5 to $14 per square foot.
Drywall pricing considerations:
- Finish levels: Level 3 (tape and coat) is suitable for garages and storage areas. Level 4 (standard) is for most living spaces with flat or eggshell paint. Level 5 (skim coat, zero defects) is required for gloss paint or areas with critical lighting.
- Water damage complexity: Simple drywall replacement after a plumbing leak costs $500-$2,000. Hurricane or flood damage requiring mold remediation, structural drying, and full re-installation can run $5,000 to $30,000+ depending on the affected area.
- Ceiling work: Overhead drywall installation costs 15-25% more than walls due to the difficulty and equipment required. Vaulted and cathedral ceilings add even more.
- Texture matching: Matching existing knockdown, orange peel, or popcorn texture during repairs requires skilled labor and adds $0.50-$2.00/sqft to the project.
- Insulation: If walls are opened during repair, upgrading insulation adds $1-$3/sqft but can significantly reduce cooling costs in Florida's climate.
Why Trust CR Benge for Your Construction Project?
CR Benge Construction has been Southwest Florida's trusted builder since 2006. Here is why homeowners across Bonita Springs, Naples, Fort Myers, Estero, and Marco Island choose us for their construction, remodeling, stucco, and drywall projects.
- 20 years of local experience: We have completed hundreds of projects across Lee and Collier Counties, from custom waterfront homes to commercial stucco restorations.
- Licensed and insured: CR Benge holds active State of Florida General Contractor and Building Contractor licenses with full liability and workers' compensation coverage.
- In-house drywall and stucco crews: Unlike general contractors who subcontract everything, CR Benge employs dedicated drywall and stucco professionals for consistent quality control.
- Transparent pricing: Every proposal includes detailed, itemized cost breakdowns. No hidden fees, no surprise change orders, no bait-and-switch estimates.
- Hurricane-rated construction: Every project meets or exceeds Florida Building Code wind resistance and impact requirements. We build for Southwest Florida's storm season.
- Free consultations: We provide no-obligation in-home consultations with detailed written proposals, so you can compare and make an informed decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
How accurate is the construction cost calculator?
The calculator provides preliminary estimates based on 2026 Southwest Florida market averages. It is designed to give you a realistic budget range, but actual costs depend on your specific lot, material selections, local permitting fees, and project complexity. For an accurate, binding proposal, schedule a free consultation with CR Benge.
How long does it take to build a new home in Southwest Florida?
A standard new home build typically takes 8-12 months from permit approval to certificate of occupancy. Custom and luxury homes may take 12-18 months. Permitting in Lee and Collier Counties currently takes 4-8 weeks. CR Benge provides a detailed construction timeline during the proposal process.
Do I need a permit for kitchen and bathroom remodels?
In most cases, yes. Any work that involves structural changes, plumbing modifications, or electrical upgrades requires a permit in both Lee and Collier Counties. Cosmetic-only updates (painting, hardware, countertop replacement without plumbing changes) generally do not. CR Benge handles all permitting as part of our service.
How often should stucco be inspected or maintained in Florida?
We recommend a visual inspection every 1-2 years and after any major storm. Common issues include hairline cracking from settling, moisture intrusion around windows and penetrations, and staining from mold or algae. Catching problems early with a repair ($500-$3,000) prevents major re-stucco projects ($15,000-$50,000+).
What is the difference between stucco and EIFS?
Traditional stucco is a cement-based plaster applied over wire lath. EIFS (Exterior Insulation and Finish System) adds a layer of rigid insulation board before the finish coat, providing better thermal performance and moisture resistance. EIFS costs 30-50% more but can reduce cooling costs by 15-25% in Florida's climate.
Does CR Benge offer financing?
While CR Benge does not provide direct financing, we work with several preferred lenders who specialize in construction loans and home improvement financing. We can provide referrals during your consultation. Many clients also use home equity lines of credit (HELOC) for remodeling projects.
What areas does CR Benge serve?
CR Benge Construction serves all of Southwest Florida, including Bonita Springs, Naples, Fort Myers, Estero, Cape Coral, Marco Island, Sanibel, Lehigh Acres, and the surrounding communities in Lee and Collier Counties.