Palm Springs Home Renovation Guide: Costs, Tips & Best ROI Projects
Remodeling Your Palm Springs Home: What You Need to Know Before You Begin
Owning a home in Palm Springs is a dream come true for many people. Whether it’s a classic mid-century Alexander, a charming 1980s ranch, or even a vintage 1960s mobile home, the desert lifestyle attracts homeowners who want to make their space shine. And thanks to HGTV, remodeling a home might seem easy — just grab some paint, knock out a wall, and you’re done, right?
Not exactly. Renovating a Palm Springs home can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it also comes with challenges. After remodeling multiple homes over the past 25 years here in the Coachella Valley, I want to share what I’ve learned so you can be prepared — and avoid costly mistakes.
Remodeling Today vs. 10 Years Ago
Remodeling in 2025 is a very different experience than it was a decade ago.
For one, costs have skyrocketed. Did you install a water heater for $800 in 2014? Expect to spend closer to $1,500 today. A new AC system that cost $7,000 ten years ago now often costs $14,000. Tariffs have pushed up prices even for building materials. I used to budget $400 for a new front door — my most recent project? Those doors were quoted at $1,500 each!
In the past, you could remodel a mid-century Alexander home in Palm Springs’ Racquet Club Estates neighborhood for about $100,000. Today, a similar project can easily cost $200,000 or more, depending on finishes and design choices.
Availability of materials is another challenge. On one project, I ordered steel-frame sliding doors to match the original windows in my vintage mobile home. The wait time was two months, delaying my entire project. In the end, I reluctantly went with an in-stock vinyl door from a local hardware store just to keep the project moving.
Lesson: The longer it takes to get materials, the more time you spend paying your mortgage, utilities, and other carrying costs—something to seriously consider if you’re planning to flip a home.
Finding the Right Contractor & Designer
Having a reliable team is the single most important factor in a successful remodel. But with demand high and supply of skilled labor limited, good contractors are busy. If someone is available to start immediately, ask why—it could be a red flag.
Here are some tips for finding a trustworthy contractor in Palm Springs:
- Get recommendations. Ask neighbors, friends, or your real estate agent. Local Facebook groups and Nextdoor can be helpful too.
- Check reviews. Look for contractors with a strong track record on sites like Houzz, Yelp, and Google.
- Verify licenses and insurance. Hiring unlicensed workers is risky — if there’s an accident on your property, you may be liable.
- Meet in person. Chemistry matters. You’ll be working closely with your contractor, so choose someone you trust and communicate well with.
And don’t forget: a contractor is not a designer. If you want your home to truly reflect that Palm Springs mid-century modern look, hire a local designer. Many talented designers in the desert specialize in restoring or reimagining these iconic homes. A designer can help you select finishes, create a cohesive look, and avoid expensive mistakes.
Typical Remodel Costs in Palm Springs
Every project is different, but here’s a ballpark idea of what you can expect to spend in 2025:
- Kitchen Remodel: $50,000 – $100,000+ depending on appliances, cabinetry, and layout changes
- Bathroom Remodel: $25,000 – $50,000+ per bathroom
- New HVAC System: $12,000 – $15,000
- New Windows & Doors: $30,000 – $60,000 for a mid-size home with custom steel frames
- Pool Remodel: $40,000 – $75,000+ if you’re resurfacing, adding new equipment, or updating decking
- Full House Renovation: $200,000 – $400,000+ depending on square footage and finishes
These numbers may seem daunting, but they help you budget realistically — and avoid the dreaded “remodel shock” once bids start coming in.
Define Your Goals Before You Begin
Ask yourself: Why am I remodeling?
- If it’s for resale: Stick with timeless, broadly appealing design choices that will attract the widest pool of buyers.
- If it’s for yourself: Personalize it, but be mindful that every home is eventually sold. Avoid overly niche choices that might hurt resale value later.
I’ve seen countless clients spend tens of thousands of dollars on a dream bathroom or ultra-modern kitchen — only to have the next buyer rip it all out. The key is balance: make it yours, but keep future buyers in mind.
Best Remodeling Projects for ROI
If you are considering selling your home, the following projects typically offer the highest return on investment in Palm Springs:
- Kitchen Refresh: New cabinetry, countertops, and appliances can dramatically increase market value.
- Bathroom Upgrades: Spa-like bathrooms are a huge selling point in this resort town.
- Landscaping & Curb Appeal: A wonderful first impression can sell a home before the buyer steps inside.
- Outdoor Living Areas: Shade structures, fire pits, and pools add real lifestyle value in the desert.
- Energy Efficiency: Dual-pane windows and modern HVAC systems appeal to cost-conscious buyers.
Buying a Home to Flip: Key Considerations
If you’re planning to buy a Palm Springs property specifically to flip, the most important decision is which home you buy.
Here’s what you need to consider:
- Run the numbers carefully. Please ensure you are able to purchase the home, manage its expenses, cover any improvements, and still achieve a profit upon selling.
- Set a profit goal. For some, a $25,000 return is worth a few months of work. Others want $100,000+.
- Add 25% to your budget. Renovations almost always cost more than expected — padding your budget reduces stress.
- Work with a savvy realtor. Choose an agent who understands renovations (like me or others on my team!) and knows a good deal when they see one. These opportunities are rare, and the best ones often go to loyal clients.Here are just a few of our agents on my team that have renovation experience:Paul Kaplan - Has renovated over 25 homes from mobile homes to mid-century properties. Excels on doing remodels on a tight budget.Clay Baham- Lots of experience working with investors that do flips; plus he's remodeled his own mid-century home in Racquet Club EstatesNiko Esposito- Niko has an eye for details! Great hip style, with a background in remodelingDiann Johnson- Diann has mad glam style - if you're looking for a more movie-star-type remodel, she's your girl. She works with a number of investors tooSara Swanson- Sara has remodeled everything from upstate New York farmhouses to her mid-century bungalow in Palm Desert.Mike Johnson - You should see the William Cody condo he renovated! He's also helped renovate a mobile home for his mom!Peter Roa- Peter recently renovated a classic Spanish triplex—and knows the ins and outs of renovating a vintage propertyGreg and Kiki Tormo - Ok if you want a Tiki/Kitsch vibe, the Tormos are who you want to talk to! They live the Palm Springs lifestyle better than anyone!Alex Dethier—Probably the most beautiful mid-century renovation I've seen is his own personal home in Sunrise Park. He and his wife have classic mid-century style. Alex is great at valuing homes too and can give expert advice on what to expect for a resale.Lisa Ferretti: Ok, she is the expert if you're remodeling a manufactured home—it is pure magic what she does with her renovations!
Furthermore, be ready to act quickly. Have your financing in place and be prepared to buy “as is.” Sellers of the best deals typically won’t offer credits or make repairs. A promise to re-list the property with the same realtor once you sell can also help you get first crack at future deals.
Final Thoughts
Remodeling a Palm Springs home can be one of the most rewarding projects you take on — if you go into it with your eyes open. Budget realistically, hire the right team, and have a clear vision for what you want to achieve. Whether you’re creating your dream home or flipping for profit, thoughtful planning will save you time, money, and stress.
And if you’re ready to start your home search, my team and I would love to help you find the perfect property to transform. Reach out to us at 760-459-1396 to get started. www.PaulKaplanGroup.com
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