Planning to sell your Merritt Island home or refresh it for the market? A coastal-smart kitchen can be the feature that wins buyers and boosts your bottom line. You want a look that feels fresh and beach-ready, plus materials that hold up to salt, humidity, and everyday use. In this guide, you’ll get local design ideas, durability tips, realistic costs, ROI guidance, and permitting basics tailored to Merritt Island. Let’s dive in.
What Merritt Island buyers want
Merritt Island’s laid-back, waterfront lifestyle draws buyers who value light, bright spaces and easy entertaining. The island’s median age skews a bit older, so many shoppers prioritize function, low maintenance, and energy efficiency for month-to-month savings. See local age trends in the area’s profile on Florida Demographics.
Given the island’s low elevation and lagoon setting, flood risk and storm resilience are frequent considerations in a remodel. Learn more about the geography on Merritt Island’s overview.
Design choices that sell
Light coastal palettes
Buyers respond to soft, airy color schemes. Think warm whites, dune and sand tones, and subtle sea-glass blues or greens. Layer natural textures like white oak, rattan, and woven pendants for warmth without going nautical kitsch. For inspiration, see these beach-kitchen ideas from Coohom.
Islands and easy flow
Open islands and breakfast bars fit the Space Coast lifestyle. A generous single island with seating or a double-island layout invites gatherings and photographs beautifully for listings. See buyer-friendly layouts in this coastal design guide from Coastlinez.
Finishes buyers expect
Stainless steel appliances remain the baseline. Mixed-metal accents in matte or soft-brushed finishes feel current and show better than shiny chrome. Subtle, neutral finishes tend to outperform bold, highly personalized color schemes at resale. For a trend watch on softer appliance finishes, see Good Housekeeping.
Durable, low-maintenance materials
Countertops that resist stains
Quartz and porcelain deliver the coastal trifecta: low maintenance, non-porous, and strong visual appeal. They resist staining better than many natural stones and require less frequent sealing.
Cabinet strategies
Classic Shaker or slab doors in painted whites, light grays, or natural wood tones appeal to a wide range of buyers. If your boxes are solid, consider cabinet refacing or repainting with new hardware. It is a cost-effective way to get a like-new look.
Flooring that handles humidity
Porcelain tile or quality luxury vinyl plank perform better than solid hardwood in humid, salty air. They resist cupping and warping and are easier to maintain in coastal homes.
Appliances and hardware made for the coast
Choose higher-grade stainless steel appliances for longevity and ENERGY STAR models for efficiency. For exposed metal or homes very close to saltwater, specify corrosion-resistant hardware and fasteners. Marine-grade stainless or solid brass performs better than thin plated parts in coastal conditions, per this corrosion overview from Calico Outdoors.
Plan for salt, storms, and permits
Guard against corrosion
Salt air accelerates rust and pitting. Rinse and wipe exterior metal surfaces regularly, choose quality powder-coated or PVD finishes for fixtures, and avoid cheap plated hardware. These small choices reduce maintenance and keep your kitchen looking new longer, as outlined by Calico Outdoors.
Flood-smart details
Parts of Merritt Island fall within FEMA Special Flood Hazard Areas. In first-floor remodels where flood risk applies, consider placing outlets and switches higher on the wall, using flood-resistant materials at lower wall zones, and protecting mechanicals where practical. Review flood insurance basics in the NFIP overview and check your property’s status before you finalize scope.
Permits in Brevard County
If your project touches electrical, plumbing, mechanical, or structural elements, you likely need a Residential Renovation permit. Licensed contractors can submit online, while owner-builders often apply in person. Start early to avoid delays. See Brevard’s current guidance here: Residential Renovation permits.
Budget ranges and ROI
Setting the right budget matters for resale. Here are typical regional ranges. Your quotes may vary based on scope and finishes.
- Minor update, cosmetic focus: repaint or reface cabinets, new hardware, quartz counters, backsplash, lighting. Often about 15,000 to 40,000, per NerdWallet’s cost guide.
- Midrange remodel: semi-custom cabinets, new counters, appliance upgrades, some layout tweaks and flooring. Commonly 40,000 to 80,000, per this 2025 guide from DC Pro Flooring.
- Upscale or major remodel: custom cabinetry, structural changes, premium materials, high-end appliances. Typically 80,000 plus and can go much higher.
When it comes to resale, minor and midrange improvements usually recoup a higher share of cost than full luxury overhauls. Keep the layout functional, finishes neutral, and materials durable to appeal to the widest pool of buyers.
Quick remodel checklist
- Confirm flood zone and elevation, then plan any flood-smart placement of outlets and materials. Start with the NFIP overview.
- Verify Brevard County permit requirements and contractor licensing. See Residential Renovation permits.
- Choose coastal-smart specs: quartz or porcelain counters, porcelain tile or LVP floors, higher-grade stainless appliances, and solid-metal hardware. For broad design cues and must-have features, review this coastal design guide.
- Keep the palette light and layered with natural textures. See examples from Coohom.
- Photograph well: declutter counters, highlight island seating, and frame views toward the lanai or water where present.
Staging to showcase your upgrade
Good listing photos sell the story of easy coastal living. Style a clean island with two or three natural accents, clear most countertop appliances, and let natural light do the work. Neutral coastal palettes and visible indoor-outdoor flow help online shoppers picture themselves at home.
Ready to plan a remodel that pays off when you list? For local pricing, buyer expectations, and a marketing plan that spotlights your upgrades, connect with Tony Granato. Our Space Coast team pairs neighborhood expertise with a marketing-first strategy to help you sell with confidence.
FAQs
Do I need a permit for a Merritt Island kitchen remodel?
- Most projects that involve electrical, plumbing, mechanical, or structural work require a Residential Renovation permit in Brevard County. Review current rules and start early using the county’s guidance on Residential Renovation permits.
How do I protect my kitchen from salt air and humidity on Merritt Island?
- Choose quartz or porcelain counters, porcelain tile or LVP floors, higher-grade stainless appliances, and solid-metal hardware. Routine cleaning and corrosion-aware finishes help, as outlined by Calico Outdoors.
What is a realistic budget for a coastal kitchen remodel in Brevard County?
- Minor cosmetic updates often run 15,000 to 40,000, midrange 40,000 to 80,000, and upscale 80,000 plus. See ranges from NerdWallet and this 2025 guide from DC Pro Flooring.
Will a kitchen remodel increase my Merritt Island home’s resale value?
- Well-executed minor or midrange remodels often return a higher share of cost than full luxury overhauls. Local comps and buyer demand ultimately set value, so tailor your scope to neighborhood expectations.
Do I need flood insurance after remodeling my kitchen on Merritt Island?
- Remodeling does not change FEMA flood maps. If your property is in a Special Flood Hazard Area, a lender may require flood insurance. Review basics in the NFIP overview and confirm requirements with your insurer or lender.
