Every year, the Space Coast Home Builders and Contractors Association hosts the Parade of Homes. The Parade showcases model homes throughout Brevard County, often featuring upwards of twenty entries. The event spans ten days and is a phenomenal way for both prospective buyers and curious locals to tour the area’s home building scene.
At DiPrima Homes, we always enter at least one of our models. This year, we selected our Villa Lucca model in Casabella. Construction began on this home in 2023, with completion over the summer of 2024, just in time for last year’s Parade. Because we had not yet updated our standard features package at that time, the model was built with an older set of finishes and options. For the 2025 Parade, we decided to introduce a handful of easy upgrades to keep the home looking fresh and modern for returning visitors.
If you’re looking to refresh your own home, many of these same upgrades are worth considering. They are relatively low-cost, simple to install after the fact, and can provide a surprising boost in both daily convenience and long-term appeal. Whether you own a brand-new luxury home in Satellite Beach or a well-loved property in Cocoa Beach, small updates can make your home feel new again.
Interior Upgrades
One of the easiest ways to modernize your home is by adding smart technology and subtle finishing touches indoors. For this year’s Parade, we started with a Ring Doorbell, which not only adds curbside appeal but also provides security and peace of mind. It allows homeowners to monitor deliveries, greet guests remotely, and deter unwanted visitors with two-way audio and video.
We paired this with a Kwikset keyless entry system, a small but impactful convenience. With smart locks, you never have to worry about losing keys or leaving the door unlocked. Families with teenagers, houseguests, or service providers find this upgrade especially useful, as it allows for temporary or scheduled access codes.
Another impactful addition was the Nest Learning Thermostat, which automatically adapts to your preferences and can significantly improve energy efficiency. Over time, it “learns” your schedule, reducing utility costs without sacrificing comfort.
Beyond smart technology, small details make a difference. Screwless wall plates, for example, may seem minor, but they instantly clean up the look of a room and complement a modern aesthetic. We also installed in-ceiling speakers, which offer a discreet, built-in solution for whole-home audio without cluttering shelves or countertops with equipment. To tie everything together, we wired in an iPad for home automation, serving as a central hub where homeowners can control lights, security, and climate with a single touch.
For homeowners in Melbourne, Titusville, or West Melbourne, these upgrades are excellent retrofits that provide everyday convenience while adding value to your property.
Our Entry, Through the Ring Doorbell
Exterior Upgrades
Refreshing the outside of your home can be just as rewarding as updating the inside. At the Villa Lucca, we chose improvements that were affordable yet immediately noticeable. One of the most effective changes was sealing the pavers. Not only does this deepen the color and create a sleek finish, but it also helps protect the driveway and patio surfaces from stains, weeds, and weathering.
We also refreshed the landscaping with new mulch and a selection of plants. Simple changes like this make a model home feel brand new, but the same principle applies to any residence. A weekend spent mulching beds, adding flowering shrubs, or trimming existing greenery can breathe life back into a home’s exterior without major expense. Together, these changes gave the Villa Lucca a sharper curb appeal for Parade visitors.
If you live in Indialantic or Indian Harbour Beach, landscaping updates and sealed pavers are especially impactful, as coastal weather can fade exterior finishes more quickly.
Other Upgrades to Consider
While we did not include them in the model this year, there are several additional upgrades worth mentioning. A Ring Floodlight Cam is an excellent companion to the Ring Doorbell, providing motion-activated lighting and security coverage for side yards, garages, or back patios. It’s an easy installation that boosts both safety and peace of mind.
For homeowners who spend a lot of time in their garage, epoxy flooring is a game-changer. Not only does it create a polished, showroom-like appearance, but it also resists stains, tire marks, and moisture. This is a particularly popular option in Florida, where humidity can take a toll on unfinished concrete.
Lastly, smart switches are an easy step toward whole-home automation. They allow you to control lighting remotely, set schedules, and even create “scenes” for different times of day, such as dimming lights for movie night or brightening the house before guests arrive.
Bringing It All Together
Refreshing your home doesn’t have to mean starting a major remodel or spending a fortune. As we demonstrated with our Villa Lucca model, a few thoughtful upgrades can dramatically change the look and feel of a house. Whether it’s adding smart technology inside, protecting and beautifying the exterior, or introducing a few lifestyle-oriented improvements, these upgrades can make your home more enjoyable while also enhancing its long-term value.
At DiPrima Homes, we believe your house should grow with you. Trends change, lifestyles evolve, and technology advances, but keeping your home current doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With small, manageable updates, you can keep your space feeling fresh for years to come. As a trusted custom home builder in Brevard County, we are proud to help homeowners in Melbourne, Satellite Beach, Titusville, Cocoa Beach, and beyond create and maintain beautiful, luxury homes that stand the test of time.