Often, people use remodeling and renovating interchangeably. However, the two have distinct differences. These differences are familiar to new house builders, contractors, and other experts in the construction industry.
For this article, we discuss the definition of renovation and remodeling. By doing so, homeowners can decide whether their homes need to either renovate or remodel.
Renovation
In the simplest sense, to renovate means to revive. Applying the term to construction, renovation involves reviving old aspects of the home such as old cabinets, walls, etc. Renovating parts of a house may involve repainting, installing brand-new fixtures, and adding new finishes.
Renovation can also be equated to tweaking parts of a home. But it will never involve huge alterations to the original design.
Why is there a need to renovate?
Usually, homeowners do home renovations to meet updated construction standards. A home with lead paint, for example, may need repainting because the US Environment Protection Agency has already banned the use of the material.
Renovation can be done to make a home more attractive, too. At the same time, it is a chance to personalize a home by adding touches that reflect a homeowner’s personality. Replacing old kitchen cabinets, for example, can involve materials that a homeowner likes.
At the same time, a home renovation can increase a home’s resale value. Doing home renovations is ideal because it costs less to make minimal changes in a home. Less cost of renovation minus higher resale value equates to a higher return on investment.
Home renovations can also be done after buying a low-cost home. This may require a little more financing, though. Therefore, Business Insider recommends taking a home-renovation loan when renovating lower-priced homes that need minor fixing. Some homeowners usually choose this option because it gives them more freedom in creating the value of their home.
To renovate or buy a new home
CNBC shares in an article how homeowners can decide whether to renovate or buy a new home. If one chooses to renovate a home, the key is proper planning and organizing. According to the article, homeowners should first consider the safety of a home when renovating.
We’ve already mentioned lead paint in the upper portion of the article. This is harmful to human health and should be the priority in a renovation. At the same time, asbestos may also be present in the home; this could be potentially dangerous, too, and should be one of the first areas of the house to be taken care of.
When simple renovations cannot remedy areas of a home, it may be time to buy a new home. A growing family, for instance, may need a new home because a renovation cannot simply squeeze in new rooms into a home. Additionally, as there is capped value for a home depending on its location, huge renovations may only cause trouble.
To help a homeowner assess a home’s value after renovation, real estate agents can help.
Remodeling
Unlike renovation, remodeling may involve extensive alterations. Instead of reviving a part of a home’s original design, home remodeling involves remaking the structure of a home. This means when one chooses to remodel, the structure, style, and layout of parts of a home are changed.
Why is there a need to remodel?
Sometimes, homeowners may wish to change the layout of their homes into an open floor plan. This is the function of remodeling. Installing a new kitchen island is considered a remodeling, too, because it is not part of the home’s original design.
Remodeling is essential if a homeowner wishes to make rooms in the home more functional. Additionally, the National Association of Home Builders shares several reasons to undergo home remodeling. These reasons include providing additional spaces in the home and improving a house’s energy efficiency.
To improve a home’s energy efficiency, installing new doors, windows, climate control systems, and insulation might be necessary. Like home renovations, doing home remodeling can increase the value of one’s home, too.
How to start remodeling
Like renovations, remodeling requires proper planning. One must be able to create a prioritized list of what they need for the home’s new features. Searching design ideas in magazines and websites can help figure out the new design one wants in their home.
Elements such as lighting, furniture size, and traffic patterns must be considered in the remodeling plan. If you’re not knowledgeable in these aspects, there are always professionals that can assist in home remodeling.
To Renovate or to Remodel: What’s the Answer?
As remodeling involves drastic changes, it will naturally cost more than renovation. Therefore, budget is a significant consideration when it comes to deciding whether to renovate or remodel. However, if you have a budget, remodeling can give you more freedom to recreate a home that you really want.
