When it comes to home improvement, the terms “renovation” and “remodeling” are often used interchangeably. However, it’s essential to understand the difference between these two, especially when communicating with potential contractors. Both renovation and remodeling can enhance your living space, but they involve distinct levels of depth and scope. In this guide, we will explore the contrast between renovation and remodeling and help you determine which of these two is the best option for your next home project.
Renovation: Making Old Spaces Breathe and New Again
Renovation is the process of updating the appearance of your home while maintaining its existing layout and structure. If you have a home with a floor plan you love but wish to refresh just its appearance, a renovation is the way to go. Renovating is generally more DIY-friendly, as it involves tasks such as painting, installing new flooring, refacing cabinets, and swapping light fixtures. Even beginner DIYers can handle these tasks with relative ease.
Renovation projects aim to achieve a like-new state for specific areas of your home. For example, you might refinish the floors, apply a fresh coat of paint, update plumbing fixtures, change door hardware, or add trim to enhance the overall look and feel of the space.
Remodeling: Restructuring and Transforming
On the other hand, remodeling is a more extensive undertaking that involves restructuring and significantly altering a part or whole of your home. Remodeling may include projects that are within the interior remodeling scope such as adding new rooms, changing floor plans, building additions, or finishing a basement. These tasks often require more complex work, such as relocating infrastructure, adding electrical wiring, or redoing plumbing systems and as such, requires the help of the professionals.
Unlike renovations, remodeling typically necessitates obtaining permits and approvals from local authorities, especially for historically registered properties. Since remodeling involves major structural changes, it usually costs more than renovations. Tasks like removing walls, adding central AC, or building an extra level usually demand a considerable amount of money.
Cost and Value Considerations
In terms of cost, renovations generally prove more budget-friendly than remodeling. Structural changes and major additions significantly impact the expenses, while renovation tasks can be more accurately budgeted for upfront. Renovations often yield a higher return on investment (ROI) when it comes to home resale. A renovated home looks updated and move-in ready, making it more appealing to potential buyers.
DIY-friendly renovations often offer a higher ROI compared to remodel jobs that require contractors. Renovations such as kitchen upgrades, bathroom upgrades and basement additions could actually improve and eventually help increase home value. Taking on some tasks yourself can save significant money and enhance the overall value of your project.
However, the actual ROI can vary based on factors like total investment cost, location, market conditions, and project scope. It’s important to note that not all updates are equally profitable, and the national average shows that only a small percentage of home updates recoup 100% or more of the initial investment.
When looking to improve your home, it is a must to be vigilant of shoddy renovations done by flippers. They might prioritize visual appeal while neglecting necessary structural improvements. To avoid unpleasant surprises, hiring a thorough home inspection by a licensed contractor is highly advised before doing anything.
Understanding the difference between renovation and remodeling is crucial when planning your home improvement journey. Renovation is all about rejuvenating and refreshing specific areas of your home while retaining the existing layout. This process often targets worn-out or outdated components, such as worn-out and old-looking walls, floors, or fixtures. Through renovation, you can breathe new life into your living spaces without the need for extensive structural changes. The primary aim here is to renew and enhance aesthetics, functionality, and comfort without completely altering the fundamental design.
On the other hand, remodeling takes home improvement to a more higher level, as it involves extensive restructuring and alterations to the existing layout. In a remodeling project, the focus is not only on updating specific areas but on transforming the entire configuration of a space. This could entail knocking down walls, changing room layouts, and home additions such as new rooms or extensions.
While renovation targets surface-level improvements, remodeling delves into the core of a home’s structure. It allows for a more personalized and customized approach, enabling homeowners to create spaces that align perfectly with their lifestyle and personal preferences. However, the extensive nature of remodeling also means that it typically requires a significant larger budget and a more extended timeline compared to simple renovations.
When planning your home improvement journey, it is essential to carefully assess your goals, budget, and the scope of changes you wanted to make. If you’re content with your home’s layout but want to ust refresh its appearance, a renovation might be the ideal choice. On the other hand, if you have a grand vision of entirely transforming your living spaces and are willing to invest in a more significant undertaking, remodeling could be the path to achieving your dream home.
At Elizabeth Remodeling Company, we offer expertise in both renovation and remodeling projects. Our team of skilled professionals can guide you through the process, from the simplest updates to the most complex transformations. Whether you’re looking to revitalize a room or envision a complete home overhaul, we’re here to make your dream home a reality.
Contact us today to discuss your home improvement needs and discover the possibilities for your space. At Elizabeth Remodeling Company, we pride ourselves on delivering exceptional results and ensuring your satisfaction throughout the entire journey. Let’s create a living space that truly reflects your style and exceeds your expectations!
