Regular home upgrades keep your most crucial investment in tip-top shape for the long haul. However, a lot of these projects require careful consideration to ensure that you don’t bite off more than you can chew and get excellent returns on your investment at the same time. An essential part of planning is identifying whether your house needs a renovation or a remodel, begging the question: “What is the difference between the two?” This blog will give you an abridged and streamlined insight on the matter and help you decide which one suits your needs the most. See below the three most asked questions about renovating vs. remodeling and our verdict on your dilemma!
How Do You Define Renovating vs. Remodeling?
In the most straightforward terms, remodeling is a large-scale project wherein contractors often completely change the house’s layout – whether partially or entirely. After a remodel, you can expect your home to look and feel exceptionally different. You may end up with fewer or more rooms, or you could have or lose a second story. Simply put, remodeling includes altering the structure of your home. Removing walls to merge rooms, ordering home additions – such as a patio or mudroom, and opening up your basement are all considered remodeling projects.
On the flip side, renovating is a more “conservative” option. It also changes the facade of a room or home but primarily keeps the layout, structure, and purpose. Renovating can offer you a refreshed spatial look and vibe, but the floor plan and foundations remain familiar. It includes repainting your walls, replacing doors or windows, upgrading cabinets or counters, and changing other furniture and fixture.
Do The Expenses Differ In Renovating vs. Remodeling?
Remodeling would typically alter the blueprint of your home, so you can expect it to cost more. It requires more manpower, time, and resources to tear down or adjust a wall than coat it with fresh paint. Remodeling could also need more elaborate jobs, such as plumbing and wiring.
Still, the scope of your plan will affect the overall costs; renovating your whole house will cost more than remodeling a bathroom, especially if you plan to replace several or all fixtures in your home. Remodeling could also offer you more longevity since you are looking at fresh materials down to the foundations. Renovation may freshen up the atmosphere in your home, but the groundwork remains unaltered.
Do You Need A Permit For Renovating vs. Remodeling?
Since remodeling projects necessitate more time, materials, and people to accomplish, it requires permits most of the time. Every state and locality has different building codes, and remodeling your property can result in a new violation if uninspected. Remodeling also results in substantial changes that may pose safety and health hazards if the job is not done correctly. Renovating seldom requires permits because these are typically tasks that homeowners could DIY. It would be best to consider this factor, as permits may require additional expenses.
The Verdict: Which One Is For You?
The key to deciding whether to renovate or remodel your home lies in identifying your most significant need, budget, and timeframe. A remodel sounds tempting if you want to spice up your home, but it could be impractical if you do not have the savings for it or if you are scheduled to have relatives over for Thanksgiving dinner in two weeks. Similarly, many would immediately think a renovation is better because it is more affordable. Still, it might not solve the primary issues you are dealing with at home, such as cracked walls, leaking roofs, or lack of space.
The good news is that Clarksville Construction Services is at your disposal for whichever option you decide to go with! Howard Magazine declared us the Best Remodeler in 2021. We work on kitchens, bathrooms, and basements, and we also offer other interior and exterior construction work! Whether you need flooring and carpentry, roofing, or point jobs, you can call us at 443-386-3099 for the best renovation and remodeling work in Howard County and the surrounding areas!
