The words “remodel” and “renovation” are often used interchangeably, but these two methods of home improvement differ in many ways. If you plan to make some big changes to your home, it’s important to consider the differences between a remodel and a renovation to properly plan and budget for it.
Below, we’ll discuss the key differences between these two services, which is right for your home, and how you can get started on your home makeover with Peak Improvements.
What is a Renovation?
A renovation focuses on restoring a space to its former glory. For example, homeowners who are renovating a historical house want to restore the look and feel of its vintage, historic elements rather than go a more modern route. They wouldn’t make significant changes to the layout or structure. Rather, they would restore the stylistic integrity of the house by using building methods and materials that reflect the style and aesthetics of their home’s original build. At the same time, they’ll update its functionality to accommodate modern needs and technology.
What is a Remodel?
A remodel is basically the opposite of a renovation. This form of home improvement is more transformative and involves more intricate structural and/or changes to the home’s configuration. Some examples of a remodel include creating an open floor plan between a living room and kitchen or expanding the master ensuite. Remodels are preferable for homeowners who aren’t satisfied with the general layout of their home or who want a completely different look and aesthetic.
How Renovations and Remodels Differ
Renovations and remodels are often similar in scope—one is not necessarily simpler than the other, but they involve different work. During a renovation, your contractor updates your home’s function and refreshes its established design, which often involves stripping things back and rebuilding with more modern, updated materials. Functional updates and cosmetic alterations can increase the project’s cost and timeline, depending on the level of modernization your home requires. Therefore, renovations can often be more expensive than remodels and take more time to complete.
Remodels are not always as expensive as renovations. Still, they do require more ground-up construction, as you are not simply updating your house but changing its floor plan, layout, and overall aesthetic. For a full interior remodel, homeowners should have around $200,000 in their budget. If you only plan on re-doing one or two areas, such as the main floor kitchen or common rooms, your budget should support around $100,000. You can use our Home Renovation/Remodel Calculator to determine your budget and decide which home improvements you can afford.
Transform Your Home with Peak Improvements
The choice between investing in a renovation or remodelling comes down to the type of work you would like done on your home. If you want to restore the look and feel of your home’s original design, then a renovation is the right way to go. However, if you have a broader vision for your home’s aesthetic and layout and are willing to spend time and money to achieve it, then you’re in for a rewarding remodel.
If you’re ready to transform your home, our team at Peak Improvements is here to help. Contact us today to learn more about our construction and design services and get a step closer to achieving your dream home.