You love your home. But if you could wave a magic wand, you would make a few changes to make your house just right. Whether it’s for aesthetics or functionality, a few changes would go a long way in making your home more liveable.
If you’re feeling like this, you may be considering a renovation or remodelling. You may have thought they were interchangeable terms, but there are some critical differences.
Before you talk to a contractor, architect, or your municipal building and planning office, it is essential that you know the difference between the terms.
Home Renovation vs Remodel
A renovation and remodelling have the same goal: improving your living space. They just go about it in different ways.
At the most basic level, a renovation is restoring an existing space. Remodelling is remaking a space for a new purpose. That’s a high-level overview. Let’s dive deeper into each one.
HOME RENOVATIONS
To understand a renovation versus a remodel, it is essential to think about the design. A renovation does not require a newly designed space. You are updating the look and feel without changing the room’s purpose.
You can transform that outdated kitchen with new cabinets, flooring, fixtures, appliances, and a fresh coat of paint. It leaves you with a refreshed kitchen, but the structure and purpose have remained the same. None of that work required an architect, structural engineer, or even a contractor to support you.
Because they don’t change the design or layout of a room, a renovation usually doesn’t require a building permit. There are some exceptions, typically a new roof, but you should check with your municipal building department to determine what requires a permit.
HOME REMODELLING
A remodel results in a change to a room’s structure, form, or function. You are entirely altering the design of the space. Typical remodels are more extensive, like tearing out a wall to expand a bathroom or completely altering the layout of your kitchen.
Because remodels are generally a more involved process than a renovation, they may involve building permits, demolition, and several trades, including drywalling, carpentry, electrical, plumbing, and flooring. Because they are more involved, a remodel typically costs more than a renovation.
Do I Need an Architect to Remodel My Home?
If your remodelling involves extensive design changes, an architect is recommended. Not only does an architect have the experience and knowledge to design a space that is aesthetically pleasing and functional, but they ensure that pipes, electrical, ductwork, and other elements are all accounted for.
An architect will determine your dreams for your remodelled space. They can provide a building solution and an approximate estimate of costs.
As experienced professionals, they go beyond floor plans or blueprints. An architect can help you find a contractor and collaborate with a structural engineer for permitting.
Renovation vs Remodel: Making the Right Choice
It can be tough to decide if your home needs a renovation or a remodel. It depends on your needs, budget, how much time you have, and your home’s current design.
If you are looking to boost your home’s sale value, a renovation offers a better return on investment (ROI). Yes, a renovation is typically a lower-cost project, but it also provides the changes homebuyers want. For example, new siding, windows, and a new garage door see a more significant ROI than a bathroom or kitchen remodel.
If you’re planning on staying in your home for the long term and some areas are poorly designed or not meeting your or your family’s needs, then a remodel may be necessary.
Ready to Remodel? Let’s Chat.
If you are ready to remodel or build an addition to your home, I am happy to discuss your project and determine if your project requires my architectural services. Every project starts with your vision. I am delighted to work with you to realize it.
