Your home needs a tune-up, but you are not sure which route to take. Read this blog about home renovation, remodeling, and reconstruction to make a better decision.
Are you deciding to build your dream home but confused about whether you should start fresh or attempt a remodel? It is not possible to get a quick answer to this. But as professional residential architects in California, we can provide clarity to help you reach a solution that is best for you.
In this blog we are going to discuss some critical factors you must keep in the mind before choosing to remodel, reconstruct or renovate your home. Let us get started.
Understanding renovation, remodeling, and reconstruction:
What is renovation?
Renovation is a process where you focus on refreshing the interior and exterior of your home without making actual changes to the existing structure. This means that your bedroom will remain the bedroom, and there will be no space swapping or changes.
A renovation includes things like:
- Installation of new floors
- Re-painting the interior and exterior
- Removing the rotten wood from windows or floors
- Repairing the damaged parts of the structure.
What is remodeling?
Remodeling is more like leveling up. It is the process of changing the design and functionalities of space compared to the original design. This always costs way more than renovation because you need to hire a residential architect, engineer, and other contractors for the upgrade.
A remodeling project may include things like:
- Increasing the square footage of a shared space, kitchen, or room.
- Lifting up the ceilings or installing an HVAC system.
- It can also include the installation of new plumbing systems.
What is reconstruction/construction?
New construction is completely different, and you have to design and construct a home from scratch. In reconstruction, you break down all the existing structures and start over with a new design. It is quite expensive and time-consuming compared to the mentioned process.
A new construction involves:
- Buying new land to clear out the existing structural residues
- Hiring a residential architect in California and applying new paperwork for permissions.
- Hiring other contractors like engineers, masons, electricians, carpenters, plumbers, painters, laborers, etc.
Factors to consider when choosing home renovation, remodeling, and reconstruction:
What is the condition of your present home?
It is the first question to think about. If your home is still stable and safe, you might not have to go for reconstruction. But if the foundation and walls of your home are showing signs of damage, you must not take any risk or spend any money renovating or remodeling.
What is your budget?
The cost to choose each process goes in the following order: new construction> remodeling> renovation. You must also know that sometimes a remodel can cost you very close to new construction. You need to be very smart and mindful with new material selection and reuse of old material to maintain the right budget. If your design expectations are too expensive, going to a reconstruction will be the best decision.
How much time do you have?
The order we discussed for the coat stays true even in terms of the time taken for each project. Renovations generally take a week or two, whereas a remodel with the current foundation, walls, and roof takes around a month to finish. New construction can take months to finish, as the foundation and other frames require weeks to harden and dry. If you are currently living in the home you are looking to remodel or reconstruct, you will have to arrange a new living space for the time being.
Are you into sustainability?
As a nature lover, you might not want to add to the existing concrete waste on the earth. Therefore, a renovation or remodel will be the best decision to reduce the carbon footprint of your project. Sustainable renovation or remodel might take time of some experts to plan, but it will help you stay environmentally friendly.
Are there any legal limitations on the residential projects?
Before starting a new construction or remodeling project, you must know about the rules and regulations of the construction in your area. In some places, constructing a new home can be a factor in increasing taxes. Other laws are about restricting the number of stories built or the height of a home. A California residential architect can help you with such regulations, restrictions, and permissions.
Also, if your home is in an area with buildings of historical importance, reconstruction and the use of certain materials and colors may be limited.
Comparison of remodeling, reconstruction, and renovation:
A renovation helps to update and repair the area to its original condition. A remodel transforms the area and its purpose, while reconstruction is a fresh concept. Here are some factors to decide between the three:
Work: Renovations focuses more on how your home appears, remodeling focuses on transforming your space, and construction is an entirely fresh perspective.
Customization: Remodeling and reconstruction offer the chance to customize. Renovation keeps the home looking just like before.
Time: Remodeling and new construction take months, whereas renovation barely takes weeks.
Cost: You will need to consider the cost of your project while budgeting. Renovations cost less than all other projects. Remodeling is expensive, including electric, plumbing, and architectural work. New construction requires even bigger budgets for material costs and contractor payments.
Conclusion
If you are still deciding what to choose for your home out of renovation, remodeling, and reconstruction, residential architects in California can help you find out. PixelArch is a trusted residential and commercial architect and interior designer. We can help you design renovations, remodeling, new constructions, interior designs, and landscapes. We offer 100% personalized designs and even submit the documents for permission. For more, contact us today!
