Both remodelling and renovation refer to construction and development and are commonly used interchangeably. However, there are fundamental differences between them. If you are somehow planning to renovate your home or remodel it, then you should understand this terminology before consulting contractors.
Many individuals misunderstand these terms by confusing one term to another. However, both improve and update your living space and demonstrate their own benefits and considerations. Before starting a new project, you must understand the differences between a home renovation and a remodel.
What Is a Home Renovation?
A home renovation is essentially a home ‘transformation’. Not only does it refresh your home, but it also enhances the functionality and condition of your home. It includes many things when you are renovating your home, such as repairing, altering, and fixing your property. However, home renovation does not involve any structural changes to the house.
Here is a list of things that are generally involved in a home renovation:
- Refining floors
- Swapping light fixtures
- Painting
- Small kitchen renovation
- Refacing cupboards
- Adding trim
- Changing doors
What Is a Home Remodelling?
A remodel changes the structure of a home by transforming its design. It changes the overall appearance of your home by replacing the original details with modern features to make it fit for your usage.
A home remodel requires skilled architects, contractors and engineers to make it a successful project. It generally involves the following:
- Increasing square footage
- Adding a heating system
- Installing a ventilation system
- Raising ceilings
- Adding a level or story
- Changing the plumbing of a home
- Installing an HVAC system
Renovation and a Remodel | A Closer Comparison
A renovation repairs and updates an area, whereas a remodel comes with the only purpose of renewing the area. There are many differences, but you are the one to decide whether you will renovate or remodel, depending on your thoughts. Below are some of the differences you should know before making a decision:
Cost:
Cost is a determining factor that distinguishes renovation from remodelling. A house renovation costs less as compared to remodelling as it mainly includes refreshing the aesthics, such as refacing cabinets or re-painting. On the other hand, a home remodel will require plumbing, electricity work, and construction tasks, which makes it more expensive.
Time:
After determining the cost, the next thing that comes to your mind will be the estimated time of the project. Remodelling projects take a bit longer than renovation because of the magnitude of the work. Renovations like refacing cupboards or swapping light fittings will take less time. On the other hand, remodelling your home or adding a level or story to your home will take more time.
Focus:
A renovation mainly focuses on the appearance of your home, such as cosmetic updates, which will take less time as well. Whereas, remodels mainly focus more on structural changes to the house.
Customisation:
With remodelling, you will get flexible designs and customisation options. You can start from scratch and redesign your space entirely. Renovation also offers a wide array of options to offer aesthetic customisations to your house.
Renovation vs Remodel | Deciding the Best for You?
To decide on what kind of upgrade you need, you have to think about your current and future requirements. For example, if your home is struggling to accommodate your family’s needs and you need to add space or redesign your internal space, you must go for home remodelling. On the other hand, if you need to transform the aesthetics of your home or add a modern look, renovation is your way out of it.
There are other factors you can think of other than the value. For instance, it is best thing to spend the money on your rooms by thinking about how long you are planning to stay in this home. If it is about the predictable future, a simple renovation is the best solution. The minor touches of paint and fixtures will do the work for you.
If it is going to be your only home in the future, a home remodel is the better choice. For instance, if you are hosting dinner parties frequently but have a tiny dining room and the kitchen area is also small, a large-scale home remodelling will be a good option for you. This thing will add more functionality to your home without concern for a high return.
Estimate your cost, time, motives and future intentions before investing before deciding on both home upgrade options.
Bottom Line
Renovation and remodelling have key differences when it comes to time, cost and scale. However, both require careful planning and preparation. Make sure to consider all the factors before determining which project you will take on.