06
Feb

Home improvements 2023 – Will it be Home Remodeling or Home Renovation?

A dated home often needs more than a face-lift – it needs remodeling. Renovation and remodeling are two simple terms used interchangeably by homeowners for home improvements. While renovation includes repairs and updating the home, remodeling refers to changes done in existing design and functionality of a space. So, as a homeowner, it is necessary before commencing any work in your home, you understand the difference between home remodeling and home renovations.

What is home remodeling?

The 1950s and 1960s saw a housing boom. With nearly 25% of homeowners in the US living in houses built around that time, there is a great need to improve the functionality of these homes. Homeowners are now opting to remodel their homes with modern amenities and smart technology. Home remodeling involves changing the home structure to make it more efficient. It may include changes like:

  • Redesigning the basic layout of the home,
  • Increasing the square footage of a room by merging two rooms into one larger space,
  • Removing or adding walls and raising ceilings,
  • Installing new plumbing and electrical systems, and
  • Installing a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system

What is home renovation?
Home renovation is undertaken to change the interiors/exteriors of a home to appeal to the lifestyle of the
homeowners or to get a good return on investment.
Home renovations include:

  • Changing the flooring,
  • Redoing the bathrooms,
  • Replacing old windows,
  • Adding new cabinets and countertops in the kitchen,
  • Installing new light fixtures, and
  • Refurbishing the furniture.

What is the difference between Home Remodeling and Home Renovation?
To remodel a home is more complex than renovating and even costlier. Remodeling a home means completely
transforming the layout and purpose of an area or changing the usage of space. On the other hand, renovation is more about personalizing a space, repairing or updating the area, and improving functionality without changing its purpose.

Remodeling is costlier than renovations as it requires the services of professional architects, interior designers,
contractors, plumbers, electricians, painters, etc. However, the final costing depends on factors such as the age and condition of the property, the extent of the proposed change, customization, the time needed to complete the project, the square footage to be remodeled, the quality of materials to be procured, the labor cost, and additional expenses like obtaining new permits.

Here are five key differences between remodeling a home and renovating a home:

  1. Remodeling changes the layout, while renovation gives a facelift
    Renovating a home means updating the home by undertaking minor repairs, installing brand-new appliances, changing the flooring, adding hardware, redesigning the landscape, etc., without changing the original design.
  2. Remodeling requires a permit from local authorities most but renovation or interior design projects don’t
    Most renovation or interior design projects do not require permits from the local authorities. However, as remodeling involves structural changes to a building, one requires getting permits before commencing any work that involves – adding rooms, reconfiguring interior walls, or even redesigning the roof.
  3. The ROI is higher in home renovations projects
    Home remodeling projects are always complex and cost more than renovation projects. While the average cost for a home remodel is $5000 to $150,000, home renovation cost varies from $10 TO $60 per square foot. Due to this sizeable difference, the ROI on remodeled homes is lesser than renovated homes that recoup 80-90% of the cost at the time of sale.
  4. Remodeling needs professionals, Renovation is DIY-friendly
    Home remodeling needs professional architects, plumbers, electricians, and local authorities for permits and passing inspections. On the other hand, home renovation jobs like painting a wall, adding wallpaper, and changing cabinet hardware need less technical know-how, making it more DIY-friendly.
  5. Remodeling a property is more time-consuming than renovating
    Remodeling and renovating both have different goals, requirements, and processes. Since the scope of work
    requires changes in design, almost every time, remodeling takes longer than renovating a property.

Home Remodeling Steps

For most homeowners, home remodeling is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The home remodeling process is time-consuming, expensive, and necessitates expertise. Here are the steps followed for a whole home remodel: –

  1. Plan
    Once the homeowner has decided the home needs remodeling, it is time to Google ‘home interior designer near
    me’. Once you have decided on the best interior designer, explain your requirement, budget, and preferred timeline to complete the remodeling. Also, check if you can continue staying on the property or relocate while the remodeling work is in progress.
  2. Design
    Make sub-lists for each separate element of your design. Ensure the interior designer, contractor, and you are on the same page before finalizing the new home design
  3. Secure permits
    Secure local permits in line with the municipality’s latest regulations.
  4. Declutter before demolition
    Once the remodeling is finalized the homeowner may need to move all the furniture and belongings into storage for a couple of weeks to prepare for demolition in case of major structural changes. Be prepared for contingencies and allow for buffer time.
  5. Rebuild
    When the builder starts to reframe or rebuild, you can visit the property to see the ongoing work. If any changes are needed, this is the time before they begin to rebuild.
  6. Check on the ordered material
    As the contractor begins to rebuild, look at the ordered tiles, lumber, window frames, doors, etc. Are they of the same specifications, quality, and color?
  7. The concealed parts
    Next, the contractor begins to work on anything that needs to go inside floors, walls, or ceilings, such as, the plumbing, electrical wiring, ducts, and HVAC.
  8. Walls and Flooring
    Dry walls and flooring are completed one after the other. Many contractors paint the dry walls to avoid drips or oversprays on the new flooring.
  9. Cabinetry
    After the walls and flooring, the interior designer begins the woodwork. Kitchen cabinets to bathroom cabinets and wardrobes, all that needs to be “fixed” is installed.
  10. Adding appliances, furniture, accessories
    Once the civil work and cabinetry work is over, the interior designer starts to give the home its final touches with state-of-the-art appliances, smart lighting, furniture, and artwork

    Conclusion
    Though defined differently, the gap between home remodeling and home renovation is getting narrower. Homeowners in the US have spend over $400 billion in 2022 to spruce up their homes. Interior designers, architects, and contractors have worked tirelessly to remodel and renovate homes. They are experts who take into account everything from restoring, refacing, and repainting a home to handling changes in the original design of a home. So, now that you know the difference, it’s time to reach out to a professional company to plan your interior design or home remodeling!