The terms renovating and remodeling are often used interchangeably. But to housing professionals, are different. Both involve physical changes to a property, but they differ in cost and types of construction involved.
However, there are key differences between renovating and remodeling. While it may not matter when you are talking with friends about your planned home changes, it’s probably a good idea to get a little more specific with terminology when speaking with a remodeling contractor and considering what your home needs and how much it is going to cost.
So let’s make it simple for you and understand what’s the difference between renovation and remodeling:
What Does Renovation Really Mean?
In the broadest sense, renovation means to make new again. When you apply this definition to renovation or construction in general, it could mean anything. From repairing to installing new fixtures to adding finishes and refacing cabinets.
No matter the kind of renovation work, the original design is never changed dramatically. An office remains an office and a kitchen remains a kitchen. Rather, it is simply upgraded, repaired or just tweaked to complement the rest of the office or home design. Renovation is also done to match new or revised standards.
What About Remodeling?
Unlike renovation, which involves reviving or repairing the house, remodeling means altering the layout, structure, or purpose of a room. This entirely changes the structure of the room, kitchen, or whichever part is being remodeled. A complete transformation of any design, layout, structure, or style of a room is a perfect example of remodeling.
Things to Know About Renovating
Here are some of the details of renovating:
● Renovating is cheaper since you are not changing major structures or the purpose of a room.
● Renovating is more DIY friendly. After all, it’s easier to make cosmetic changes yourself rather than tearing down walls.
● Renovating can take less time.
● Depending on the renovation, it may or may not require a permit.
● Renovating won’t change the purpose of your room or add to your home.
Things to Know about Remodeling
For the larger jobs, remodeling is the way to go:
● Remodeling can give you the layout and rooms you need.
● Remodeling can be more expensive.
● While more expensive, remodeling can be cheaper than buying a new home.
● Remodeling will almost always require a permit.
● Remodeling should involve an expert contractor.
Examples of Renovations
Interior renovations involve changes that not only improve the function of a room or area but also make it more attractive and expressive of your taste and style. Renovations can also provide more comfort and functionality. Renovations don’t usually require a building permit. Below are examples of renovations:
• Painting walls and trim
• Refinishing or replacing cabinets
• Installing new lighting
• Replacing windows
• Updating kitchen appliances
• Changing flooring
• Installing shelving
• Installing new carpeting
Examples of Remodels
During a remodeling job, the frame of a home, layout, plumbing, and electrical are some of the major systems that are altered or replaced. At times, a remodel means tearing down a wall or extending a roofline. These types of changes likely require a building permit. Below are examples of remodels:
• Combining two rooms into one, or the opposite
• Installing a kitchen island with plumbing and electricity installed
• Removing or moving walls
• Raising ceilings
• Changing the layout of a room
• Adding a room where a patio was
Remodeling is often costlier than renovating
Since remodeling may involve changing the physical structure of a home, it’s often necessary to reconfigure the wiring, plumbing, and ductwork, which makes the project more complex and pricey. It is applicable in the process of kitchen remodeling and bathroom remodeling as we. More professional labor is usually involved in a remodel, and the material cost is often higher as well since many remodeling projects involve building new additions. While the final cost comparison depends on the scope of the project and the quality of the materials, because renovations are usually less complex, they’re also easier on the budget.
Final Words
The choice between a remodel and a renovation comes down to cost, need, want, and return. Whether you plan to remodel a kitchen or bathroom, you should be peculiar about interior renovation as well. You’ll have to compare each factor to what you want to do and the condition your home is in. The timing also has to be just right because you don’t want the project or your life to be interrupted at the wrong time.