(RENOVATE VS. REMODEL)

The words “renovate” and “remodel” are often used interchangeably.
however, they do have different meanings.

RENOVATION

Involves making some type of repairs or
restoring an area to like-new condition.

COMMON RENOVATION EXAMPLES

  • Painting/wallpapering
  • Refacing cabinets
  • Installing new fixtures/hardware
  • Updating appliances
  • Replacing tiles/flooring
  • Replacing windows
  • Replacing outdated systems (HVAC, electrical, etc.)

REMODELING

Ranges from changing the purpose or layout of a space
to adding/replacing finish materials.

COMMON REMODELING EXAMPLES

  • Combining two rooms into one
  • Converting a space for a different use
  • Changing the layout of a room
  • Installing a kitchen island
  • Installing a sauna/hot tub
  • Removing walls
  • Raising ceilings
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While both renovation and remodeling will improve and update your living space, the two types of projects are different. Each with its own set of benefits and considerations. Below are 5 important differences that will help you determine which type of project best suits your budget and needs.

1) Renovation updates the look and feel of a room—or an entire structure—without changing its intended purpose.

Renovation generally includes such things as painting, installing new flooring, and switching out items like hardware and fixtures. It also includes structural rebuilding. For example, if rotted wood members are discovered, they will be removed and the area (wall, subfloor, or roof) will be rebuilt using new lumber.

2) Renovating offers a better return on investment (ROI).

Since renovating usually costs less, and because it involves repairing and updating a home’s basic features, homeowners will often see a better ROI on renovation projects than they will on remodeling projects should they decide to sell their house.

3) Remodeling alters the design, and sometimes the structure as well.

Remodeling changes the functionality/design of an area. Constructing an addition to your home would also be considered a remodel. It doesn’t always involve major structural changes; it can be something as simple as turning a guest bedroom into a home office. If the purpose of the area has been altered, it’s been remodeled.

4) Remodeling often costs more than renovating.

Since remodeling may involve changing the physical structure of a home, it’s often necessary to reconfigure the electrical, plumbing, and ductwork, which automatically makes the project more complex and expensive.

5) Poor home design? Remodeling is the better solution.

If you have to walk through one bedroom to get to another, or if water supply lines are installed in an exterior wall and freeze nearly every winter, renovations won’t solve the problems. When a home is poorly designed—which is common in older homes before strict building codes were standard practice—remodeling is often the only solution.

(RENOVATE VS. REMODEL)

The words “renovate” and “remodel” are often used interchangeably,
however, they do have different meanings.

RENOVATION

Involves making some type of repairs or restoring an area to like-new condition.

COMMON RENOVATION EXAMPLES

  • Painting/wallpapering
  • Refacing cabinets
  • New fixtures/hardware
  • Updating appliances
  • Replacing tiles/flooring
  • Replacing windows
  • Replacing outdated systems
    (HVAC, electrical, etc.)

REMODELING

Ranges from changing the purpose of a space to changing a space’s layout to adding/replacing finish materials.

COMMON REMODELING EXAMPLES

  • Combining two rooms into one
  • Converting a space for a different use
  • Changing the layout of a room
  • Installing a kitchen island
  • Installing a sauna/hot tub
  • Removing walls
  • Raising ceilings

While both renovation and remodel will improve and update your living space, the two types of projects are different, each with its own set of benefits and considerations. Below are 5 important differences that will help you determine which type of project best suits your budget and needs.

  1. Renovation updates the look and feel of a room—or an entire structure—without changing its intended purpose.
    Renovation generally includes such things as painting, installing new flooring, and switching out items like hardware and fixtures. It also includes structural rebuilding. For example, if rotted wood members are discovered, they will be removed and the area (wall, subfloor, or roof) will be rebuilt using new lumber.
  2. Renovating offers a better return on investment (ROI).
    Since renovating usually costs less, and because it involves repairing and updating a home’s basic features, homeowners will often see a better ROI on renovation projects than they will on remodeling projects when they sell their house.
  3. Remodeling alters the design, and sometimes the structure as well.
    Remodeling changes the functionality/design of an area. Constructing an addition to your home would also be considered a remodel. It doesn’t always involve major structural changes, it can be something as simple as turning a guest bedroom into a home office. If the purpose of the area has been altered, it’s been remodeled.
  4. Remodeling often costs more than renovating.
    Since remodeling may involve changing the physical structure of a home, it’s often necessary to reconfigure the electrical, plumbing, and ductwork, which automatically makes the project more complex and expensive.
  5. Poor home design? Remodeling is the better solution.
    If you have to walk through one bedroom to get to another, or if water supply lines are installed in an exterior wall and freeze nearly every winter, renovations won’t solve the problems. When a home is poorly designed, remodeling is often the only solution. Common in older homes before strict building codes were standard practice.