Most people use remodel and renovation interchangeably. However, for professionals in contracting, real estate and interior design industries, these terms actually involve two distinct types of home construction. While most experts you consult will understand your desires for an upcoming project, no matter which term you use, a basic understanding of these terms can help you communicate what you want most effectively. So, what’s the difference between remodeling and renovating?
What Is a Home Remodel?
A home remodel is a large-scale project that drastically alters a room’s or an entire house’s structure, layout, and style. The definition of remodel is to change the form or structure of something. So, when it comes to home projects, remodeling will completely transform a space with definite changes to the look and layout.
The drastic alteration will breathe new life into a room and provide a whole new feel. Whenever you reconfigure a household floor plan, you are remodeling it. Likewise, if you want to combine two rooms into a more contemporary open-concept layout, you are definitively changing the design of your home. This project could entail removing walls, raising ceilings or installing a permanent fixture that would change the room’s shape and style. Any of these home projects would be considered a remodel.
The most common examples of remodeling projects include:
- Changing the layout of a room.
- Reconfiguring the floor plan of a house.
- Combining two rooms into one.
- Installing a kitchen island.
- Adding a new shower or bathtub.
- Removing, adding or gutting walls.
- Raising ceilings.
- Expanding the square footage.
Many homeowners take on remodeling projects to change the use of a space or many spaces at once. The opportunity to remodel your home allows you to customize a room or the entire house to your unique likes and needs.
What Is a Renovation?
Renovation focuses more on projects that only target small updates and restoration work. By definition, to renovate means to restore something old or outdated into a good condition. For home projects, a renovation could involve any cosmetic changes and updates to existing structures. The original design of a space is never dramatically altered — only updated or restored.
From replacing outdated appliances to changing a room’s color, home renovations may involve any updates to a room’s style. The goal is to revive a space without completely changing it. These renovations also cover any restoration work needed to keep a home safe and contemporary. For example, you might replace old windows, reface cabinets, add new hardware or fix a creaky floor.
Examples of common home renovations include:
- Repainting walls
- Refacing cabinets
- Adding new finishes
- Replacing windows
- Fixing old flooring or tiles
- Replacing hardware
- Updating appliances
- Installing new light fixtures
- Replacing outdated systems
Generally, renovations are used to add personalization or make a room more attractive. Updates may improve comfort and convenience for current inhabitants while also increasing the chance of a successful future resale. Homeowners planning to put their house on the market often perform small renovations to help deliver an excellent return-on-investment (ROI).
Home Renovation vs. Remodel: What’s the Difference?
While both involve physical changes to a property, the differences between home renovation and remodeling should now be more apparent.
To recap, a home remodel entails changing the structure or layout to create something new. Renovations, on the other hand, involve restoring something to a previous or updated state. This leads to a notable distinction between the types of construction performed for each. Where renovations are smaller in scope, a home remodel involves much more complex design considerations. That’s because remodeling allows you to get precisely what you want out of a home improvement project.
8 Benefits of Home Remodeling vs. Renovation
Before you perform a small renovation in one of your rooms, consider how a larger-scale remodel could benefit your home in the future. Quick renovations can fix a few cosmetic concerns or boost your property value before a sale. However, if you intend to settle down in your home long-term, there are certain benefits that only a home remodel can provide.
Remodeling can help you:
- Increase the available space: If you have a crowded floor plan, you can build an addition that will expand the square footage of your home. Consider transforming an underused space, like an unfinished basement, into something you will use and enjoy daily.
- Use space more efficiently: Pay special attention to the rooms you use the most and maximize their potential. Add hardware and fixtures that make an area more convenient. Remodel any idle rooms in your house for other purposes that are more useful.
- Change the use of space: When you alter the layout of a room, you have an opportunity to customize exactly how you use the space. You may even benefit from reconfiguring the entire house floor plan, especially as your needs evolve over the years.
- Improve functionality: Whether your house feels too crowded or too spacious, remodeling allows you to configure every room in a way that fits your needs. For example, installing a kitchen island can help create a more functional cooking space.
- Breathe new life into a room: Remodeling allows you to customize a basic house into a home that fits your personal tastes and style. If you want a more spacious floor plan, you could combine the kitchen and living room into an open concept.
- Raise the property value: A room addition, kitchen remodel or other layout change can significantly increase the value of your home. In fact, many of the projects that can add a large amount of resale value often involve remodeling.
- Boost energy savings: A home remodel is the perfect time to incorporate energy-efficient features that reduce energy costs and your carbon footprint. Any new lightbulbs, air conditioners, washing machines or ovens may even last longer, too.
- Improve safety and comfort: As your family grows, remodeling projects can add safe spaces for your children to play without compromising your comfort in other areas of the house. Such a remodel might involve building an addition or changing the use of space.
When Should You Remodel?
If you’re looking to make any physical changes to your property, it is essential to know the ultimate goal for your project and how you’ll benefit from it in both function and value.
Homeowners who are planning to settle down in a house should feel completely satisfied with their entire property. If you aren’t happy with the appearance or functional aspects of the home’s layout, a complete home remodel may be exactly what you need. Possible signs that you should remodel instead of renovate include:
- When you have become bored with the structure, shape or appearance of your home.
- When the house no longer meets your standards of style and functionality.
- When the home’s quality deteriorates to a point where extensive restoration is required.
- When numerous renovation projects have lined up in a commonly used space, such as your kitchen.
- When your home feels too spacious or too crowded, and a simple refresh isn’t enough.
Quick renovations are great for minor restoration or updating a few aesthetic areas. However, when smaller-scale projects build up, it may be time to remodel the entire space instead.
According to Remodeling Magazine’s 2021 Cost vs. Value Report, the ROI projected for various remodel projects will significantly boost the value of a home. A master suite addition could add between $85,672 and $152,996, depending on the particulars of the addition. Meanwhile, a major kitchen remodel may increase your resale value by up to $80,284. If you’re considering a home remodel for any reason, there’s never a wrong time to improve your quality of life.
Contact Daniel’s Development Group to Remodel Your Home
We are a family-owned and operated construction firm offering a full line of home remodeling services in the Greater Los Angeles area. Whether you’re looking for a room addition, kitchen remodel or another large-scale remodeling project, the experts at Daniel’s Development Group care about helping you achieve the house of your dreams. Call us at 1.800.507.5001 for a free estimate, or contact us online today.
