What is the difference between a home renovation and home remodel? Remodel and renovate are sometimes used interchangeably, especially in the language of real estate, interior designing, and home contracting.
Albeit home renovation and home remodel mean improving an existing residential building, there is a difference between the two terms.
What is Home Renovation?
Renovation refers to restoration work. Replacing outdated furniture, plumbing, fixing hardware, painting the faded walls, and fixing the roof. Home renovations are meant to bring back the life of a residential property, but it does not entirely change it. Home renovations are usually done before selling a property to increase its value or to improve the comfort of living. Poorly maintained houses are potential candidates for home renovation. It is the act of resurrecting a property from a state of disrepair.
Costs
When it comes to expenses, home renovations are categorized as small-scale home projects. It does not require the expertise of an architect, plumbers, and electricians. It can be done by anyone who has a passion for beautifying an old property.
Here are the following expected expenses of a home renovation to consider:
Materials (wood, nails, paint, etc.)
Replacement parts/hardware
Replacement furniture
What is Home Remodel?
Remodel refers to changing the structure of a house. It does not improve but transforms the property. Here lies the big difference between a home renovation and home remodel. It changes the space and can be a bit expensive compared to home renovation. It changes the appearance and space of your entire house. Home remodeling is usually applied to improve the functionality of a residential property and reduce maintenance.
Costs
Since home remodel is a big-scale project compared to home renovation, remodeling a house burns a hole in the pocket. Here are the following expenses to be considered:
Labor fees
Contractor fees
Consulting fees
Permits
New materials
Home remodeling also takes months before it is done, compared to home renovation that can be done in a couple of weeks.
Choosing the best course
Home renovation is repainting an old room while home remodeling is combining two rooms into one master’s bedroom. Here, you can see the glaring difference between the home renovation and home remodeling.
Taking into account whether you should renovate or remodel your house, you must first consider your budget and the time that you are willing to spend. Home remodeling is more expensive than home renovation. It can take much time before you can see the results, but it is usually rewarding. Home remodeling helps you to maximize the space in your house while home renovation helps you to improve your property.
If you want to update the aesthetics of your house, home renovation is a good choice. But if you are going to improve the functionality of a property that you are planning to reside for a long time, home remodel maybe your best option. It is worth noting that a home remodel may help you to save money in the long run. You will be installing modern building standards and new hardware that requires little to no maintenance.
Author Bio: Dana Laksman has been working with RL Remodeling for the past seven years writing about the benefits of home remodeling and other construction related content. She started here career in Los Angeles helping remodel kitchens, bathrooms, and more.