The question of whether to renovate or build new has tormented homeowners since the beginning of time, and we assume you’ve found this article because direction is needed. Answering such a question, of course, depends on a wide range of factors that are unique to you, your family, and your situation. There are a variety of both benefits and drawbacks that accompany current home renovations and new home builds, and a series of considerations that must remain top of mind if you’re going to select the right path moving forward.
Let’s dive into the key concepts and considerations surrounding the custom home vs. renovation discussion, ensuring that you have the information needed to progress forward correctly.
Benefits of Renovating an Old Home
We begin with the benefits of home renovation because this route will often be the easiest of the alternatives available. In addition to not having to worry yourself with a large move, you’ll also benefit from the following:
- Retaining a home filled with decades of memories and experiences. Although you’ll upgrade the various elements that fill the home, the experiences created in it will never depart.
- Resetting the clock on quality. Renovations mean that you’ll be able to retain the charm and heritage you fell in love with, while modernizing everything that you’ve fallen out of love with.
Whether you’re in need of surface-level renovations to rooms, hallways, or other, or have plans to do a complete tear-up or home addition, the right renovation team will open you up to endless possibilities for reinventing the home you’ve built your life in.
What to Consider with Home Renovations
Although home renovations do bring with them a wide variety of benefits, there are a few considerations that you’ll want to keep in mind throughout the process, including:
- Location. Regardless of how much you spend to modernize your home, the one thing you’ll never be able to change is it’s location. If you are unhappy with the neighbourhood, area, or climate that your home is located in, it may be wise to consider building a new house in a different space.
- Budget. Although renovations offer up a seemingly endless amount of update options, you need to consider whether or not it’s worth investing as much as you expect into the property. Given the project budget, will the home still be sellable at a justified price?
- Historical implications. This is especially true if you live in a century home or something similar in age. Consider the structure itself, and any updates made to it over the years, to ensure that you’re investing time and money into a home that is capable of lasting the decades ahead.
In addition to these items, you’ll want to consider a few other important factors, such as zoning laws, renovation costs, and the like. Take all of this information and weigh it against your core reasoning for conducting a renovation in the first place. With this you’ll be able to determine whether or not it’s a worthwhile investment.
Benefits of Building a New Home
A new home build requires incredibly detailed planning and decision making, but the list of benefits is incredible:
- Complete customization. You’ll have the ability to design a home that is wholly yours, inspired and infused with your own unique touch. This includes layout, building materials, and more.
- New technology. A new home means access to new technologies, including the latest in sustainable building materials and safety systems.
- Build for the future. You’ll have the ability to create an environmentally efficient home that can withstand decades of growth and use.
What to Consider with Custom Build Homes
As exciting as the new-build process is, there are some key considerations you’ll want to work through prior to making a decision:
- Local codes and restrictions. New builds are accompanied by a series of hindrances, including local building codes, soil restrictions, architectural restrictions, and the like. Be sure to conduct thorough research prior to making any commitments to avoid running into issues during the design or build process.
- Budget. As expected, custom build homes will require the support of several parties. You’ll want to consult with a specialized building team – including the likes of designers, architects, builders, and so on – to determine an accurate cost estimate.
Custom home renovations will open you up to an incredibly custom building opportunity, but will require you to seriously consider each and every element of the home and it’s intended use. Be sure to keep this in mind!
Closing
As mentioned before, deciding between renovating an old home or building a new home will come down to your specific circumstances. To summarize the key decision factors:
- A new build will allow you to completely customize layout, floor plan, and size. Renovations have limiting factors.
- A renovation will allow you to maintain home heritage and character, a new build will allow you access to a completely new location.
- Both projects will be priced dependent on specific elements, but a new build will be easier to get accurate estimations on due to the nature of the work.
If you’re looking for expert renovation or custom home development services, Nick’s Developments is here to help. Contact our team today to learn more about our process, approach, or to receive a project quote.