When is the Time for a Complete Renovation?

When evaluating a potential construction project, it is important to assess it to see if it will just be a minor construction update or if it will be a complete overhaul and renovation of a building. These are vastly different projects that will take a different set of skills and different parts of your attention.

When it comes to doing major and minor changes and renovations and remodels, it is easy to get lost in the jargon and get your wires crossed. There are many differences, like the amount of time they will take and the cost of the project. There will also be differences in the actual type of project that falls into each category. Here are things to know about each of them and what to consider when making this decision.

Opposites

It is easy to see the difference between a major project and a minor project. Those words are commonly used opposites with obvious definitions. A major project is going to be huge and make a dramatic change to space. A minor project is going to make simple and less noticeable changes.

Renovating and remodeling are not as clear cut opposites, although we understand they refer to changes. Like the words major and minor, they also refer to differences in the amount of work that a project entails.

Renovation Vs. Remodel

Renovation is a complex word, but in its simplest definition, it means to restore something to a better state or update something out of date to something more modern. With a renovation, you are only making alterations to something.

Remodeling, on the other hand, refers to when you actually change the structure or shape of something drastically. While these are the technical definitions, it is interesting to note that in construction linguistics, the terms actually mean the opposite of their definitions. A renovation is making huge changes to the layout of a room. It can also mean when you completely gut a room and start over.

Remodeling, when used by contractors, means to change a couple of big things, but mostly focusing on updating the aesthetics or design. Remodeling can include new paint, window treatments, or adding crown molding. It can also mean something a little more intense like refacing cabinets or swapping out countertops. All of these changes don’t alter the structure but instead focus on the visual appeal of the room.

Cost Differences

Obviously, renovation is going to come with a much larger price tag than a simple remodel because it involves more work. This can be misleading because remodels can also be very costly, depending on the work you are doing and the materials you choose to use. You can easily spend as much on a remodel as you could on a renovation depending on the details of the project. This is especially pertinent to areas like the kitchen where updating appliances can lead to spending thousands of dollars. Redoing bathrooms can be equally as expensive.

The size of the project can also contribute greatly to the cost. You could do a remodel of a small kitchen that costs much more money than replacing everything in a living room. In general, you can$10,000 to $20,000 on minor remodels with major renovations costing upwards of $50,000. This will vary depending on local markets, but even with allowances for market differences, you can still expect to see an increase in the value of your home.

Why Does It Matter?

Does it really matter when you are planning a project to know these word definitions? Technically, you can plan and carry out a project without this knowledge, but knowing it can make traversing through the process easier.

Talking to contractors and updating the plan will go smoother if you know the right terminology to use. Not doing so can lead to miscommunications and the project not ending up exactly how you hoped it would. Knowing the right words to use can make you feel more at ease and confident in your abilities.

Choosing the Project

No matter if you choose a remodel or a renovation, it is important to look for warning signs that it is time to do some work on your home. You want to ensure you can get the most out of any projects you do, so make sure you look for these signs that it is time to take the plunge.

If your home is deteriorating, then it is time for a project. You can tell if the daily wear and tear has gotten to be enough to warrant a project if the tiling system in any room starts to detach, the roof is leaking, the paint is chipping, the plumbing fixtures are damaged, or the floors creak.

You may also want to do a home project if you have the funds to back it. You need to be financially prepared before you take on a huge project. If you do have some extra funds, then using them to invest in your home by doing a project can increase the value of your home and be a good way to spend that money.

You may want to change your home if you need more space or less space. Families are always changing. New babies are born, smaller children grow older and want their own space, then they move out when they reach adulthood. All of these changes require different things of your home, and home projects can help you meet the needs of your ever-changing family.

You may also want to do a remodel on your home if your home looks dated. Updating your home to look more modern will not only help you feel more at home, but it will also help it to sell better if you need to sell it. You may be surprised to see what a huge difference it can make to spruce up your home and not only make it more modern but make it more your style. You may begin to see a positive change in the atmosphere of your home and your daily life as you become more comfortable and relaxed in your space.