People often use the words “renovation” and “remodel” interchangeably. Although they refer to improving and updating your living space, they are different, with unique considerations and benefits. If you are planning home improvements, it is best to understand their meaning, so you can convey your needs to your contractor correctly and get the desired results.
What is a Home Renovation?
A renovation involves updating your home’s features or structure to improve its use. It is also the best way to enhance the aesthetic appeal of a property. A few examples of home renovations include:
- Repainting the exterior
- Installing new, upgraded windows for safety purposes
- Replacing dated cabinets in the kitchen
- Installing new light fixtures
- Replacing an old chimney or water heater with a new one
What is Home Remodelling?
Although remodelling is similar to renovation, it occurs on a larger scale and often changes your home’s features and layout. It involves revamping the space entirely and building it back from scratch. Some examples of remodelling include:
- Adding a second story or raising the ceilings
- Creating a more open floor plan by tearing down a wall between two rooms
- Replacing the flooring, cabinets, and appliances in the kitchen at once
- Converting an attic or garage into an additional bedroom
- Converting the basement into a guest bedroom
- Adding a new bathroom
Home Renovation vs. Remodelling: Top 8 Differences
Renovation Does Not Change a Room’s Purpose
In a renovation project, the layout of a room remains intact. Contractors make repairs and updates to it, ensuring it fits your needs. This typically includes painting, replacing items like cabinet faucets and knobs, and installing new flooring. In addition, home renovation may also include structural rebuilding, depending on the requirements. For example, removing rooted portions and rebuilding a wall, roof, or subfloor with new lumber is considered renovation.
Remodelling May Include Redesigning the Structure
Remodelling is the process of changing an area’s design and functionality. It often involves tearing out a wall to reconfigure the kitchen layout, expanding a bathroom, constructing an addition to your home, and more. It can also be as simple as converting a guest bedroom into a children’s room or home office. If you alter the purpose of the space, it can be categorized as remodelling.
Remodelling is Often More Expensive Than Renovating
Since remodelling typically requires altering the physical structure of a home, it may involve reconfiguring the plumbing, wiring, and ductwork. In addition, the material cost is often higher, and more professional labour is usually required since most remodelling projects comprise building new additions. Although the price depends on the scope of the project and the quality of the materials, home remodels are more complex, expensive, and time-consuming.
Remodelling Almost Always Requires Permits
Securing a permit is an indication of adherence to proper building codes. It is common for a local authority to require a license any time you change a structure. This includes most remodelling projects like reconfiguring interior walls, constructing an addition to your home, replacing the roof, and more. However, simple renovations, such as installing new carpeting or painting, do not require permits.
Renovation is more DIY-friendly
Renovation is more manageable than remodelling if you have the time, skills, and desire to plan and take on a home improvement. Moreover, most communities do not allow unlicensed persons to carry out crucial tasks such as installing plumbing, electrical wiring, or a roofing system. This is because it requires professional experience and specific tools to ensure safety. But you may consider other tasks like installing trim work, wallpapering, painting, hanging new doors, and more.
Renovation Offers Better Returns
You could invest significantly in remodelling your home by adding a large room with luxurious features to the back of your house, but if your furnace doesn’t work or the roof leaks, you may not find buyers for your property. Since home renovation typically costs less and involves updating or repairing a property’s essential features, they often offer a better ROI than remodelling projects. It is best to check the latest trends and remodel your house accordingly to attract suitable buyers.
Remodelling is Better for Improving Home Design
If your home is designed poorly, remodelling is the best solution to get the desired outcome. For instance, if you have water supply lines installed in an exterior wall causing them to freeze every winter or if you have to walk through the kitchen or one bedroom to get to another, renovations will not help you solve the issues.
Historic Homes are Renovated
If you plan to buy a property listed officially by the government as a historical place, you may not be permitted to remodel it because you cannot change the structure or alter the original look. In such cases, renovations are your best option to ensure the place suits your needs.
Consider Renovation Before You Buy a Home
When buying a home, the amount you can invest in renovations and remodelling is crucial to make the right decision. You can determine your buying budget depending on how much time and money you want to spend on improvements. This way, you save time looking at houses that meet your needs.
Hire Us to Get the Best Home Renovation vs. Remodel Solution
renoWOW! offers complete renovation and remodelling services in and around Toronto. Whether you are looking for experts to make improvements to a traditional home, contemporary house, or modern structure, we can help you. With more than thirty-two years of experience in the industry, we have the knowledge and resources to offer the best ideas and solutions. We will understand your needs and incorporate your ideas into our work process to ensure your home looks and feels beautiful and suits your preferences.
For more information about our home renovation services, call us at 1-866-352-1251. You can also schedule
an online in-home consultation to learn what you can expect from us. We will address your concerns, answer your queries, and guide you to ensure you have the home of your dreams.
