Making the decision to renovate your existing home or build a new one is not an easy task. There are numerous factors that need to be considered before making a final decision. Are you satisfied with your current location? Is your dream home within reach? What are your financial goals?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the advantages and disadvantages of each option and important factors to consider before deciding. Whether you decide to renovate or build, you can enjoy great benefits, but it’s important to make the right decision for your specific situation.
An Overview
When it comes to new construction, it is quite straightforward. A new house will be designed and constructed from the ground up. Everything is new. On the other hand, renovation means that you want to make some changes to the present structure due to some specific reasons.
New Construction
If you choose to build a new custom home, then you and your team, including the interior designer, builder, and architect, must work together to decide on every element involved in your new home. You should decide on how to place your new home on your lot, what will be the architectural style, what kind of finish will be used, etc.
Renovation
Renovation occurs when you decide to make some changes to your existing home. Home renovations can vary. It could be an entire interior gutting, a single-room remodel, or any other changes that you want to accomplish. It is important that your desired changes must accommodate the existing space.
What are the Benefits of Renovation?
Home renovation offers numerous benefits, including the ability to preserve a home filled with cherished memories. It allows you to extend the life of your home by making it more functional, efficient, and up-to-date. Additionally, small-scale renovations can be done without having to temporarily relocate.
Renovating your home can also help to make it more environmentally friendly and energy-efficient. This can save you money on your utility bills and reduce your carbon footprint.
If you live in a historic neighborhood, renovating your old home can not only support your modern lifestyle but also allow you to appreciate the past. Renovation can involve different aspects of your home, such as updating your living space, kitchen, bathroom, master bedroom, or even changing the floor plan to suit your needs. The possibilities are endless when it comes to renovating your home.
What Are Some of the Considerations for Renovation?
But before you start making any changes to your current home, you must learn more about the house right where it stands. For instance, is the house located in a place where renovation can be worthwhile? How much should your budget be so you can stay within a home value that will be saleable? Do you still have the original building plans for your home?
If you are renovating an old structure, then you should try to check if these renovations were already done in the past, what the renovations consist of, and what are the reasons for doing them. Are there any harmful materials that may prevent removal or construction in any part of your house?
After you have learned more about the past of your home, examine the structural health and soundness of the foundation. If there is a crack in the foundation or the frame of your house has been damaged, then there is no use in spending a lot of money on renovations. Depending on the cost or type of damage, you may find that it would be practical to demolish your current house and rebuild a new one.
Research About the Building Codes and Local Restrictions
It is important to know about the building codes and local restrictions in your area, or you could get a renovator or a builder to examine your house. Most often, historical neighborhoods have some restrictions when it comes to the type of changes you can make to your old home. If your home is listed on the Historical Register, then there are more strict restrictions.
The renovator or builder must be knowledgeable about the changes in building codes from the time the house was constructed. These new codes should be satisfied with your new construction. After examining the existing wiring, do you need to rewrite the entire house or just the renovated portion? Does the cost of the renovation still make sense, even though the mechanical systems need to be completely changed?
What are the Benefits of Building a New Home?
Constructing a new custom home entails a lot of planning and decision-making. Nevertheless, there are actually great benefits to having a brand-new house. Everything in your house is new and has a warranty. This means that there are only minimal repairs and maintenance.
You can choose to make your home environmentally efficient and use sustainable materials. You can incorporate new technology into your plan, for instance, extending your electrical system so it can handle the latest devices.
When it comes to design, you can have a lot of options. If you have some ideas, then it is not necessary that you should fit them into the existing structure or layout. You can choose the appropriate layout and floor plan that is just perfect for your specific project.
If you are building your new custom home on the land that you chose, then you can create a design that gives you the best natural view. This means that everything is done based on your needs and taste. With a new home, you are starting with a clean slate.
What Are the Important Considerations for Building a New Home?
There are a lot of reasons why you are building a new home. Maybe you want to demolish your existing home so you can build a new one or you want to transfer to a different location. But before you start the construction, you should get a custom builder and discuss the site where you want to build your home.
Get to know about the local building codes in the neighborhood. What is the weather like in the area? Should you consider extreme temperature changes, high winds, and hail in your construction? Are you located in a floodplain? Can the soil affect the foundation and plan of your new home? Are there any restrictions in the area, for instance, roof type, architectural style, or color scheme?
Cardinal Custom Construction can help you in building your new custom house or renovation your existing home. For more details, you may call us at 650-714-5103 or send us an email at dmadwed@gmail.com.