The two words, remodel and renovate, are often used reciprocally in terms of contracting, interior design, and real estate. Although both home renovation and remodel will improve the space of your house, it is crucial to know the difference between these two terms.

In this article, we will discuss some major differences between home renovation and remodel.

Home Improvement: Should you remodel or renovate? 

The renovation improves the looks and space of a room or house by keeping the intended purpose unchanged. For example, if a place undergoes home renovation, then the bedroom still remains a bedroom, or a kitchen still remains a kitchen, but there are updates and repairs that are made to improve the rooms. Home improvement is another name for home renovation. 

Whereas in remodelling, the design or the structure of the house is altered. For example, tearing down a wall to expand the bathroom or any other room, kitchen design and installation, and turning a guest room into a home office. If the intended purpose of space in the house is changed, then it is said to have undergone remodelling.

Read Also: What Is The Purpose Of Home Renovation?

Cost effectiveness between Renovation and Remodelling: 

Remodelling is more expensive than renovating a home. The project of remodelling is more complicated and costly than a home improvement project as remodelling often includes physical alteration of the structure.

Labour costs for remodelling are also high as highly experienced labourers are required who can provide modern construction services. A home renovation project costs less as they are less complex than a home remodelling project. 

Permission From The Authority:

Renovating a home does not usually require a permit, but remodelling always requires a permit. Building permits are necessary to ensure that proper building codes and rules regarding modern construction services are being followed. Communities typically set their own building codes, and the local building authority will require a permit whenever they want to alter the structure such as, putting a loft on the home, tearing down an interior wall, and reconfiguring the wiring or the layout of the house.

Basic renovation projects such as painting and installing new furniture and carpeting do not require a building permit, but renovation projects such as replacing the roof, replacing the doors and windows, etc. require permits as these projects need to be done by a professional and if they are not installed correctly then it could lead to damage in the structure of the home.

DIY:

Home renovation is DIY-friendly. People usually consider renovating over remodelling as renovation projects can be completed by the homeowners if they have the skills and desire to do so. 

Although the majority of local authorities do not allow unlicensed homeowners to install electrical wiring or plumbing, renovation tasks such as painting, wallpapering, etc., can be done as a DIY project.

Better ROI (Return on Investment): 

The renovation provides a better return on investment. When homeowners put up their house for sale, they notice that a renovated house receives a better return on investment than a remodelled house as home renovation costs less and improving the looks of your house will increase the value of your house.

Why Remodeling is a Fix to Poorly Designed Homes: 

Remodelling is the best solution to a poorly designed home. If you live in a house that is poorly designed, such as, you have to walk through one bedroom to reach another, or if the water supply lines are installed on the exterior wall of the house, etc., then simple renovation will not be able to solve these problems.

In most cases of poorly designed homes, remodelling is most likely the only solution to these problems. Such poor designs are often seen in older homes that were built when the strict building codes were not introduced.

Historic Buildings: Renovation or Remodelling? 

Historic buildings are only permitted for renovation. Homeowners are not allowed to remodel or change the structure of the building, and they are encouraged to renovate the building by keeping its look as close as possible to the original face of the building.

Renovation of historic buildings usually includes the replacement of old doors and windows with new ones made of the same material, repairing the original plaster walls rather than replacing the plaster with drywall.

Last words:

We often think that renovation and remodelling are synonyms, but there are many differences between these two. Therefore, we have highlighted all the major differences there are between a home renovation and a remodelling so that everyone can have a clear understanding of these two words. If you are in the market for home renovation or traditional timber framing house building services visit us to get a quote.