Did you know that the vast majority of homeowners use the terms renovating and remodeling interchangeably when talking about updating their homes? However, there are key differences between the two. Although it doesn’t technically matter when you’re talking with friends about your planned home changes, it’s probably a good idea to get a little more specific with terminology when speaking with a remodeling contractor. That will put you closer to being on the same page when considering what your home needs and how much it is going to cost. So, what’s the difference between renovating vs. remodeling your home?
In essence, remodeling is a larger job that involves some construction and possibly changing the layout and purpose of a space. On the other hand, renovating is keeping the original room as intended while updating the finishes. The main difference is how deep the changes go. A renovation means you’re updating an existing structure with cosmetic changes. A remodel involves changing the structure through demolition and construction. For example, if you’re renovating a bathroom, you would give it a new look by painting, replacing counters, cabinets, and fixtures.
Renovating can include new floors, and if any issues such as water leaks are fixed, they can still be included in a renovation. However, the pipes and walls stay in place, and the overall purpose and layout of the room remains the same. You can see clearly why these terms confuse most people. In fact, many homeowners say they are remodeling a room when in fact they are renovating it. Yet, in a remodeling situation you’re going to change more aspects. For example, you may have a small half bath that you want to turn into a full bathroom with a shower.
This will involve moving and adding plumbing, taking down walls and building new ones, completing construction and adding all of the finishing touches. Remodeling is obviously a larger investment because you are doing more than simple surface related changes. In essence, you’re getting involved in construction and altering layouts and moving plumbing and wiring, among other things. Here are some more renovating details that you should be aware of. Renovating requires a smaller investment since you are not changing major structures or the purpose of a room. Renovating typically takes less time.
Depending on the renovation, it may or may not require a permit. Renovating won’t change the purpose of your room or add space to your home. Here are some more remodeling details that you should be aware of. Remodeling can give you the layout and rooms you need. Remodeling tends to require a larger investment. While, remodeling can be cheaper than buying a new home it will almost always require a building permit from your city or town and should always involve an expert contractor.
For more information about the differences between renovating and remodeling your home, or to schedule an initial consultation in Connecticut or Massachusetts please contact us today at 860-341-6373. DBC Solutions takes great pride in providing the highest quality custom carpentry and contracting services in the home improvement industry. Our business model has been the same for 17 years. Doing things the right way the first time every time is the only way to do it.
