Before undertaking any kind of home improvement project, it’s important to decide upon its scale. In other words, is it time for demolition or a delicate touch?
The choice actually is a bit more nuanced than that, but overall it’s about deciding whether it’s time for wholesale changes, like knocking down walls and starting from scratch, or more moderate updates. There are plenty of factors to consider, and this article should help you set the matter straight.
First, it’s important to be clear on a few terms so everyone’s on the same page.
What’s the difference between remodeling, renovating and restoring?
Remodeling is the broadest term, and while in may be used to reference any type of change to a home, it’s more accurately used to describe changing both the layout and finishes. Meanwhile, renovating refers to making a space new, i.e., new appliances and flooring in a kitchen, without changing what the space is or how it’s put to use. Finally, restoring is returning a space to its original character or qualities.
Now that we’ve defined those common terms, let’s examine the factors that determine which is the right fit for your project.
1. The Budget
The first thing to consider for any project is the budget. If the goal is to improve the kitchen with $10k to work with, then knocking down the dining room wall to create one large space and installing all new appliances probably isn’t realistic. Creating a more open and airy space can be attained in more cost effective ways. Try tweaking design components, improving lighting, and switching up color schemes; these options might be a better fit in this instance.
2. Time Frame
Larger scale remodeling projects generally take more time to complete. Not only that, but they usually also come with more inconveniences. If bedroom walls are being knocked down or the kitchen is out of commission, the family may need to stay elsewhere for a period of time, or deal with a lack of functionality for a while.
The results will be grander and more spectacular, but that’s one of the tradeoffs. So, consider how much time a project is going to take, and what that time looks like for the family and the home along the way.
3. What’s the Purpose?
Perhaps most importantly, consider the ultimate purpose of the project. Is it all about prepping the home for sale and increasing value? Or is it about creating something that you actually want to enjoy for the next several years? Quick fixes are often more appropriate for getting a house to the market. Whereas, if it’s a project you’re going to reap the benefits of for the next decade, it may be time to knock some walls down.
Remodeling or renovating? Demolition or a delicate hand? Consider the budget, the time frame, and the purpose of the project, and it should be easier to decide on the correct course of action.
Once you’re made your determination, find a reputable contractor to guide you through the process.
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in May, 2016 and updated April 2021 for accuracy.