When to Remodel vs. Build New
We love to watch HGTV remodeling shows as much as the next person for the jaw-dropping before and after reveals. But the reality is, most current and prospective homeowners don’t have the budgets or production power of a TV crew. Remodels can often take more time, resources, and finances than many people expect.
While building new homes is our bread and butter, we continue to take on remodeling projects from time-to-time, and have decades of experience guiding homeowners through the decision of whether to remodel an existing home, or start fresh from the ground up.
Whether you’re moving across the country, down the street, or are simply considering some updates to your current home, here are some questions to ask in helping decide what’s right for you.
Questions to ask before choosing remodel vs. build new:
How much wiggle room is in your budget?
While we advise anyone going through a home project to always factor in a good amount of cushion, when working with a seasoned builder like Cornerstone with tens of dozens of projects under their belt, budgeting surprises are limited and you’ll be more likely to stick to a set budget.
When it comes to remodeling an older home, each home is unique with hurdles and obstacles all their own. Though keeping the existing structure of a home might be more budget-friendly overall in some cases, there could be more cost variance to factor in as you discover new aspects and surprises of the home.
What does your timeline look like?
Building a new home on an unoccupied plot of land can take some time as the land itself needs to be graded and the foundation set before any building can occur.
Updating an existing home with an already sound structure and foundation skips these steps, so updates can often happen faster.
You may be on a specific timeline due to the start of the school year or relocating for a job, but if you have some room in your timeline, just remember the old adage that patience is a virtue. What’s a few extra weeks of waiting when you have your whole life ahead to live in your new home?
How much of your existing structure has reusable materials?
If you’re looking for a home your family can live in for decades to come, the materials matter.
Many older homes feature real hardwood floors, heavy duty fixtures, and beautiful finishes that stand the test of time, while others don’t. When choosing to remodel an existing home, we believe it’s more worth your while if you can utilize many of the materials already a part of the home.
Are you set on a particular community?
If living within a specific neighborhood or part of town is non-negotiable, learning the zoning laws of that area might help make the decision for you. Some communities, especially areas with historical significance, might have zoning ordinances that prohibit new construction, or the licenses can be costly.
In some of these cases, it might make more sense to remodel or update an existing home.
Is your home structurally sound?
When building on new, never-before-occupied land, you’ll go through a grading process and foundation setting with the modern technology and tools, assuring your home will be structurally sound for decades.
Some older homes, built in a time with less technology and less knowledge on how environmental factors would affect the soundness of many buildings, might have structural issues.
While there are solutions to fixing structural issues with a current home, they might extend your timeline and budget.
How much are you willing to compromise on your dream vision?
Look at your Pinterest board and inspiration images for the home you’re dreaming of. Are you set on a specific vision? Are there multiple types of design, layouts, and architect that you’d be perfectly happy with?
It might sound obvious, but when remodeling an existing home, some of these decisions are already made for you - but if you’re the type who doesn’t mind a jumping off point to work within, you might enjoy the creative challenge of making updates.
If you have a clear and specific vision that you’re ready to make a reality, consider building new! The next step will be finding the builders who understand your vision. The right ones — like us here at Cornerstone — won’t quit until they make that vision come to life.
While there’s no right or wrong answer to what you choose, we hope these questions can serve as a tool for reflection and to help reveal your top priorities for your future home.
