You’ve just purchased a stunning new home, equipped with an open layout and a breathtaking view of Arizona’s natural landscape. However, there are just a few elements you’d like to update to turn your space into the home of your dreams. 

You’re ready to make some changes, but now the question arises — does your space need a luxury home renovation or a remodel? Yes, there is a difference between the two, and we’re more than happy to break it down for you!

Remodel vs. Renovation: The Differences

While both terms are often interchangeably used when it comes to home design, renovating and remodeling actually aren’t quite the same. Let’s dive into remodels vs. renovations and find out which path is the right one to complete the final touches on your luxury home.

What Is a Renovation?

  • A renovation is the process of updating the old, in a sense. 
  • Instead of completely tearing down and rebuilding an entirely brand new space, you’re leaving the framework and simply updating the elements. 
  • For example, you may love the layout of your extraordinary kitchen but are looking for a little upgrade on the countertop material and cabinet color. This would call for a luxury home renovation where your countertops would get a makeover (Did someone say a new marble island?), but the layout would stay the same. This allows you to modernize your space without compromising the original home elements. 

What Is a Remodel?

  • Remodeling your space requires a bit more change to the framework of your home. 
  • Unlike a renovation, a remodel is a way to replace the old with the new. 
  • This may entail a bit more work, such as reworking the electrical or your home or even tearing down a dividing wall that's stopping your living room and kitchen from achieving that open floor plan you love so much. 
  • A luxury home remodeling may offer more flexibility in the design process, but it also can be a bit more expensive. 

Now that we’ve defined the terms, we can take a closer look at the factors to consider when deciding which one your home may need.

Factors To Consider in a Remodel vs. a Renovation

Making a decision between a remodel or a renovation can feel like an overwhelming task. You may be uncertain whether your space needs a simple renovation or a more in-depth remodel. Luckily, there are trained professionals like the team at Cullum Homes who are ready to help you make the best decision for your space. Schedule a consultation with a home building professional to review the following factors and settle on a new design.

Current Features

Your first step in deciding between a remodel vs. a renovation is to take a look at the current layout and features of your home. What elements are you happy with? Which ones do you adore but wish looked a little more updated? Are there any you’d prefer to just replace? Wander your space and take note of these elements to discuss with your home builder.

Potential New Features

As you take note of the current features of your home, start to imagine what you’d like your space to look like. Do you wish your kitchen had more natural lighting? Is that pesky dividing wall interrupting the flow of your dinner parties? Do you wish your bathroom tile was just a little more modern? Collecting a list of potential changes you’d like to make can help your home builder decide whether a luxury home remodel vs. a renovation is necessary.

Budget

The last factor to consider is your budget. You likely just dropped a pretty penny on your new space, so you should decide exactly how much you’d like to spend on updates to your space. Your home builder will be able to provide an insight into the general cost of any upgrades you’re considering so you can plan a budget accordingly and achieve your dream home!

Next, let’s look at what would be considered a renovation vs. a remodel with a handy table.

Renovation vs. Remodel Examples

Here are a few examples of renovations and remodels to show the difference between them in a practical way. 

Renovation Remodel
  • Updating the tiles in your bathroom shower
  • Installing new flooring throughout the dining room and kitchen
  • Replacing your old sink with a new farmhouse-style sink
  • Turning a guest bedroom into a home office
  • Tearing down a wall to expand your guest bathroom
  • Opening up the space by knocking down a wall to connect the two rooms
  • Reconfiguring a kitchen layout and moving the cabinets, sink, refrigerator, etc. to different locations
  • Constructing an addition to your home 

 

Now that you have a better understanding of the difference between renovation and remodel let’s discuss the average costs associated with each.

Costs of Renovation vs. Remodeling

The costs of renovation and remodeling can vary widely depending on the extent of the project. 

For example, a simple renovation of turning a guest bedroom into a home office is going to cost more than replacing a kitchen sink. Costs for turning a bedroom into an office may include, paint, carpet or flooring, furniture, lighting, and more. For the latter example of the kitchen sink, likely there will be the cost of the actual sink plus installation. 

As for remodels, their prices can vary as well. A full addition to a home will cost much more than simply expanding a guest bathroom by knocking down a wall and putting up a new one. Overall though, because remodels often involve reconfiguring plumbing, wiring, and ductwork, and include more labor, they are more expensive projects.

Renovation vs. Remodel FAQs

Which is more DIY-friendly?

Renovating a room is much more DIY-friendly than remodeling. This is because it doesn’t usually involve any construction and is more about aesthetics. Renovation is also less expensive most times.

Which offers a better ROI?

When thinking about return on investment (ROI), renovating typically offers better results. This is because renovating usually costs less and focuses on updating homes' features. When selling a home, homeowners typically see a better ROI on renovations.

What is a better solution to poor home design?

A remodel is a better solution than a renovation to poor home design. A remodel will take care of a home's layout and structural features to ensure it is functional and fits the homeowner's lifestyle.

Let Cullum Homes Upgrade Your Space

You know your dream home design better than anyone, and who better to bring it to life than a professional team of home builders? With over 35 years in the industry, we’ve gained the knowledge and experience to renovate or remodel your space and leave you feeling at peace in your home. Our team can help with the entire process, from home building and renovation to interior design and maintenance.

Contact us today to learn more about the remodel vs. renovation processes and how we can bring your ideas to life!