{"id":33181,"date":"2022-09-29T10:22:33","date_gmt":"2022-09-29T17:22:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/?p=33181"},"modified":"2023-07-14T20:24:00","modified_gmt":"2023-07-15T03:24:00","slug":"remodel-vs-renovation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/remodel-vs-renovation\/","title":{"rendered":"What Are the Differences Between a Remodel and a Renovation?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Are you sick of living with the pepto pink bathroom tile from the 1950s? Or, maybe you\u2019re thinking of adding an in-law apartment<\/a> for when your mom comes to visit. Both projects could increase your enjoyment of your home, but which would be a remodel, and which would be a renovation?<\/p>\n

A renovation project focuses on restoring a home to its previous glory, while a remodel involves making more significant changes. The differences between a remodel and a renovation can be seen in the project\u2019s final price tag and the amount of time you can expect your home to be torn apart. In some cases, a renovation will be a smarter investment before selling compared with a remodel, or vice versa! Let\u2019s dive into a remodel vs. renovation.<\/p>\n

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What is the difference between a remodel and a renovation?<\/h2>\n

While you might hear the words used interchangeably, they actually have two very different meanings.<\/p>\n

A <\/b>renovation<\/b><\/a> restores a home to what it was previously \u2014 this may mean restoring old woodwork, repainting cabinets, or refinishing floors.<\/p>\n

Jerome Leyba<\/a>, an experienced agent and house flipper in Santa Fe, New Mexico<\/a>, describes a renovation as \u201cgoing in and maybe doing easier stuff like changing out cabinets, countertops, and tile.\u201d It could be adding finishing touches or customizing a space to your needs and taste.<\/p>\n

If it\u2019s a small renovation, you might be able to complete it yourself. It\u2019s often unnecessary to pull permits for these kinds of small projects. The average cost nationwide for a renovation project can range from $18,000 to $72,000<\/a>. The costs of these vary depending on the scope of the project, of course.<\/p>\n

A remodel <\/b>creates something new \u2014 it could mean blowing out walls and combining rooms, changing a home\u2019s floor plan, or adding an addition. When you\u2019re remodeling<\/a>, you likely need to work with a contractor to pull permits, and the project might take longer. Remodels often involve demolition and structural changes \u2014 and because of this, a remodel typically costs more.<\/p>\n

Other factors that influence cost include the size of the space you\u2019re sprucing up or adding, the fixtures and finishes you choose, and your geographic area.<\/p>\n

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When should someone choose a renovation?<\/h2>\n

You might choose a renovation when you want to maximize your return on investment, or ROI, before selling. If you own a historic home<\/a>, legal restrictions could prevent you from making any major structural changes. Budget constraints could also push you toward renovation vs. remodeling.<\/p>\n

Renovations generally touch on a few areas: functionality, condition, and livability.<\/p>\n