While it is difficult to lay your hands on all the technical know-how of architecture and interior designing as a layman, awareness of basic terms is always helpful. An area where people often get confused deals with remodelling and renovation. Deciding to upgrade your house is a big step, but it is also important to know what works best for you. This article is a brief guide to help you decode the terminologies remodelling and renovation and understand which is the one for you.
See also: Top 10 kitchen renovation tips for your home improvement project
Understanding the terms
Before diving into the virtues of each to help you choose, let’s go through a basic definition of these terms and understand the differences between the two and what each of them entails:
Renovation
Updating the existing features of a space without making any significant structural changes is known as renovation. From minor cosmetic updates to more extensive repairs and replacements to your interior’s arsenal, renovation projects focus on improving the appearance, functionality and overall condition of a space while keeping up its original structural integrity and retaining the existing layout. If you plan a renovation project, here’s what you might be signing up for
- Painting and refinishing: Walls, floors and surfaces can be refreshed with new paints, prints, stains or finishes.
- Flooring replacement: You can consider upgrading your flooring by installing new and different flooring materials than what you have, such as hardwood, tile, carpet or laminate.
- Fixture upgrades: Lighting, faucets and hardware might become dysfunctional or stylistically obsolete and therefore require replacement.
- Cabinet refacing: Updating the outer appearance of cabinets by incorporating new doors, drawer fronts and hardware.
Remodelling
While having a similar objective as a renovation project, remodelling involves more extensive changes in the structure, layout or form of a space. Not only does it involve technicalities, but also heavy-duty implementation measures, such as demolishing walls, adding square footage or reconfiguring the floor plan. They generally aim at modernising or updating the look and functionality of the space. A remodelling project might involve undertaking one or more of the following:
- Kitchen remodel: Updating essential kitchen components such as cabinets, countertops, appliances and layout.
- Bathroom remodel: Improving functionality and aesthetics of the bathroom by renovating fixtures, tiles and layout.
- Room addition: Expanding the square footage and surface area of the home by incorporating a new bedroom, bathroom or living space.
- Basement conversion: Transforming an unfinished basement or unused space into a usable living area, like a home theatre or guest room.
Pros and cons
To help you decide whether you should go for renovation or remodelling, here is a concise list of the pros and cons you should consider:
Pros
| Renovation | Remodelling |
| Less expensive and consumes lesser time and labour. | Allows a lot of scope for customisation and personalisation. |
| Improves the aesthetics and functionality of a space without major structural changes or construction procedures. | Offers the opportunity to address issues with the layout at a structural level. |
| Makes space for updates and upgrades within the existing layout without the need of major changes. | Allows to create a space that is best suited to your personal lifestyle and needs. |
| Potentially increases the market value of the home. | Significantly increases the value and appeal of the home. |
Cons
| Renovation | Remodelling |
| Limited scope as compared to remodelling. | More expensive, time-consuming and labour intensive tha renovation. |
| Underlying structural layout issues and flaws may go unaddressed. | May require extra permits to meet compliance norms of buildings and authorities. |
| Only cosmetic updates may not significantly raise the value of the home. | Significantly hampers smooth daily functioning in the process. |
| Albeit less than remodelling, might still involve disruption and hampering of daily life in the process. | Unforeseen issues and delays are common and might lead to additional costs and hassles. |
FAQs
What's the difference between remodelling and renovation?
While remodelling involves making upgrades at the structural level or the level of the layout, renovation mainly focuses on updating or restoring the existing features without major changes.
Which is more expensive between remodelling or renovation?
Since it involves extensive construction like adding square footage and reconfiguring the layout, remodelling tends to be more expensive than renovation.
How long does remodelling or renovation take?
The duration depends on the scope of the project. Remodelling might take several weeks or months while renovation can be completed in a shorter period of time, typically a few days or weeks.
Do I need permits for remodelling or renovation?
Depending on the extent of work required and the local building codes, you might require a special permit. Most renovations can be done without a permit but remodelling requires permits.
Which adds more value to my home, remodelling or renovation?
Both remodelling and renovations can increase the value of your home depending on their impact on the market value.
Can I DIY remodelling or renovation projects?
While some renovation projects like painting or updating fixtures can be done at home, it is recommended to consult a professional for more extensive renovations or remodelling projects.
How do I decide between remodelling and renovation for my home?
Take into account your goals, budget and the existing condition of your home when deciding between remodelling and renovation and consult a contractor or designer for added insights.
| Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com |
