Same Sector. Different Terms. Even More Different Results.

By John Cherveny

Do you want to renovate your home? Are you thinking of remodeling your kitchen? Or maybe both? These are terms that are usually used interchangeably when talking about structural reforms, but, in reality, they are two different concepts.

Unfinished Wall - John Cherverny arrest, Palm City

Know the Basics.

The terms renovation and remodeling may seem similar, but to housing professionals, they are different because, while both involve physical changes to a property, they vary in cost and complexity of construction involved.

Basically, renovations are based, as the name implies, on renovating a property to revive it or add value to it before it is offered for sale. They are based on smaller-scale projects, such as painting walls, replacing fixtures, updating features of a room, etc.

On the other hand, remodels generate changes in the structure and design of a property, transforming it from the way it was originally. These projects usually have a higher complexity. Examples of remodeling can be removing walls, changing the layout of a kitchen, among others.

A Matter of Costs.

Because remodeling a property is more complicated than renovating it, it usually costs more in the end. Remodeling projects also tend to require more professional expert assistance than renovations. In addition, many remodels require permits, which can add additional costs to the final project. Therefore, it is best to consider all factors with a professional in the field in order to plan well everything to be done and optimize expenses as best as possible.

man climbing on ladder inside room

Short and Long-term Projects.

The choice of whether to renovate or remodel will also depend on what you want to do with the property. If it is a matter of selling it as soon as possible, a quick renovation to increase the price of the property might be enough, giving a few fresh touches to the entrance, buying new bathroom fixtures, and replacing obsolete systems. On the other hand, if you want to keep the property, changing its configuration might be the route to take, remodeling the open spaces, adding another bathroom, or enlarging the kitchen.

Leave Everything to the Experts or Roll Up Your Sleeves?

For some, property restructuring projects are opportunities to demonstrate their construction skills; however, not all projects are suitable for anyone to undertake, and not all require an experienced hand.

Certain renovation jobs may be suitable for some people who have skills in the matter, being able to be present from the main planning to the completion of the same. Painting walls, discarding old fixtures and buying new ones, sanding doors and windows, among other things can be easy activities to do.

However, structural remodeling is a major activity, requiring special equipment and tools, various materials, drawings and plans, as well as personnel trained in major construction. It is important to consider that, if the remodeling is not done correctly, there is a high probability of damage to the property.

An architect working on a draft with a pencil and ruler

Final Decisions.

Now that you know the differences between renovating and remodeling, you can decide what you want to do with your property. What is best for you is to meet with a professional in the field and follow the path of what suits you best, taking into account time, costs, short and long-term benefits, need for trained personnel, among other factors.