What’s the Difference Between a Renovation and a Remodel?

Whether you recently bought your home or have lived in it for many years, you likely have a living space that has you dreaming big – perhaps your kitchen has a poor layout or your bathroom needs a complete update.  No matter the project, whether it is a single room or your whole house, it’s always a major decision to take on a home renovation… or is it a remodel?

These words are often used interchangeably, but they don’t mean the same thing. By understanding some basic terms of the trade, you can more easily communicate your ideas to your contractors. So what exactly is the difference between a renovation and a remodel? We’re here to clear up any confusion and offer some essential tips and tricks to help you get started on your project!

A Renovation Restores an Existing Space

The term “renovation” comes from the Latin word novus, which means “new.” So in the most simple terms, to renovate a space means to make it new again.

For the purposes of updating your home, you can consider a renovation to be a refresh of the existing features in your living spaces. A home renovation can be a small project focused on just a few design elements in a single room, or it may involve a revamp of an entire home. But regardless of the scope of the project, a renovation updates the look and feel of a space without altering its intended purpose or structural form. 

Examples of Refreshing Home Renovations

Renovations are ideal if you’re looking to restore your home’s original character, remove damaged or inefficient features and systems, or spruce up an outdated space. Here are a few examples of home renovation projects:

• Stripping and staining kitchen cabinets
• Replacing windows
• Changing out light fixtures
• Replacing kitchen countertops
• Installing new flooring or refinishing old hardwoods
• Rewiring or re-plumbing
• Restoring an original fireplace or wood stove
• Retiling a walk-in shower

The Benefits of Doing a Renovation

A well-planned and professionally executed renovation project can make your home more beautiful, functional, and valuable. Some of the main benefits of taking on a home renovation may include the following:

• Increased property value: Restoring existing features and systems can have a significant positive effect on your home’s value when it comes time to sell; buyers will pay extra for those newly refinished hardwood floors!
• Improved energy efficiency: Adding features like energy-efficient windows or ENERGY STAR appliances can save you money and make your home more comfortable!
• Reduced maintenance requirements: Materials that are easy-to-clean and durable minimize the amount of upkeep you have to do, saving you time and money.
• Improved safety and security: From security systems, to impact-resistant windows, to non-slippery flooring, a renovation can make your home safer for everyone.

With the right approach, a clear vision, and a team of professionals on your side, even the smallest changes can completely transform your home.

A Remodel Involves Structural Change

While a renovation restores existing features, a remodel adds new features and structures! When it comes to home-improvement projects, remodeling involves changing the functionality and design of a living space. It may involve tearing out walls to open up a cramped area, reconfiguring the layout of a room, or adding square footage with an addition.

Keep in mind that a home remodel may also involve some elements that you’d typically see with a renovation. For example, remodeling your kitchen may involve altering the layout and orientation of your appliances (remodeling), while also refinishing your home’s original hardwood floors (renovating)!

Examples of Transformative Home Remodels

With the right design and expert craftsmanship, a home remodel can improve both the function and form of your room or entire home. Here are a few examples of remodeling projects that can make your home work better for you and improve its aesthetic and monetary value:

• Reconfiguring the floor plan in your kitchen
• Adding a kitchen island
• Installing a new linen closet and adding a free-standing tub to a bathroom
• Turning an unfinished basement into a cozy family room or home office
• Installing a new bay window
• Removing a wall to open up a cramped laundry room
• Modifying kitchens and bathrooms for handicap accessibility 
• Building an addition to create an in-law suite or ADU

The Benefits of Doing a Remodel

A successful remodel can truly transform your house into the home you’ve always dreamed of having. With a carefully planned design, high-quality materials, and expert builders, your home remodel can provide a number of benefits, including the following:

• Increased property value: Like a renovation, the right remodeling project can increase your home’s resale value substantially; remodeling a kitchen, finishing an unfinished attic or basement, and updating a bathroom all offer excellent investment returns.
• Added storage space: By building a new closet space, updating your kitchen cabinets, or adding built-in shelving units as part of your remodel, you can optimize your space and stay organized!
• Contemporary look and feel: Not every homeowner wants an ultra-modern space, but even if you’re going for a more traditional, classic design style, a remodel can help give your home an updated feel.
• More usable space: By restructuring and updating your home, you can optimize every square foot, transforming those areas that aren’t working for you and expanding the ones you love!

A successful remodel will offer meaningful, lasting change in your home that will impact both its appearance and how it accommodates you and your family.

Getting Started with Your Home Renovation or Remodel

Now that you have a good understanding of the differences between home renovations and remodels, here are considerations and topics to narrow down your project type.

Assess Your Home’s Current State

The first step in the process is to identify the desired changes of your current space alongside your financial capability.  Identify what you love and what you would like to change.  Are these changes minor or significant?  Which changes are imperative and which are flexible?  Evaluate these against your budget. Understanding both will help you ascertain the scope and complexity of your particular project.

Gather Inspiration

Looking at interior design magazines and blogs, browsing sites like Pinterest and Instagram, and checking out design portfolios are great ways to explore what styles attract you most and appeal to your design sense.  By honing this down, you will better pinpoint the look and feel of your dream space.

Choose Between DIY and Hiring Professionals

If you’re simply changing paint colors or reorienting your furnishings and decor, you may want to handle the project yourself. But unless you have extensive construction experience, building skills, familiarity with permits and general best practices, you’re better off hiring a professional residential construction company like Square Deal Remodeling for more involved remodels and renovations.

Research and Hire the Right Contractor

When choosing a contractor for your home renovation or remodel, choosing a local company with a straightforward and comprehensive design/build process is recommended.  See our blog post on 11 Must Ask Questions For Your Remodeling Contractor.

Design and Planning

Once you have an estimated budget, a vision for your new space, and the right design/build company on your side, the next step is to begin the design process. This involves working with your designer to create floor plans, select specific features and materials, and finalize the details of your project.

Secure Necessary Permits

Some remodels or renovations will require certain permits before construction can begin. Square Deal is fully licensed to work in Oregon and Washington and we can help you identify and obtain necessary permits so that everything is above board.

Prepare Your Home and Family

Before construction begins, it’s important to clear the space as much as possible, this will help streamline the process and protect your personal belongings from damage. If you’re undergoing a large-scale remodel, you may want to secure temporary housing for your family until the project is complete.

Ready to Get Started Planning Your Home Remodel or Renovation?

Whether your project is a renovation, a remodel, or a mix of both, home improvement is exciting and marks a new chapter in the life of your home. 

At Square Deal Remodeling, we’re honored to work with homeowners in the Portland and Vancouver area to transform their living spaces! We believe your home should work for you and your family, accommodate your lifestyle, and suit your preferences and personal style. 

Our experienced team is here to help make your vision a reality. Browse our portfolio to see some of our previous work and call us at 503-254-4156 or contact us online to tell us about your project!