Remodel Vs. Renovation: What Does My Houston Home Need?

Key Differences And Applications Of Remodel Vs. Renovation.

Are you thinking of replacing your outdated bathroom tile? Or, you probably wanted to add an in-law suite for your visiting families. Both projects could be a significant change for your home. However, which is a remodel and which is a renovation?

A renovation restores a home's beauty, while a remodel requires significant changes. They differ in the project's final price and period. At times, renovation is a better pre-selling investment than a remodel, or vice versa! Let's compare remodeling to renovating in Houston. What are the differences in costs, duration, resources, and applications?

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"This team went above and beyond my expectations. From the beginning, Shannon and her team treated me and my family with such kindness knowing how difficult selling my family home would be after the loss of my mother. Even while I was away Shannon took charge of the entire process & got me top dollar! The icing on the cake is that I made a lifelong friend!" - Susan (Google Review)

What Is the Difference Between a Remodel and a Renovation?
Which Is More Expensive?
Choosing the Right Project You Need

What Is the Difference Between a Remodel and a Renovation?

"My wife and I relocated to Hawaii earlier this year for a job opportunity. We only reluctantly decided to sell our home in Spring after getting a multi-year contract extension. Kim Vargas and her team did an amazing job helping us prepare our home for sale, considering we were 5 time zones behind and extremely busy with our work schedules. The staging was flawless, with attention to every detail in the listing. We had multiple offers the first weekend, and ended up closing at above our asking price in less than 30 days. As a licensed real estate agent in the State of Hawaii, I can unequivocally recommend Kim and her team based on her professionalism, market knowledge and - last but not least - our awesome results!" - (Jeff, Google Review)

Both words have different meanings, even if they are often used interchangeably. A renovation is a home's restoration to its previous state. It may include restoring aged woodwork, refinishing floors, or repainting cupboards.

A renovation is simply fixing the easier things like changing countertops and tiles. It also includes adding finishing touches or your preferred customizations.

Small renovation projects can be DIY completed and wouldn't often require permits. Cost Vs. Value states that Houston renovations start from $2,000 up to $27,000. The price depends on the project type and scope.

But, a remodel constructs something new. It includes tearing down walls, combining rooms, altering a floor plan, or an expansion. Remodeling projects have a longer construction period. So, a contractor is also needed to get permits. It often costs more than renovation as it involves structural changes and demolition.

The costs are also affected by the construction size, fixtures and finishes, and location.

When to Renovate?

Renovation is best if you wish to maximize your return on investment "ROI" before selling. Also, legal restrictions could be a hindrance to renovating historic homes. The option of renovation and remodeling also depends on budget constraints.

Renovations generally cater to functionality, condition, and livability.

Functionality: Can't open a pantry door while the oven door is open? This functional problem calls for a kitchen renovation project. NAR states that you'll recover 67% of a kitchen upgrade cost when selling.
Condition: Overused hardwood floors need refinishing. NAR estimates that the ROI on this project is as high as 147%. Replacing tiles and fixing damaged walls improves your property's condition and market worth.
Livability: Every family has different needs. If you have young children, you might want to frame the basement walls to make a playroom.

When Houston's best Realtors choose a "fix and flip" investment, there are vital things they consider for sellability. Significant upgrades come from repurposing kitchen cabinets and resealing granite countertops. In bathrooms, it's replacing tiles and changing fixtures. Usually, minor adjustments can make a big difference.

When to Remodel?

Remodeling is best if you intend to remain in your home for a while. This is due to the cost and time involved. Remodeling bathrooms in Houston costs up to $80,000 while adding a new one can reach up to $111,000. Why choose remodeling instead of the less expensive option of simply sprucing up an existing room?

Square Footage Extension: An extra room can cater to a growing family or visiting relatives. When finding a new home in some sellers' markets is hard, homeowners opt to remodel instead.
Deep Problems: You can only choose renovation if your home's foundation is strong. If your plumbing, subfloor, and sheetrock are secure, you can adjust your bath fixtures, tile, and paint. However, you can't renovate if you have plumbing issues, molding sheetrock, and a rotted subfloor.
Your Wants Matter: Even if you choose to sell and move for extra space, you're still forced to live with someone else's decisions. Sometimes it's easier to get what you want by developing your current home.

Which Is More Expensive?

"Brittney and the entire team at Houston Properties have been amazing to work with! I had a condensed timeline to find a place and several things I was particular about and they nailed it. Cannot recommend them enough. There team has been so helpful, even now after I've already closed they always pickup the phone and help me in any way they can with whatever issues I may be having which have been very few." - Hayden (Google Review)

Typically, remodeling is more costly than renovation. Its differences are like rebuilding a car from scratch instead of just painting it. National averages compare their differences:

Bathroom Project: Bathroom renovations range from $26,000 to $40,000, while a remodel can cost up to $80,000. Both options have comparable highs and lows. Costs are mainly dependent on location and chosen upgrades.
Kitchen Project: Simple kitchen renovations are less expensive than a complete remodel. The former costs around $27,000, while the latter is roughly $77,000. Countertop replacements need a higher budget than just simply painting them. Prices also depend on preferences and replacements.
Room Addition: Room addition costs starts from $62,000 (for bathroom) to $168,000 (for primary suite). This amount could be less than a new home’s downpayment and closing costs. If you want a better financial choice between remodeling or a new home, contact Houston’s top Realtors. We provide valuable market insights to assist you with the right decision.

Choosing the Right Project You Need

"Courtney Williams and the entire Houston Properties team made home buying a breeze. As first time homebuyers, my wife and I were a bit nervous going into the process but Courtney and the HP team made us feel comfortable with their knowledgeable guidance, proactive communication, and friendly demeanor. I definitely recommend." - (Jonathan, Google Review)

The right project choice will depend on your family's needs, home maintenance, and selling plans.

Urgent and unavoidable repairs (like a new roof) must be a priority. Neglected maintenance can cause issues and reduce your home’s value in the future.

But before you remodel or renovate, we strongly advise you to talk to Houston’s best Realtors, the Houston Properties Team. We can provide comparable neighborhood sales to help you decide. For instance, if newly remodeled homes only sold for 7% more than your home value, the project is not worth it.

If you plan to sell your home, don’t get updates with less or no return on investment. Ask your Realtor which updates have high ROIs and increase your home’s market value.

Be wise in choosing between a remodel or a renovation if your home will not be your permanent one.

Houston's top real estate team, the Houston Properties Team, has years of experience selling remodeled and renovated homes. If you want a free value estimator for your house, see Houston Home Value Estimator, or Contact us to get personal advice on remodeling and renovating your home.

Remodel Vs. Renovation: What Does My Houston Home Need?

Table of Contents

What Is the Difference Between a Remodel and a Renovation?

When to Renovate?

When to Remodel?

Which Is More Expensive?

Choosing the Right Project You Need

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