If you’ve been thinking about doing any sort of major remodeling project at your house, you might’ve thought (maybe even more than once), “We should just build instead.” Perhaps your thoughts have turned into more than mere imaginings, and you’re seriously debating the benefits of taking on a new construction project versus renovating the house you currently live in.
There are a number of issues you should think about before you commit to either one of these projects; after all, they’re both big jobs! As you continue reading this guide, you will see some helpful information that will make it easier for you to make whichever decision is right for your family. Each of the next few paragraphs showcases a topic you should carefully consider prior to making your final choice.
Think About What Kind of Shape Your House is In
First and foremost, you need to consider why you want to renovate your house in the first place. If, for example, it’s a historic home, and you love its character, but you had its old-fashioned kitchen, remodeling may be the best choice for you. New construction will never have the same architectural features as an old house, but you can certainly add a state-of-the-art modern kitchen to a historic residence.
If, on the other hand, your house has all sorts of structural damage and you don’t really like the interior all that much anyway, putting it on the market and starting fresh with a new house might be the right path. Only you and your family can figure out which of these categories you fall into.
Learn About Your Local Zoning Laws
Different communities have different laws that pertain to residential construction and renovation. Some allow homeowners to do whatever they want to within reason, while others have strict rules about what can and cannot be done within city limits. You’ll need to make sure your planned renovations are okay in your area. If you can’t do what you’re hoping to, find out if new construction laws are more lenient.
Consider Your Energy Efficiency Priorities
Although nobody wants to pay high utility bills, some homeowners are more concerned with energy efficiency than others. It’s important to understand that, while older homes can be renovated to be significantly more energy efficient than they were originally, they will never be as energy-savvy as brand new houses.
If energy efficiency is something that is very important to you and your family, you’ll need to weigh if it is more of a priority than any sentimental value you attach to your current home. You may also want to have a contractor assess how energy efficient the house you’re in now can be with appropriate renovations.
Ponder the Amount of Hassle
Both new construction projects and major renovations are hassles. However, some people feel like new houses are slightly less bothersome because they don’t directly impact your life on a day-to-day basis like remodeling projects can. Even though any frustration is temporary, this is still something to bear in mind as you make your decision.
Hatch Homes has been helping families throughout the Carolinas with remodeling jobs both big and small for many years. We look forward to working with you to turn your house into the home you’ve always wanted or to helping you build your dream house from the ground-up.