Remodel or Rebuild? Three Signs a Renovation May Not Be Enough

Home renovation projects are relatively commonplace. In fact, U.S. homeowners remodel more than 10.2 million kitchens and 14.2 million bathrooms each year. But despite the fact that home remodeling services are popular, that doesn’t always mean they’re the right choice.

Your home remodeling contractors will be your best source of information when trying to determine the next steps for property improvement. In some cases, your contractors may come up with a fantastic design that allows you to fall back in love with your home. But in others, they may advise you that an entire rebuild may be warranted.

If you’re currently trying to decide whether to remodel or rebuild, you may feel overwhelmed and confused about which choice to make. Home remodeling can be ideal in many circumstances, allowing you to keep costs reasonable and make the choices you need to add value and to improve your quality of life. However, a rebuild might be the best option if any of the following three signs ring true.

1. You Don’t Plan On Moving For a While (Or Ever): Some homeowners are motivated to make improvements due to the potential return on investment (ROI) that home remodeling can offer. In those situations, it’s best to choose the projects that homebuyers care about, rather than the ones that prioritize only the needs of the current owner. If your main objective is to sell your home at some point in the future, it doesn’t make a lot of sense to pursue an entire rebuild. But if you’ve made a lifelong commitment and consider this property to be your forever home, it may be worth considering a total rebuild — assuming there are major elements of the home that will keep you from feeling truly fulfilled. It’s also important to note that a rebuild can allow you to sell your home for a higher profit 10 or 15 years down the line. Since you’ll effectively be resetting the the ‘clock” on your home, you’ll get to enjoy a completely upgraded house and entice buyers who are looking for a turnkey property.
2. You Want the Ability to Start from Scratch: Some people choose to buy an empty lot on which they can build the home of their dreams. But if you already love the location of your current house and you want everything to follow your unique specifications, a rebuild may be the right choice. Rebuilding your home can allow you to put your own spin on the design and have a hand in every part of the process without adding the stress of finding a vacant property on which to build or moving to an unfamiliar area. If you love the property and the potential it offers but you’re not happy with the majority of your home’s layout or design, your home remodeling contractors might recommend a complete rebuild as a viable option.
3. Your Home’s Existing Structure Won’t Accommodate Your Plans: In some situations, a rebuild may not actually be your first choice. But if the condition or restrictions of your current home make renovating a risky endeavor, you might be better off rebuilding. For example, a home with substantial foundation issues or a layout that wouldn’t permit you to raise the ceiling might require some rebuilding before smaller adjustments can be made. If the home’s footprint won’t align with your desired plans or if your home has been significantly damaged in some way, your property may not actually be a good candidate for a simple renovation. In certain situations, a rebuild may be optimal.

Although home remodeling can address countless concerns while adding a lot of value, it’s not the only way to improve a home. Be sure to consult with reputable remodeling contractors before deciding on a course of action to ensure your vision is addressed in the most effective way possible.