When your home no longer functions optimally or suits the lifestyle needs of you and your family, you have two options: remodel or build new.
Both choices enable you to create a fresh, modern space that is suitable for your current and future goals. The process of getting there, however, may look very different depending on the type of project you undertake.
Is it Better to Build a New Home or Remodel?
Whether you’re struggling with a lack of adequate space or you now find your house uncomfortable, inconvenient, or unappealing, there’s no clear answer as to whether renovating or starting from scratch is preferable. There are pros and cons to each option and numerous factors to consider when deciding what is right in your individual situation.
Remodeling Your Fenton Home
If you’re making a pro and con list for remodeling your Fenton home, it’s important to think about cost, location, your future goals, and the long-term value of your house. Also, there’s the overarching question of what you want to change. When there are numerous issues with your house as it currently stands, remodeling may not be the most effective solution. Here is a closer look at some of the other pros and cons to consider before renovating your Fenton house:
Remodeling Pros
One of the primary advantages of choosing a remodel vs new construction is that it enables you to stay put. You don’t have to deal with the hassle of moving and leaving the neighborhood with which you’re familiar. If you live near work, in the school district of your choice, or next to public amenities and shops you frequent, this is a big bonus. Additionally, you may have already invested a great deal into your exterior spaces, including landscaping, hardscaping, and outdoor structures. You can’t take those with you when you move. Neither can you transpose the sentimental value of your existing home onto your new home. After having spent years on your property, making memories, and investing time and money to enhance it, remodeling gives you the opportunity to extend your home’s lifespan so you can live there comfortably for several more years.
In terms of whether it’s cheaper to remodel or build new, the answer is typically remodeling. Even if you plan to retrofit a basement to create an in-law suite, expand your kitchen layout, or do a bathroom addition, a large portion of the home remains intact. There are a few caveats, however, when it comes to budgeting for a home remodel. Things like making major alterations to your home’s existing footprint, having to revamp the entire mechanical system, or discovering unexpected damage that must be fixed can quickly increase your home remodeling budget.
Remodeling Cons
If your main problem is a lack of space for your growing family or changing lifestyle, then you will likely need to add on to the home. Changing the footprint of your house requires extensive work to move walls and check the foundation, plus you may have to encroach into a perfectly manicured yard that you’ve diligently cared for or take down large trees to make space. Even if you decide to build up instead of out, you have to make sure your foundation can handle the extra weight.
Another disadvantage is the disruption that remodeling can have on your life. Again, this can impact you to varying degrees depending on the scope of your project and how it is planned out. If you’re only renovating a few spaces, you should be able to use a majority of your home for the duration of the work. If you want a whole home remodel, however, be prepared for four to eight months of noise, decreased privacy, and a potential alteration of your daily routine.
Additionally, if you live in a historic house or neighborhood, you may face certain restrictions and guidelines when renovating your home’s interior or exterior. For some homeowners, this may not be a big issue. For others, having to jump through additional hurdles to update your property and make it suitable for your modern lifestyle can be frustrating.
New Home Construction in Fenton
When you build a new home in the Fenton area, you get to start from scratch. In some ways, designing a new home may be easier than remodeling your existing home if there are numerous changes to be made. Here are other pros and cons to calculate into your decision:
New Construction Pros
If you originally bought a pre constructed home, the idea of creating customized space is exciting. You finally have the opportunity to build a home to your exact specifications from the ground up. Additionally, if you aren’t particularly fond of or attached to your current neighborhood, building new is an opportunity for settling in a whole new location. You can find a piece of land that is closer to your work, in a school district you prefer, or next to better amenities—whatever qualities you feel will enhance your quality of life.
For homeowners in southeast Michigan who prioritize energy efficiency, new home construction is preferable. With a remodel, you can make some changes to create eco-friendly spaces—such as installing water-saving features and energy-efficient appliances and windows. When you build new, however, you have latitude to incorporate green choices at a structural level as well. You can select sustainable materials and even adopt alternative natural power sources. There may be other modern amenities and technology you want to incorporate into your house. Doing so during the design phase for new home construction is typically more seamless than adding such features to an existing residential building.
New Construction Cons
If you’re currently living in a historic home and like that aspect of it, moving away can be disadvantageous. Although you can mimic certain features when designing your new house, it’s impossible to truly capture the character and essence of a vintage home with new construction.
Additionally, building a new home typically takes longer than a remodel. For many families, this may not be a huge problem, since they can remain at their existing home while the project is underway. However, if you’re on a time crunch due to changing circumstances, you may not be able to wait the extra few months for the space you require. Doing a custom-built house further extends the new construction timeframe.
Making Your Home in Fenton, MI
There is no definitive answer as to whether it is better to remodel your home in southeast Michigan or build new. Additionally, a pro for one option is not necessarily a con for the other. It depends solely on your unique situation and personal preferences. Whichever decision you make, however, there is a clear option for who to partner with for the project. Top Choice Builders has ample experience with custom home builds and different types of residential renovations. No matter the size or scope of your project, our team approaches it with a consistent dedication to quality craftsmanship, transparent communication, and superior customer service.
Whether you’re remodeling or building a custom home, we hope you found this information helpful! If you have any other questions about remodeling or building in eastern Michigan, feel free to contact us. We want to see your dream home turn into a reality.