When your home starts showing its age, a spruce up is in order. Minor renovations like painting it inside and out or replacing tired windows are an easy fix. But what happens when you need to start tearing down walls for an open plan living room and kitchen? Or you need to get into the walls to completely replace the pipes and electrical wiring? The extent of the renovations you need to make may have you wondering whether building a new home might just be simpler.
Read on to see which factors to consider when deciding whether you should tear down your house to build a new one or whether you should go down the renovations route.
The Scope of the Work
The scope of the work you need done to your home is one of the biggest factors when it comes to deciding whether to renovate or rebuild. Antiquated building practices, damaged foundations, structural defects, or wood rot can mean extensive (and expensive) repairs to your home.
You may feel the need for a renovation while keeping the architectural design of the house intact, especially if you live in a historically important property. This is an option for all homeowners looking to maintain the feel and character of their home.
How Long Do You Plan to Live There?
This question often seems to take people aback. Renovating your home means you love it and want to continue living there, right? Depending on the amount of work you need to get done on your home, it can be better to rebuild your house if you are planning on living there for the next 10-15 years or so. A newer home with modern building envelope detailing, along with current mechanical and electrical equipment can be much cheaper to run than an older one with a reduction in heating and cooling bills along with new energy star appliances. Higher energy performance will save homeowners money as time moves along.
Time Spent on Renovations and Rebuilds
Major renovations can take as long (and cost as much or more) as a complete rebuild. On the flip side, you can renovate your house room by room as money and time permit, although this is not a cost effective practice. You can also continue living in your home while it’s being renovated, with some inconvenience and added cost.
Rebuilding is a commitment you can’t back out of. Leaving an unfinished structure to the mercy of weather can seriously hamper the structure as it is being constructed. This means that you will need to find alternate accommodation while your house is being rebuilt.
Zoning Restrictions and Permits
If you live in a historic home, you may not gain the necessary permits to demolish and reconstruct your house. In such cases, an extensive remodel or renovation may be the only way forward.
If you wish to proceed with a new build, then your neighbourhood may be subject to new and more strict zoning regulations. There may be new size, height and spatial separation (opening sizes) restrictions which need to be incorporated into the plans for the new house. Getting approval from zoning authorities can currently take many months, after which plans may or may not have to be revised according to their requirements. In short, actually starting the process of building can take time. It is important to note that major renovations may also require a building permit.
Whichever path you choose, it is important you choose the right building contractor for the job. Vista Coastal Builders works with you as the homeowner, in collaboration with the team of architects, designers, consultants, inspectors and trades to bring your vision to life with the highest standard of quality. We have extensive experience in all options available whether you decided on a new build, a full scale renovation, an addition, or a combination of options. We are capable of handling any aspects asked of us in order to deliver your vision to it’s fullest extent.
Get in touch with us to find out what we can do for you!