While a remodel changes the shape of something (such as adding a new shower to an existing bathroom), a renovation focuses more on restoring something old to a good state (fixing a creaky floor, for example). Many people don't know the difference between renovation and remodeling, much less between renovation, remodeling and restoration. However, it's crucial to understand their differences before embarking on such an important project. Only then can you work effectively with your architect. Because of the amount of work involved in remodeling, you'll only want to choose this option if your building is missing an important component, such as an HVAC system.
Consult our project budgeting guide to create a budget for your remodeling project. You should undergo a restoration project to make your building look like before. Unfortunately, you may not be able to restore some areas of the building. If this is the case, you'll need to add renovation or remodeling work to your project. A renovation involves updating an existing structure with aesthetic changes, while a remodeling involves changing the structure through demolition and construction, explains Jason Larson, founder and president of Lars Remodeling & Design in San Diego, California.
Because renovation usually costs less, and because it involves repairing and updating the basic features of a home, homeowners tend to get a better return on investment in renovation projects than in remodeling projects when they sell their house.
