Building Vs. Remodeling: Which Is Right For You?

As a firm that specializes in complex home remodeling projects, we are often asked if a client should start fresh. Unfortunately, the answer is not black and white. Hopefully, after you read this article, you will have a better idea of whether a home remodeling project or a new construction home makes sense for you and your family.

Location Of Your Home

The golden rule of real estate is location, location, location. Many of our clients want to raise their family in a very specific area. Popular reasons for picking a particular neighborhood include: school district, proximity to work, walkability, local restaurants and shops, being near family, a neighborhood feeling for kids and having friends living close by.

Unfortunately for clients who want a new home, most major cities like Milwaukee do not have an abundance of vacant land close to our downtown. For many, this may mean remodeling or knocking down an old house. New construction houses built in a developed community are referred to as infill homes.

Some neighborhoods, like Milwaukee’s Historic Water Tower Neighborhood, have strict rules in order to protect historic homes. These rules may make new construction homes too costly, or not provide the flexibility a client might want when designing their new construction home.

2020 saw many clients starting to work remotely, and proximity to work became less important. New construction builders with more rural lots saw a boom in construction as people wanted to escape crowding, crime and noise.

Cost Differential

When compared to remodeling, building a new home of equivalent quality is almost always more expensive. “They don’t build them like they used to,” is a popular saying, and while we do build them like they used to, heirloom quality construction can add up.

If your budget is important, ideally you should plan a remodeling project that fits in your home’s existing envelope. This saves on the cost of a new roof, excavating, a new foundation, the exterior cladding, etc.

When comparing the cost of building a new home to remodeling, you should also take into account material availability and pricing. Over the past two years, it has been very difficult to procure certain building materials. This has slowed down construction projects and caused a sharp increase in prices. In 2021, there were problems getting TJIs and windows, among other things.

The more of an existing structure we can use, the less the project should cost, and the faster we should be able to complete the build.

Home’s Energy Efficiency

If you want an energy efficient home, or a passive home, it likely makes sense to start new. While we are able to make remodeling energy efficient, it is usually at a greater cost, with much of the existing home needing to be remodeled.

When starting a new home, we are able to insulate the concrete slab to our standard, include advanced framing methods, employ exterior insulation, install triple glazed windows, design the home to take advantage of passive solar, and much more.

Design Of Your Home

Another instance where new construction can make a lot of sense is when the homeowner has a specialized use. Common specialized uses include disabilities requiring accessibility, a desire for a unique piece of architecture, home with equestrian facilities and homeowners with unique hobbies.

Home remodels can be designed to meet the specific uses of a homeowner, but its scope is confined to the existing footprint, unless you add an addition to your home. For those who want a more personalized or specialized home, a new construction project might be the only option.

Timing Of Your Project

Often, new construction can take more time to start. Surveys, soil samples, engineering and architectural board reviews can all delay new construction homes. However, depending on the size and design of the project, a remodel can often take longer than a new construction home. If you want to remodel a small room like a bathroom, those are typically quick projects. Conversely, whole home additions or large scale remodeling projects can often take longer than a new construction build because of their complexity.

Benefits Of Remodeling

• You retain your home that is full of memories
• A remodel can add new life to a home and increase its resale value
• You may not need to move out of your home during construction, depending on the scope of the project
• Remodels can make your existing home more energy efficient

Considerations For Remodeling

• Does your home’s location make it worth remodeling?
• If your home is historic, will a remodel will effect its historic status?
• If your home is old, will your home’s existing infrastructure support your remodeling project?
• Are there any codes or other issues that will prevent you from being able to remodel?
• If you are planning an addition, is your lot big enough, will your home be out of scale with the neighborhood and will your neighbors object?
• Will your remodel satisfy your family’s needs while fitting your budget?

Benefits Of New Construction

• Everything is new, and repairs and maintenance should be minimal for the first few years
• Your home can be made with sustainable materials and can create an energy efficient home
• You can plan for new technology
• More freedom in design

Considerations For New Construction

• What are the local building codes?
• How will the location impact your plans and foundation design?
• Are there design restrictions in the neighborhood?
• Are the materials you will need for construction readily available?

Deciding on a renovation, addition, or new construction build usually comes down to location and budget. If you can’t see how your existing home could work for your family, or want to buy a home and renovate it to accommodate your family, engaging an architect and a home remodeling contractor for a consultation should be high on your list. At LaBonte Construction, we would be happy to discuss remodeling vs. building new with you and your family.