Deciding between a renovation or addition




If you’re a homeowner trying to make the decision between a home renovation or a home addition, we understand that it can be a difficult choice. There are many factors to consider, such as cost, timeline, the layout of your existing home, the size of your property, and the scope of the changes you want to make. 

We recommend working with a trusted residential architect who can help you make an informed decision between a home renovation and a home addition. In this article, we’ll explore several of the advantages and disadvantages of each option.

When a home renovation makes sense

Home renovations have several advantages, including:

  • They are usually more affordable than building from scratch, and can be completed more quickly. This of course depends on the size of your home and how old the building is. Have a trusted builder conduct an assessment and give you a more accurate estimate.
  • If you live in an historic building, renovating allows you to keep the original structure so you can make necessary updates while continuing to enjoy its original charm.

On the other hand, there are some cons to home renovations, such as:

  • You’re limited in scope by the structure of your building. If you want to make radical changes to your home, you may not be able to achieve them with a renovation.
  • Older buildings might contain harmful building materials that will need to be replaced, adding to the cost of the project.
  • Renovating often happens in multiple phases instead of all at once, so renovations can sometimes take longer than additions.

Designing a home addition that adds value

Home additions give you much more creative freedom over the final result because you aren’t limited by the existing building structure. If you live on a big property with plenty of room to spare, you can construct your addition in nearly any way you want. Similarly, there are fewer chances you’ll encounter obstacles (unlike with renovations) since you’re building from the ground up. Building a home addition also allows you to incorporate more eco-friendly interior design and architecture. 

There are some downsides to choosing a home addition over a renovation, though. First and most importantly, home additions often cost more because you’re building from scratch. You’ll be responsible for all the building materials, labor costs, and the architect’s fees. Home additions can also take longer since there is no existing structure to work from. However, if you aren’t in a hurry and you have the budget saved up, additions can be a wonderful choice.

For more information about renovating or adding onto your single-family home in NJ, please contact our team today. We’re happy to discuss home renovations and home additions with you.

Originally posted https://leeb-architecture.com/deciding-between-a-renovation-or-addition/

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