People often talk about renovations and remodels as if they were the same thing. Yet there are some key differences between the two, and knowing which one you’re talking about helps you choose the right contractor for the job. Learning about what happens during each type of project along with their benefits can help you make the best choices for your home improvement plans.
Renovations Involve Making Cosmetic Changes
The easiest way to understand the difference between the two is to view a renovation as a smaller-scale project. Renovating a home tends to involve making minor changes that improve the appearance of certain areas. For instance, with a kitchen renovation, San Diego homeowners might choose to reface or repaint the kitchen cabinets to update their look. The same is also true of putting in fresh carpet or repainting a room. At the end of a renovation, the room’s general layout is unchanged. You’ll also continue to use the space in a similar way as you did before while enjoying how it feels to be in a room with updated materials.
Remodels Upgrade a Home’s Functionality
A remodeling project is called for when you want to completely transform a space or alter how an area of your house is used. For instance, knocking out a wall to create a larger living room would fall under the definition of a remodeling project. You could also consider moving the plumbing around in a bathroom to add a separate shower and bathtub to be a remodeling project. If you’re changing the layout of your home or adding completely new features, such as an outdoor kitchen, then you’re planning to remodel. Since many remodels involve altering major parts of a home, you may need to have a contractor available who can help with obtaining permits and meeting any requirements for complying with local codes and ordinances.
Renovations Sometimes Involve Replacing Features
The majority of renovations involve simple cosmetic changes, but this can sometimes involve replacing certain parts of your home. This is where some people get confused. For instance, changing out your sink but leaving it in the same place would fall into the category of being a renovation. Moving the sink to the other side of the kitchen is a remodeling project. If you’re changing out the tile on a backsplash or putting in a new toilet, this is a renovation.
Remodels Require a Higher Level of Expertise
Renovations sometimes fall within the abilities of a general repair person. However, they can still enter special territory if they involve complicated plumbing or electrical systems, and you may need to consider having a remodeling expert come in to help if your project involves many smaller changes. You should always involve a professional remodeling contractor when making major alterations to your home’s configuration. Moving plumbing and electrical systems around gets complicated, and you need an expert to determine if a wall you want knocked out is load bearing or integral to the systems that run through your house.
Whether their home improvement project involves a renovation or a whole house remodel, San Diego homeowners can rely on the team from Forever Builders for outstanding workmanship and exceptional service at affordable rates. From planning to completion, we’ll help you create the beautiful home you’ve always dreamed of. To find out more about our exceptional renovation and remodeling services, give one of our friendly team members a call today at (833) 243-5624.