As soon as you buy a house that isn’t in perfect condition, you immediately start thinking about home improvements. Home renovation can be expensive and time-consuming. Is it better to stick with the structure you have or tear it down? Here are some things to ask yourself if you are debating between remodeling and new construction.
What is your budget like?
While any type of home renovation is expensive, a whole new house is even more so. If you have a tight budget, remodeling might be for you. Another reason to choose remodeling over new construction is that you can control your budget more. Simply start in the room that needs the most work and continue your home improvements from there as you have the money. With new construction, you are committing to paying for an entire new house. Once the old structure is knocked down, you are locked into paying for everything you need to live in the new home. Putting construction on hold can be tricky, as you don’t want the inside exposed to the elements.
What is the condition of the house?
Remodeling can fix a lot, but it can’t fix everything. There are some features that new construction may actually save you time and money for. The foundation is one of these. Replacing a shaky foundation without tearing down the house is very difficult and expensive. Another feature that works better with new construction is ceilings. There is generally not a lot of room to raise ceilings. You will end up having to redo the entire floor above it. Building a new house with higher ceilings may pay off.
How long are you planning to live in the new house?
Think about whether or not you will move again. If you aren’t planning to, or it will be awhile, new construction may be right for you. If you go with remodeling, it can become a never-ending project. Just when you fix one part of the house, another appliance needs replaced. Starting from scratch guarantees that you will get the full value out of your home. Both remodeling and rebuilding can add value to your house if you are planning to sell it eventually.
How much time do you have?
If you need to move in soon, don’t count on new construction being done on time. Building a home can take six months or more. Remodeling, on the other hand, can be finished relatively quickly depending on the project. You can even move into your new house while still doing home improvements in some rooms.
What is your goal for the house?
Different projects require different solutions. For example, if you need more room in your house, you may be considering new construction. However, you could also add an addition on to your home or remodel the space to fit your needs better. It depends on what you mean by “more room”. Home renovation should not just be jumped into without a well-thought-out plan. Consider what you want your home to look and function like, and then choose the best way to make that happen. Consult with a contractor to figure out the best solution.
Need help with remodeling or new construction?
Whether you are fixing up and old house or building a brand new one, Eakman Construction can help. Years of experience have taught them the importance of communication and putting the customer first. Call (206) 972-2275 or email info@eakmanconstruction.com to learn more about how they can meet all your remodeling and construction needs.