What Are the Pros and Cons of Renovation vs New Construction?

What Is the determining factor for you to remodel or build?

When deciding between renovating your existing home or building new, the determining factor often boils down to location and personal preferences. Are you content with your current location and simply want to enhance your living space? Or are you seeking a fresh start in a new home altogether? At Howland Homes, we understand that the structural integrity of your current house and local preferences play pivotal roles in making this decision. Home renovation and new construction each come with their own set of pros and cons, ultimately influenced by the client's financial means and aspirations.

Building New

The Cost

One of the primary advantages of new construction is its cost-effectiveness. Building new often results in a more predictable budget. With new construction one of the few unknowns when considering the cost of everything would be the foundation and soil condition.

The Duration

Building new is typically less time-consuming due to the absence of demolition, reframing, and repairs. The streamlined process allows for a faster schedule, enabling clients to witness their dream home taking shape efficiently.

The Pros

The allure of building new lies in the opportunity to customize every aspect of your home according to your preferences. At Howland Homes, we collaborate closely with clients to materialize their vision, providing creative freedom and personalized solutions. 

The Cons

It is hard to find a con for building new since it is such an enjoyable experience to have the ability to work with clients on something they truly want and have the creative freedom to bring it to life. While building new is an exciting endeavor, some clients may feel overwhelmed and intimidated by the multitude of decisions involved. However, we prioritize client satisfaction at Howland Homes and offer comprehensive support throughout the decision-making process, with the goal of a smooth and enjoyable experience. We also offer guidance from our reliable network of designers and architects to further assist our clients during the planning stage.

Renovating

The Cost

Cost-wise, renovations might initially seem pricier, particularly with older homes where there are more unknowns. Factors like demolishing, repairing, and reframing entire sections can add up. At Howland Homes, we make every effort to anticipate these uncertainties during the planning stage. While our initial estimate might appear higher than other contractors, we aim for a more realistic budget that includes these potential unknowns. We understand the frustration of unexpected expenses, so we prioritize transparency to provide a clearer picture from the start.

The Duration

Despite the potential challenges, renovations offer the opportunity to preserve the historical appeal of existing structures while incorporating modern amenities seamlessly. Our team at Howland Homes strives to anticipate and navigate unforeseen circumstances to ensure minimal disruptions during production

The Pros

Renovations allow homeowners to maintain the character and integrity of their property, whether through preserving historical features or integrating new additions. We aim to ensure that both remodels and additions seamlessly blend in as if they were always part of the house. Building a new house is a big decision for homeowners, so renovating their current home makes it easier for them so they do not have to relocate. For homeowners who want to eventually build new but do not want to make any major decisions, renovating is a good investment option. Whether clients have this desire or not, we aim to remodel in a way that adds value to their home so it will sell better when they decide to move eventually. 

The Cons

One of the primary challenges of renovating is the presence of unknown variables, which can lead to unforeseen delays and expenses. Additionally, living on-site during renovations can be disruptive and stressful for clients, necessitating careful planning and communication to minimize inconvenience. Which is why we highly recommend finding temporary living during larger remodels.

Considering What is Most Important for You

At Howland Homes, we understand that choosing between renovations and new construction is a significant decision, shaped by individual preferences and priorities. Whether you remodel your existing home or embark on a new construction journey, we are committed to making the process smooth and enjoyable. Our passion for planning and personalized service ensures that your vision is brought to life, resulting in a home that meets your expectations.

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