In renovation, much like in life, nothing is quite what it seems. Oftentimes, we will get called out to a prospective project to see what is possible by ways of renovating or remodeling a client’s home.
Opportunities are always endless. That’s the great thing about design. And yet…just because something is possible, doesn’t make it reasonable, affordable, or even worth it.
There’s been a good deal of projects that we’ve scoped out and had to tell our clients that financially speaking it would make more sense to knock down the house entirely and build new.
That sounds like crazy talk. Imagine having to hear that from your architect when you were thinking a gut renovation was sufficient. Oof.
Before we get ahead ourselves, let us be clear: this isn’t always the case. Oftentimes, it’s not the case. One of the things we pride ourselves on most here at Debowsky Design Group, is that we are always honest and up front with our clients, keeping their best interests (that means both design-wise as well as budget-wise) at heart.
But what happens when the big question does arise: to build new or not to build new?
First things first, what is new construction build? Many homeowners don’t actually know what this industry term encompasses. New construction is when a home is built, from scratch essentially, from the ground up. A renovation is when we keep the bones of the house and upgrade from within a set framework. A renovation could be restricted to a room, a wing, or even the whole house with a “gut renovation” – where we basically keep the outer walls and go from there.
New construction on the other hand allows a whole lot more flexibility when it comes to design. You’re working with a blank canvas. The world is your oyster, so to speak. For many homeowners today, building new allows them the opportunity to create a home that is perfectly tailored to their lifestyle, their design sense, and how they plan to grow in the home over time.
As a homeowner, there are many factors that should be considered when deciding between new construction or renovation. Budget, of course, may seem the obvious choice but also feasibility of the project is vital. Many homes are old, perhaps riddled with mold, or the structure doesn’t allow for as much of an expansion as you may have in mind.
The best way to know which route is best for you and your project is to get a consultation with an architect. At Debowsky Design Group, we will walk through your home or property and learn about what you want to accomplish while assessing the space. We typically can give you an accurate estimate right there on the spot for what your project could end up costing – and knowing your budget, we can offer solutions and options to ensure we stay within your cost goals.
At Debowsky Design Group, we know how important it is to have a home that you love at a budget and timeframe that works for you. If you’re curious, go ahead and get in touch. with our team today. Let’s see what options you have in front of you and what path is best for your needs.