Whether you’re looking to increase the real estate value of your property or want to breathe new life into your home, knowing the difference between remodeling and renovation is key. The main difference between renovation and remodeling is that in remodeling, you’re making major design changes to an existing structure, while in a renovation, you are redecorating and updating the look and feel of a room—or an entire structure—without changing its intended purpose.
At Lulu Puras we have two departments that each specialize in one of these types of projects. Our Design department handles major remodels and new builds, while our Studio department works with minor renovations and space redecorating.
All design and renovation projects have their challenges. Here are five tips to minimize those challenges in both remodeling and renovation projects.
Know Your Budget.
If you’re planning on doing any renovations or remodels, you’ll need to make sure you have enough funds set aside to cover the project. You also need to consider how much work will be involved.
Usually, a remodel is costlier than a renovation project. Because remodeling may require modifying the physical structure of a home, it is sometimes essential to reorganize the wiring, plumbing, and ductwork, which complicates and increases the cost of the job. A remodel typically involves more expert work, as well as more material costs, because many remodeling projects require the construction of additions to spaces and structure. While the final cost depends on the scale of the job and the quality of the materials, renovations are typically less expensive because they are less complex.
Also, keep in mind there are hidden costs to any remodeling project you plan to do.
Understand Your Needs.
There are two main differences between a renovation and a remodel. First, a renovation involves only minor changes to an existing structure while a remodel involves major structural changes. Second, a renovation usually requires less than six months to complete while a remodel typically takes longer.
Some questions you can ask yourself are:
- Will I need to find new living arrangements for my family while the project is being worked on?
- If I am looking to sell the house, do I know what top priorities serious buyers are considering in the market I live in?
- What’s the typical timeline from start to end to get things done and products shipped?
Do Some Research.
If you plan to do a lot of work yourself, make sure you understand what you’re getting into. You’ll need to research building codes, local regulations, and other requirements. Also, consider hiring a professional design firm that has experience with renovations, as they already know what’s needed to move along a renovation or remodeling project in a timely manner.
Measuring the spaces you plan to work on is also of great value as it will help dictate the size of the furniture and fixtures that can be installed. But you don’t necessarily need to take out the tape measurer and spend a lot of time doing it yourself. For example, when you work with the Lulu Puras team, we take care of all the measurements that are needed for the project.
Start Planning.
Before you start any project, you should have a clear idea of what you want to accomplish. It’s also helpful to think about how much money you want to spend. This will help you determine whether you need to hire a design firm or take on the job yourself.
Homeowners who have worked with the Lulu Puras Studio team have said that maximizing their budgets has been one of the main benefits of working with us. This is because we take the planning part of our process very seriously, and we spent countless hours researching the best options for our customers.
Choose Your Contractor.
If you decide to hire a contractor, make sure he has the right credentials. You’ll want to choose a licensed professional who specializes in construction work. Ask him questions about his experience and qualifications. Make sure he has insurance and references.
Again, using a design firm can be of great value because they’ve already worked with multiple contractors, and you can benefit from their experience. They know contractors have proven to deliver quality work on time and within the expected budget. You can save a lot of headaches, time, and money by using a trusted liaison between you and the contractors.
If you need help with your renovation & redecor or design & remodeling project, reach out to the Lulu Puras team by filling out the form below:
