Key Differences Between Renovation, Remodel & Restoration

Your building could use a tune-up, but you're not sure which route to take. Understand the difference between a building restoration, remodel, and renovation with this simple guide.

When you purchase a new building or home, it becomes an investment, and maintenance is a significant part of investing. The extent of updates you need depends on the condition of your building and your design preferences.

Many people don't know the difference between renovation and remodel, let alone renovation, remodel and restoration. However, it's crucial to understand their differences before taking on such a significant project. Only then can you effectively work with your architect.

What Is a Renovation?

Many wonder what the difference is when discussing renovation vs. repair or restoration. Often, people use the two concepts synonymously. While a renovation may include repairs, it focuses on refreshing and renewing a building or room with updates and replacements. Whatever room you are renovating retains its function. For instance, a bedroom stays a bedroom.

However, there is some overlap between renovation and restoration. When you undertake a restoration, you might have renovations completed. For example, if you are restoring your kitchen, you may want to update it with a dishwasher. By adding in a dishwasher, it becomes a restoration and renovation project.

A renovation might include the following:

• Installing new floors
• Painting
• Replacing knobs and faucets
• Removing rotted wood
• Repairing broken or damaged structures

What Is a Remodel?

Remodeling is a more significant project when comparing remodeling vs. renovating. Remodeling changes the design and functionality of a space. Because of this, remodeling often involves changing your building's structure, which costs more than renovating and restoring. A remodeling project may include the following:

• Increasing the square footage of a room
• Raising ceilings
• Installing a plumbing system
• Adding, gutting or removing walls
• Installing a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system

Due to the amount of work that goes into remodeling, you only want to choose this option if your building is missing a significant component, such as an HVAC system. Review our project budgeting guide to create a budget for your remodeling project.

What Is a Restoration?

One primary difference between property restoration and renovation lies in their definitions. The architectural definition of restoration is a project that restores a building to its original state. Restorations are common for historical buildings to highlight their deep cultural roots and heritage, but modern facilities can also undergo restorations. Since a restoration aims at preserving a building's heritage, architects typically conceal modern technology like air conditioning systems, fire alarms and furnaces. Some standard updates for restoration projects include:

• Replacing and refinishing the original flooring, if it's wood
• Replacing carpet
• Replacing the hinges, locks, handles and damaged parts of doors and windows
• Replacing the doors and windows
• Replacing damaged light and plumbing fixtures
• Repairing holes in the walls

Restorations tend to use less labor and materials than remodels and renovations. They can be the most affordable option if the house or building has a solid foundation and only needs small updates and repairs.

You should undergo a restoration project to make your building look like it used to. Unfortunately, you may be unable to restore some areas of the building. If this is the case, you'll have to add renovation or remodeling work to your project.

Remodel vs. Renovation vs. Restoration: A Closer Comparison

A remodel transforms the purpose of an area, a renovation repairs and updates an area without changing its purpose and a restoration restores a space to its original condition with replicas or original materials. When deciding between the three, here are some factors you'll want to consider:

• Cost: Price is usually a determining factor, especially when budgeting. Remodeling is more expensive than renovating or restoring because it can require electrical, plumbing or construction work. Depending on the work required, a restoration might be cheaper than a renovation.
• Time: Remodeling projects tend to take longer than restorations and renovations because they require more work. For renovations and restorations, it varies. A renovation that only involves new paint will take less time than a restoration that involves refinishing hardwood floors. If you are planning a whole house or building renovation, here are some tips to help you survive.
• Work: Restorations and renovations focus more on the appearance of your building or home, while remodels concentrate on transforming the space. With restorations, you replace the original hardware and flooring. When you undertake a renovation, you can perform cosmetic updates and upgrade appliances, fixtures and technology. If you need to focus on more than cosmetic changes, you can choose a remodel to turn a den into a bedroom.
• Customization: A remodel gives you the most design flexibility and customization options. You can start from scratch and redesign the room or area. Renovations offer some customization options, but they are mainly aesthetic. Restorations offer fewer customization options since they focus on restoring the building or room to its former condition.

Which Project Is Best for You?

When you have a room in your commercial building or home you'd like to change, it's essential to decide how you'll change it. You might debate between adding new appliances to a kitchen or starting over and redesigning it entirely. If you need help determining which project is best for you, you can start by comparing the advantages of each before asking yourself some questions. Consider these benefits of each project:

• Restoration benefits: Enhancing your home or building's value, increasing sentimental value and prolonging the life span of your home or building.
• Renovation benefits: Personalizing your space, improving the function of a room and adding value to your home or building.
• Remodel benefits: Adding value to your home or building, improving the function of a space and creating the house or building of your dreams.

All projects increase the value of your home or building. Some questions to ask yourself to decide which project would be the best include:

• What's my budget? It's crucial to know your budget before undergoing a costly project. If you can't afford the cost of a remodel, you'll need to go with a renovation or restoration instead.
• How much do I want to change? A restoration is perfect if you want to make simple repairs and fixes. For updates, upgrades and aesthetic changes, consider a renovation. Remodeling is best if you want your room to be another type of room.
• Do I like the current design of the room or area? Restorations and renovations can change the look and feel of a space, but they won't alter the layout like a remodel.
• How much time do I have? Since remodels take the most time, you may need to choose another project if you have a time constraint.

DesignBlendz Can Provide Expert Help for Your Next Project 

Once you know the difference between these projects, it's easier to decide which one is best for you. Planning your project is often the most challenging part, but we can help simplify it. Our team at DesignBlendz consists of architects, 3D rendering experts, real estate marketing gurus and construction managers. Having a blended design team allows us to provide high-quality designs. Contact us today to get started on making your dream a reality.