My dream home: Should I remodel or build new?
An Architect's Perspective
Life changes happen. You get married. You start a family. You retire. Or perhaps you have been dreaming about your home forever and are finally ready to leap. Whatever the reason, how do you decide whether to remodel or build new?
HERE YOU’LL FIND:
Pros and cons of REMODELING A HOME
Pros and cons of building a NEW HOUSE
How an architect can help
Remodeling a Home
Pros
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Remodeling is the most cost-effective option if you aren't making significant changes to your home.
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If your home has significant characteristics from a specific era or has sentimental value, remodeling allows you to maintain that connection while updating it to meet your needs.
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Depending on the extent of the remodeling, it is often faster to remodel than build new.
Cons
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Home remodeling comes with the current layout and structure limits. You often compromise your needs and live with "good enough" to save time and money upfront.
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With remodeling, there are often unforeseen problems that can arise during the process. Termite damage, leaks, poor construction, or even materials that have exceeded their lifespan are easily hidden within walls and could change a minor renovation into a major one.
A real-world example: The Del Mar remodel
Before
The homeowners loved the coastal location of their property, but the home itself was a generic 1970s house with little individuality. They wanted to know if the existing home could be given a whole new look without going through the Coastal Development permit process of a new home. They generally liked the overall layout of the floor plan and wanted to keep it one story, which gave us something to work with. It would not have been cost-effective had they tried to change the appearance and layout.
After (exterior)
The homeowners’ goal was to create a modern design that incorporated their Asian heritage. We were able to give the home a whole new look by focusing on the aesthetic rather than the layout. Modern forms all in white brought new depth to the design and allowed for an entry courtyard with an Asian garden within.
After (interior)
Inside the home, the living space is now filled with light and a connection to the outdoors. You'd never know this was a remodel rather than a new home.
Building a new home
Pros
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Starting from scratch allows you the freedom of a clean slate. You avoid the compromises of fitting your needs into a home built for someone else.
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Building a new home can be more energy-efficient than remodeling an existing home, as you can optimize the design with the latest energy-saving technology and materials. This is an investment on the front end that pays off long-term.
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A new home will likely require less maintenance and repairs than an older home. Again, it is an investment that pays off.
Cons
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Building a new home can often be more expensive than remodeling an existing home. However, a substantial remodel is often the exact cost or more than building new.
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Building a new home can often take longer than renovating an existing one. However, discoveries during a remodel can cause unplanned delays where timing is more predictable with a new home.
A real-world example: The Coronado
Before
A couple purchased a home hidden behind a tall fence in a beautiful beach community. It was a tiny home, but the size wasn't the concern. Their initial goal was to rearrange the home to live large without building large. Still, once we studied the condition of the existing house and its less-than-ideal placement on the site, they realized that their dream would be compromised.
After (exterior)
The couple didn’t want a home hidden away. They had an eye for design and wanted to create an art piece. The new home was still compact, but every inch was designed for their needs. It offered durable steel construction, indoor-outdoor living, efficient technology, and floor-to-ceiling doors and windows, making the home feel more spacious than the original.
After (courtyard)
The critical feature was the design of the private courtyard connecting the home to outdoor living, dining, and cooking spaces. Designing a new home allowed for creative planning for indoor-outdoor living.
How an Architect Can Help
It's easy to go down a checklist of general pros and cons. Still, making these decisions is challenging when you're personally vested. An architect can take an objective view and look at the big picture. We can study the property's potential as a remodel or a new home. With your list of wants and needs, we can design early concept solutions to help you visualize the possibilities. It is more cost-effective to explore your options in design rather than during construction, which will give you the confidence to make decisions.
Ready to take the next step?
Connect with an architect who you feel understands you and your property. We will help you discover the best path to creating your dream home.