Essentials Concepts

HOME REMODELING

To ensure the success of your project, especially if it is large and costly, homeowners need to define the type of work required clearly. In the realms of design and construction, terms such as renovation, improvement, remodeling, rehabilitation, and hardening have specific meanings. Let’s explore the differences between these terms.

HOME RENOVATION

The terms Home Renovation and Home Improvement are often used interchangeably with Home Remodeling, but they are actually different. We will go over Home Improvement and Home Remodeling shortly.

Home Renovation focuses on rebuilding the existing structure without altering its original layout. It can be needed to address wear and tear from long-term use or after damage, typically caused by events such as flooding, fire, strong winds, or termites.

In case of home damage, renovations begin after the initial response phase (e.g., removing water and drying walls and floors). Typical renovation activities include construction tasks like framing, roofing, electrical work, plumbing, drywall, and sometimes mechanical repairs. It also covers finishing touches, such as painting, flooring, cabinetry, and, in some cases, the replacement of appliances and furniture.

Advantages of Home Renovation

Your home insurance may cover home renovation costs in the case of damage.
They can also present an opportunity to combine it with remodeling.
That space will be updated to the current code of construction.

Disadvantages of Home Renovations

As with Remodeling, Renovations can be disruptive for the homeowners, especially if they’re large.
The return on investment can be limited.

Recommendations

If your insurance does not cover all the renovation costs, prioritize the most vital rooms
If you need to complete a large renovation, hire a General Contractor to manage your project.

HOME IMPROVEMENT

Home Improvement refers to the process of making changes to a residential property to enhance its functionality, aesthetics, or overall value. These changes can range from simple cosmetic updates, such as painting or installing new fixtures, to more complex projects, like upgrading systems (e.g., plumbing, electrical, mechanical) or adding new features, such as smart thermostats, smart switches, and changing kitchen cabinets and appliances.

The main distinction between home renovation and home improvement is that renovation often addresses damage (e.g., from floods or wear over time) and focuses on restoring the property. In contrast, home improvement is more about enhancement and modernization, unrelated to any damage.

Advantages of Home Improvement

Typically enhanced comfort, functionality, aesthetics, and energy efficiency.
Some improvements do not require permits.

Disadvantages of Home Improvement.

Some projects are time-consuming and may disrupt family daily life.
Not all upgrades add significant value to the property.

Recommendations

Be realistic about your abilities to complete an improvement project. If you lack the required time or skills, hire a professional to ensure execution and quality. Do not attempt to modify any electrical or plumbing systems yourself, as this could affect your home insurance coverage.
Align your Home Improvement projects with your specific goals (e.g., reducing home operation costs, enhancing comfort, preparing for renting, or increasing value for selling).

HOME REMODELING

Home remodeling is the process of modifying the structure, layout, or function of existing spaces within a home. Unlike renovation, which typically focuses on restoring a space after damage, remodeling involves layout or more significant modifications. These changes can include moving walls, adding new rooms, changing room functions, or completely transforming a space. Remodeling can be used to improve the functionality of a home, increase its space, or create an entirely new aesthetic. It requires more extensive planning and permits, as well as significant expertise due to the complexity of the work involved.

Remodeling projects typically take longer and are more costly than home improvement because they usually involve major interior and/or exterior design and construction work but, it can significantly enhance a home's functionality and its value.

Advantages of Home Remodeling

Creates custom-tailored spaces that are based on your needs and lifestyle.
Improves your home’s value.
Enhances the comfort and functionality of your home.

Disadvantages of Home Remodeling

Remodeling can be costly, especially for whole-home remodeling and room additions.
Longer durations than a typical home improvement project, with more potential for unexpected delays due to unforeseen issues.
As with most home transformation projects, it is disruptive. It’s noisy and dusty and limits access to areas of your home. It impacts privacy with workers in your house most every day.

Recommendations

Hiring a company that provides end-to-end services covering design, construction, and decoration can help reduce costs and streamline the process, especially when unexpected challenges arise.
If it’s possible, temporarily move in another home during the construction phase.

HOME REHABILITATION

Home Rehabilitation refers to the process of restoring a home to a good, livable condition by addressing structural issues, repairing damage, and upgrading essential systems like plumbing, electrical, or mechanical. This process typically focuses on bringing an older or deteriorated home up to modern safety standards and improving its functionality without drastically altering its layout or structure.

Home Rehabilitation can require extensive work for historic properties (Home Restoration). The goal is to preserve the property’s historical features while ensuring it meets modern safety and living standards.

Rehabilitation of non-historic property often involves a remodeling process to re-design the interior home based on client needs and lifestyle.

Advantages of Home Rehabilitation

Preservation of the original character of the property.
Rehabilitation significantly improves the property value when associated with remodeling.
Restores safety and livability.

Disadvantages of Home Rehabilitation

Depending on the age, historical significance, and damages of the property:
- Tends to be expensive.
- Longer process with several unexpected delays due to unforeseen issues.
- Permits can be challenging to obtain depending on the age of the home.

Recommendations

Before buying a property needing rehabilitation, do the financials and define your budget.
Hiring a firm that provides end-to-end design, construction, and decoration services. This can help reduce costs and streamline the process, especially when unexpected challenges arise.

HOME HARDENING

Hardening refers to the process of strengthening a home to improve its resistance against specific threats, such as :

Natural Disasters (Hurricanes, Earthquakes, Wildfires, Flooding)
Crime (i.e. Burglary, Vandalism, Home invasion)
Structural and System Failures (i.e., Plumbing issues, Electrical fires)
Environmental and Health Threats (i.e., Pest infestations, Mold, and Mildew)
Utility Failures (i.e., Power outages, Water contamination)

Hardening a home involves changing indoor and outdoor structural elements to enhance its resistance to specific threat(s). Modifications can vary in complexity and cost depending on factors such as the home’s design, the surrounding landscape, and the desired level of resistance. Often, hardening projects result in changes that are not outwardly visible but are crucial for improving the home’s overall resilience.

Advantages of Home Hardening

Hardening measures enhance a home's ability to withstand specific threats like natural disasters.
Insurance companies generally offer lower premiums for homes with disaster-resistant upgrades.
Homes that have been hardened against environmental see an increase in property value.

Disadvantages of Home Hardening

Expenses such as for reinforced windows and roofs or drainage systems can be significant.
Hardening projects require specialized contractors and may involve complex installations.
Hardening modifications are not immediately visible.

Recommendations

Call your insurance to evaluate if home hardening will lower your premium for your home.
Hiring a company with expertise based on the threat (natural disasters, crime, structural and system failures, environmental and health threats, utility failures) you are targeting.
Harden based on your priorities.

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