Blog Key Takeaways:
- Home construction and renovation are two different things.
- Home construction is when you build a house from the ground up, while home renovation is when you improve an existing structure.
- Home construction can be more expensive and disruptive than home renovation. Still, it also has the potential to be more rewarding.
- Suppose you’re considering undertaking a home construction or renovation project. In that case, it’s important to do your research and be prepared for the stress that may come with it.
As the saying we all remember goes, home is where the heart is. And for most of us, our home is more than just a place to rest our heads at night. It’s a sanctuary, a place to come back to after a long day. Home is where we make memories with our family and friends.
So, it’s no stunner that most of us are passionate about our homes and always looking for ways to improve them. But seriously, do you ever find yourself daydreaming about the perfect home?
Maybe you picture a sprawling estate with white columns and perfect gardens, or maybe something a little more rustic and cozier. Whatever it is, chances are that your dream home is not exactly practical for your current life situation. So, what do you do? Start building or renovating!
There’re many factors to consider when making this decision, from budget to timeline to personal preferences. In this blog post, Voshall Construction will explore some of the things you need to consider when deciding whether to build or renovate your home. We’ll also examine some of each approach’s pros and cons to make the best decision for your family. Thanks for reading!
Home Building: What Do I Need to Know?
Building a home from scratch is more involved than renovating an existing one. You’ll need to find and purchase land, get the permits required to build on that land, and then begin construction. Depending on the size & complexity of your home, this process can take anywhere from several months to over a year. The amount of new dwellings being constructed in the United States is increasing. In June 2022, there were 1.6 billion new housing units under construction.
You’ll also need to include the cost of materials and labor when budgeting for your new home. Building a custom home offers you more control over these costs, as you can select lower-cost materials or work with a smaller crew. However, you’ll still have to account for the added expense of land acquisition when budgeting for your project.
Pros & Cons of Building Your Own Home
Let’s discuss the pros first.
1. You Are the Boss:
As the owner, you are in charge of every aspect of the design and construction process. This means that you can make your home as unique as you’d like it to be without worrying about the constraints of an existing home. You’ll also have more control over the quality of materials used in your home and the level of craftsmanship the builders employ.
2. It Can Be More Affordable:
While the initial cost of building a custom home may be higher than buying an existing one, it will likely be cheaper in the long run. This is because you’ll have more control over the materials used and the level of finish work, which can impact your project’s overall cost. Additionally, if you can find a good plot of land, the cost of building a home may be lower than the cost of purchasing an existing one.
3. You Won’t Have to Compromise on Your Wants and Needs:
When you build your custom home, you get to decide exactly what you want and need in your home. This means you won’t have to make any compromises regarding layout, finishes, or fixtures. On the other hand, if you snag up an existing home, you may have to compromise on your wants and needs to get a home that meets your budget.
There are some cons as well:
1. It Takes Longer to Build a Home:
One of the main disadvantages of building a home is that it takes much longer than purchasing an existing one. Depending on the size & complexity of your home, it could take anywhere from several months to over a year to build.
2. It Can Be Stressful:
Building a home can be a truly stressful process. There are many facets to keep track of, from choosing the right builder to ensuring the construction stays on schedule and budget. If you’re not prepared for it, the stress can be overwhelming.
3. There’s More Room for Error:
Since there are so many aspects to building a home, there’s also more room for error. One minor mishap can cost you a lot of bucks and time to fix.
Also Read: The Client’s Ask: How to Avoid House Reno Disruptions?
Home Renovation: What I Need to Know?
In a nutshell, home renovation is the process of making changes and improvements to your home. It can be anything from a minor change, like painting a room, to a major overhaul, like gutting the kitchen & starting from scratch. It’s a good option for folks who want to make changes to their home but don’t necessarily have the time or money to build a new one from scratch.
Pros & Cons of Renovating Your Own Home
Alright, let’s quickly see the pros:
1. You’ll Almost Certainly Save Money by Doing It Yourself:
Yep, doing it yourself will almost always be cheaper than hiring somebody else to do it. The primary exception is if you’re planning on making major changes requiring specialized skills or equipment, like rewiring the electrical system or knocking down walls.
2. You Can Take Your Time:
There’s no need to hurry when you’re renovating your own home. If you want to take a couple of months (or even years) to finish the job, that’s fine. This is truly useful if you’re working on a tight budget and can only afford to do a little bit at once.
3. You Can Choose Your Materials:
You get to decide what materials to use for your renovation when you’re in charge. This means you can choose sustainable, environmentally friendly options if that’s important to you.
The cons of home renovation are:
1. It Can Be Disruptive:
Home renovations can be quite disruptive, especially if you’re doing a lot of work at once. This can surely be challenging to deal with if you have young children or you are working from home.
2. It Can Be Expensive:
Renovating your home can be expensive, especially if you are hiring professional help. If you’re on a tight budget, it’s important to do your research and figure out what you can afford before you start the project.
3. It Can Be Stressful:
Undertaking a home renovation can be stressful, as many moving parts are often involved. If you’re not prepared for it, it can be easy to get overwhelmed.
The Verdict
So, which is better for you? It depends on your circumstances. If you want to save money, construction projects might be the way to go. However, renovation might be the better choice if you’re looking for a less stressful option. Ultimately, it’s up to you to find out what’s right for your home and your family.
One thing that we always tell other folks is NOT to go DIY on their projects, as it can end up costing more in the long run! If you’re unsure what to do, it’s always best to speak with a professional.
Let The Professionals Take Care of Your Home in Beverly Hills, LA!
Voshall Construction Services is a fully licensed and insured residential & commercial construction contractor in Beverly Hills, LA. We offer our clients a wide arsenal of services, including design, permits, framing, roofing, siding, windows & doors, gutters & downspouts, decks & patios, painting, and much more.
Please get in touch with us today if you have any further questions or would like to schedule a free consultation.
