Should I do a Major Renovation or a New Home Build?

Let’s say you already have a nice home on a nice lot but you’re ready for a change. You like the neighbourhood, you like the lot, but you are looking for something different for the house itself. Is it better to undertake a major renovation to your home or knock it down and start fresh? It’s a big question and, as you can probably guess, there are pros and cons to each side. This post will help you reach an informed decision that works best for you.

What are the benefits of a major renovation versus a new build?

One possibility is that you may be benefitting from a grandfather clause that grants your older home certain features that would not be permitted in a new build. Your older home may feature a nonconforming setback and, therefore, a larger footprint. Older houses had smaller setbacks between them, due to differences in lifestyle and transportation. With a new build, you may have to increase the size of your home’s setback, which would, ipso facto, lead to a smaller footprints. If you are contemplating tearing down your old home, first check with your residential architect: “Does my home fall into the category of nonconforming uses, structures or lots? If so, what am I forfeiting in my new home build?”

Another consideration—a more aesthetic one—is that you can’t fake character (without spending an arm and a leg, at least). By which we mean, if your home has some great features that are a product of its period or its age, indeed even if it just has some features that you adore regardless of whether or not they’re antique, ask yourself: “Would I really be fine losing these features?” If you are in love with your home’s exterior, work with your architect to decide how you can best preserve its charm during your residential architecture project. Lorne has written about this before: Preserving architectural character is important. Not every home has it. If you’re fortunate enough that your home does, don’t throw it away without adequate deliberation.

There are also environmental and cost considerations: A major renovation will almost certainly save you money and be better for the environment than a new build.

What are the benefits of a new build versus a major renovation?

Let’s get the obvious one out of the way: A new home will allow you to ‘greenfield’ your project, meaning you and your architect will be free to think outside of the box and be unbound by the constraints of prior work. If starting from scratch is exactly what you’re looking to do, then a new build is obviously the way to go. Similarly, if your renovation ideas are incredibly wide-reaching and significant, you may find that the cost of renovation is actually more than just beginning anew.

A new build means avoiding some of the compromises that can arise in a renovation: For example, cracks in the plaster or drywall might compel your builder to make connections that they wouldn’t have otherwise made. You may also find your builder wrestling with some of the antiquated ‘guts’ of the house: old wiring, old plumbing, etc. If you are trying to transform your home into an open-concept layout, this will not only mean knocking down the walls, it will also mean dealing with whatever is behind those walls. In some cases, this may lead to significant structural implications that can complicate the project.

In addition, if high and lofty ceilings are something you’re looking for, you may have more luck with a new build. It is very difficult, though not impossible, to change ceiling heights in a renovation if the floors are already set. Some people like the cozy feeling of older houses that have more moderate ceiling heights compared to the lofty new construction heights that are common today. If a high ceiling is a must-have for you and your existing property doesn’t meet your needs in this regard, a new build may be the way to go.

In conclusion, although you will be the ultimate judge whether a major renovation or a new build is the best approach for you and your situation, a residential architect like Lorne Rose Architect can guide you in reaching this judgement. Work with your residential architect to define what are the priorities for you and your residential architecture project, and make a decision with all the facts at your disposal.

Categorized in: Architecture News, Lorne Rose Architect