Home Refresh or Remodel- Which Is Right For You?
/Home is where the heart is. Right? Yes, it is a popular idiom, but I mean it literally too. A home is your sanctuary, where you spend most of your time with your loved ones. Why not make it as welcoming and comfortable as possible so that you can enjoy it functionally and aesthetically. Refresh and remodel are two different approaches to updating or improving your home. Which one is right for you? Before you decide, you should know the difference between the two.
A Refresh typically involves making minor changes to an existing space, with the goal of updating its look and feel without major construction or renovation. For example, you might want to give your walls a fresh coat of paint, replace the flooring, change the lighting fixtures, swap out old furniture, or update decorative accents. The idea is to give the space a fresh look while keeping its existing layout and structure intact. Take a look at the before & after photos of one of my refresh projects.
Modern Refresh After
modern refresh before
A Remodel on the other hand, involves more significant changes to the space, often requiring construction or renovation. The goal of a remodel is to create a completely new space that better meets the needs and preferences of the owner. Remodeling might involve tearing down walls, adding new rooms or statement features like coffered ceilings, wall paneling, or completely rearranging the layout of a space. Below is one of my before & after remodel projects.
contempoary remodel after
Contemporary remodel before
When to refresh vs. when to remodel?
Your decision to refresh or remodel depends on several factors, including the extent of the changes you want to make to your space, your budget, and your timeline. Here are four considerations to keep in mind:
· Goals: What are you looking to get out of your space? If you’re happy with the overall layout and structure, but you want to update its look or functionality, then a refresh may be sufficient. However, if you want to make significant changes to the layout or functionality of the space, a remodel may be necessary.
· Budget: Consider your budget. Refreshes are generally less expensive than remodels, as they involve fewer changes and often use existing materials. Remodels can be costly, especially if they require construction or significant changes to the structure and layout.
· Timeline: Is your timeline flexible? Refreshes are generally faster than remodels as they can be finished more quickly. Remodels can take months or even longer than a year, depending on the scope of the project.
· Condition: What is the current condition of the space? If the space is outdated, but in good condition (i.e., quality kitchen cabinets), a refresh may be sufficient. But if the space is in poor condition or has structural issues (i.e., sagging roof), you better save up for a proper extensive remodel.
At the end of the day, the decision to refresh or remodel really depends on your specific needs and preferences. You may want to consult with a professional designer or contractor to help determine the best approach to take. Of course, we would be happy to schedule a design consultation with you as well!
