Introduction
The decision of whether to renovate or build a new home will depend on a variety of factors. These factors include your budget, location, and the specific needs and desires of your family.
Building a new home can be more expensive than renovating an existing one. But it also offers the opportunity to customize the design and layout of the home to your exact specifications. New homes also tend to be more energy-efficient and require less maintenance. On the other hand, building a new home in an established neighborhood may be challenging due to zoning regulations.
Renovating an existing home can be less expensive than building a new one, and it allows you to keep the character and charm of an older home while modernizing its amenities. Renovations can also increase the value of your home. However, it may be more challenging to change the layout of an existing home to suit your needs. It may also be challenging to upgrade the home to be as energy efficient as a new one.
Ultimately, the best option between renovating your home vs. building a new one will depend on your individual preferences. So, you should carefully consider your budget, the current state of the housing market, and your specific needs and desires before making a decision on whether to renovate, build or buy a home in 2023.
The cost of building a new home vs. renovating an existing one
The cost of building a new home can vary widely depending on factors such as location, size, and the materials and finishes used. On average, the cost of building a new home in the United States can range from $150,000 to $500,000 or more, but it can be even higher in high-cost areas such as Los Angeles or New York.
The cost of renovating an existing home can also vary widely depending on the scope of the project and the materials and finishes used. A minor kitchen or bathroom renovation can cost as little as $3,000 to $50,000. On the other hand, a major addition or whole-house remodel can cost $100,000 to $300,000 or more.
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It’s important to note that building a new home will often require more upfront costs than renovating an existing home. However, a new home may also have lower ongoing costs for maintenance and energy efficiency, which can be advantageous in the long term.
Both options can have similar costs, but the new home option would typically have an added land value cost. A professional builder or contractor would be able to give you a more accurate cost estimate based on your specific project and location.
How much time it takes to build a new home vs. renovate an existing one
The time it takes to build a new home can vary widely depending on a few factors. Factors such as the complexity of the design, the availability of labor and materials, and local zoning and building regulations. On average, it can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years or even more in some cases. Factors like the design, location, permits, and weather conditions can play a big role in the construction time.
The time it takes to renovate an existing home can also vary widely depending on the scope of the project. A minor renovation can take as little as a few weeks to a few months to complete. In contrast, a major renovation can take several months to a year or more.
It’s worth considering that while Renovations may take less time than building a new home, they can also be disruptive to your daily routine since you’ll be living in the home during the renovation. This can be even more challenging if you have to move out during the renovation period.
Building a new home and renovating an existing one are complex and time-consuming processes that require careful planning and coordination.
This is where Homescala’s Renovation Portal can come in handy. On the Renovation Portal, you can easily plan and execute your renovation. The AI platform will also provide details about your home’s pre-renovation and post-renovation value, renovation costs, money-saving recommendations, and other much-needed information about your home renovation.
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The energy efficiency of a new home vs. an existing one
New Homes
New homes are typically more energy-efficient than existing ones. This is because they are built with modern materials and techniques designed to improve energy efficiency. Also, building codes keep getting updated and stricter, so recent new homes will have more energy-saving features than older ones.
In addition, new homes often include energy-efficient features such as high-efficiency heating and cooling systems, Energy Star-rated appliances, double-paned windows, and insulation that exceeds the minimum requirements set by building codes. These features help to reduce energy consumption and lower utility costs.
Existing Homes
On the other hand, existing homes may not have been built with energy efficiency in mind and may have outdated systems and appliances that are not as energy efficient as newer models. Additionally, older homes may not have proper insulation or may have single-paned windows. This will allow more heat to escape, resulting in higher energy bills.
Renovating an existing home can improve its energy efficiency significantly. A renovation may include: adding insulation, sealing air leaks, replacing windows, replacing doors, replacing old appliances with new Energy Star ones, replacing the lighting, upgrading HVAC systems, installing solar panels, installing battery storage, and making other energy-efficient upgrades.
It’s important to remember that energy efficiency is a long-term investment. An investment that can help save money and reduce environmental impact over time. New homes will have an edge over existing homes because of the energy codes and materials used. But renovating an existing home can also make a significant difference, and it may be an even better idea if you consider the cost and if you want to improve your current home’s energy efficiency and comfort. So, whatever you decide to do, such as renovate, build or buy a new home in 2023, you should consider its energy efficiency.
If you want to find out more about how energy efficiency affects your home value, check out our blog on the topic:
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The resale value of a new home vs. an existing one
The resale value of a new and an existing home can differ depending on various factors.
New homes tend to have a higher resale value than existing ones. This is mainly because they are built to the latest building codes and standards, and include modern features that make them more desirable to buyers. Additionally, new homes can have warranties on certain systems and appliances, which can add value.
Existing homes, on the other hand, may have more character and charm, and they can be located in established neighborhoods that are more convenient and walkable. However, they may not have the same level of energy efficiency and modern features as new homes.
A well-planned and well-executed renovation or remodeling of your old home could make it comparable to newly constructed homes. You could significantly improve not only the aesthetical appearance but the resale value of your home.
Please keep in mind that in order for you to end up with higher home equity after your renovation, the cost of the renovation must be lower than the home value added as a result of the renovation. This can be achieved through careful planning, and the Renovation Portal can be of great help.
It’s worth mentioning that a well-maintained and updated existing home can often command a similar price to a new one. This is because buyers will see it as move-in ready, and won’t have to wait for the completion of the construction.
Ultimately, a home’s resale value will depend on various factors, including location, market conditions, and the specific features and condition of the home. Both renovating vs. building a new home can be good investments, but it’s important to consider your own priorities, as well as the current real estate market.
If you want to learn more about the difference between remodeling and renovation, read our article:
Difference Between Remodeling and Renovation
Pros and cons of building a new home vs. renovating an existing one
Building a new home has several advantages over renovating an existing one:
Pros:
- Customization. You can design and build your home to your exact specifications, including layout, floor plan, and finishes.
- Energy efficiency. New homes are typically built to the latest energy codes and standards, which can result in lower utility costs and improved comfort.
- Modern features. New homes include modern features and finishes that can improve the overall quality of life.
- Warranty. Some systems and appliances will come with a warranty, and some builders may also offer a new home warranty.
- Building codes and permits. With a new home, you know that everything is up to code; therefore, you won’t have to worry about any compliance issues.
Cons:
- Cost. Building a new home can be much more expensive than renovating an existing one.
- Time. Building a new home can take longer than renovating an existing one.
- Availability. Not all areas have available land to build a new home, or they can have zoning regulations that make it hard to build.
- Uncertainty. There may be unknowns that come with building a new home that can be stressful, including weather, design changes, permits, and unexpected costs.
Renovating an existing home, on the other hand, has its own advantages and disadvantages:
Pros:
- Cost. Renovating an existing home can be much less expensive than building a new one.
- Location. Existing homes are often located in an established neighborhood. You just have to find which is most convenient for you.
- Charm and character. An existing home may have more character and charm than a new one, which can appeal to some buyers.
- Time. Renovations usually take less time than building a new home.
Cons:
- Limited customization. Renovating an existing home can be more limited in terms of customization due to the constraints of the existing structure and layout.
- Energy efficiency. An existing home may not be as energy efficient as a new one, and upgrading it could add to renovation costs.
- Hidden issues. With an existing home, you may not know all the issues that need to be addressed and discover hidden problems during the renovation process.
The decision between renovating vs. building a new home will depend on your budget, location, specific needs and desires, and the housing market’s current state. Both options have advantages and disadvantages, so it’s essential to carefully consider your options before making a decision.
If you are still unsure if you should build or buy your new home, read our article:
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Conclusion
Building a new home and renovating an existing one both require careful planning and coordination. Both options have advantages and disadvantages, and the best choice will depend on your individual circumstances.
Building a new home offers the opportunity for complete customization and improved energy efficiency, but it can be more expensive and time-consuming than renovating an existing home.
Renovating an existing home could save you a good deal of money and may put you in the location where you want to be, but you may not be able to get full customization.
In the end, it’s important to consider your budget, location, specific needs and desires, and the current state of the housing market when making a decision. Building a new home and renovating an existing one can be a good investment, but it’s important to carefully weigh the pros and cons of each option and consult with professionals.
Whether you decide to renovate or build a new home, Homescala’s Renovation Portal is a great way to find out what you can achieve with home renovation. You can check which items will yield the biggest ROI, what will be the renovation cost, what is the pre-renovation value of your home, and what will be the post-renovation value of your home. With all of this information, you can have a better insight and make an informed decision on whether you should renovate your existing home or decide to go with building a new one.
The Homesearch Portal can help you find existing homes with great investment potential as well as newly constructed homes. HomeScala’s proprietary AI-based algorithm does the search for you so that you can get the results fast while saving time and money.
