Home Renovation and Home Remodeling Have Different Meanings
People often use the terms renovation and remodel interchangeably. While similar, the terms have different meanings.
What Are Home Renovations?
A renovation project is typically smaller than a remodel. When you’re renovating your home or part of your home, you’re making a space more attractive, pleasant or functional. You’re not changing the structure or purpose. Common renovations include:
- Installing exterior shutters
- Replacing cabinet hardware
- Painting a room
- Installing new light fixtures
- Installing a programmable or smart thermostat
- Painting cabinets or replacing them with open shelving
- Installing a new bathroom vanity, faucet and mirror
- Taking on a small kitchen renovation
Not all renovations are minor. Installing shingles, replacing windows or replacing a garage door are examples of large renovations.
What Is Home Remodeling?
- A large-scale kitchen remodel
- A bathroom remodel or addition
- Enlarging a closet
- Adding on to a main bedroom
- Finishing an attic or basement
- Building a composite deck
Not all remodels are huge. Converting a spare bedroom to a home office is a remodel that might simply involve replacing a bed with a desk, swapping out dressers for shelves or bookcases and adding a desk chair and desk lamp.
Are Renovations and Remodels DIY Projects?
Knowing whether a renovation or remodel is a DIY project or a job for a pro depends on the work and the level of experience of the DIYer.
You Can Do Many Home Renovations Yourself
Renovations usually take less money and time. They often don’t require a lot of experience and a basic toolkit might be all you need. For example, a person with basic or intermediate DIY skills and tools can:
- Paint a room
- Upgrade cabinet doors and hardware
- Replace a kitchen faucet or bathroom faucet
- Replace door locks
- Install a new bathroom vanity
Some renovations, such as installing a new garage door or shingling a roof, are best for professionals. Your local codes may also dictate that a licensed professional handle some renovations.
Home Remodels Often Require a Professional
A full-scale remodel may involve:
- Demolition
- Moving load-bearing walls
- Running new plumbing or electrical lines
State and local codes usually require that a licensed professional does this work. And since remodeling is often a larger investment of time and money, it’s best for an experienced professional.
Don’t have time to do it yourself? Let Lowe’s Home Installation & Services handle your renovation or remodel. From installing a front door to installing a garage door and from bathroom remodels to kitchen remodels and more, let Lowe’s help with installations in your home.
Renovation Is Usually Less Expensive Than Remodeling
Cost is another difference between renovating and remodeling. Cost varies widely by location, the project and the materials. For example, replacing a roof — technically a renovation — will be significantly more expensive than simply converting a spare bedroom to an office, which is technically a remodel. Product demand and availability of materials are also factors in cost.
Renovation Cost
A renovation will often cost less than a full remodel. The cost range can be wide, however. Replacing all of your window blinds may only cost a few hundred dollars. Renovating a kitchen can cost anywhere from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars.
Remodel Cost
A remodel, such as a home addition, can require more work and more materials, including:
Some projects also require an investment in electrical and plumbing changes as well as heating, cooling and ventilation upgrades. You often need to factor in the cost of permits and the expense of hiring professionals. Your expenses could range from tens of thousands to $100,000 or more.
Is Home Renovation or Remodeling a Better Investment?
As with project cost, ROI varies widely by location, project type and other factors.
Some Renovations Have a Relatively High ROI
Basic renovations that keep a home in top shape — for example, replacing a garage door, installing new siding, upgrading an exterior door to a high-grade steel model or installing more efficient appliances — can give you a relatively high ROI.
If you’re planning a larger renovation — like a kitchen remodel with new cabinets, countertops, flooring, appliances and lighting — you may have a harder time recouping the initial expense. However, you may find the improvement to your living space and the enjoyment you get from it well worth the cost.
Some Large-Scale Remodels Might Have a Lower ROI
In some cases, investing a lot of money in a bedroom or bath addition or enlarging your deck may give you an ROI that’s lower than more basic or functional remodeling. But, if the changes make life better for you and your family or make your home more pleasant, you may see them as a great investment.
Planning a Remodel Means Planning for Permits
The need for a permit depends on your local codes and the type of work, not simply whether you’re renovating or remodeling. Codes vary, so check with local building authorities for specifics on codes and permits for your area.
Many Renovations Don’t Require Permits
Simple renovations — for example, repainting, basic new flooring installations, replacing appliances, adding moulding — typically wouldn’t require a permit. If the renovation involves electrical or plumbing changes or if you’re installing new roofing, you likely need to get a permit and have the work inspected.
Most Remodels Require Permits
By the nature of the work in a remodel, you’re likely going to be making structural changes, as well as changes to wiring, plumbing, etc. that require permits and inspections.
Are Renovations Worth the Effort and Expense?
There are also some factors you need to be aware of so you can set the right expectations for a renovation.
Pros of Renovations
- A DIYer can often handle renovations; many are suitable for beginners and can boost experience and confidence.
- Many renovations don’t require licenses, permits or inspections.
- Renovations are usually less costly.
Considerations for Renovations
- Renovations don’t expand living space.
- Beginning DIYers may need practice to get the best results from a renovation.
- Doing renovations yourself may require a sizable time investment.
- You might underestimate the experience, time, money and materials you need for the renovation.
Are Remodels Worth the Effort and Expense?
Since a remodel is larger and may affect the structure of your house, consider all the factors thoroughly. Talk to a Lowe’s Red Vest associate or a professional to think the project through.
Pros of Remodels
- Remodels can enlarge your living space and tailor it to your specific needs.
- Remodels can create beautiful, dramatic changes in a home.
- If Lowe’s is handling the remodel, you get consultation for the work, product recommendations, professional installation and a warranty on the work.
Considerations for Remodels
- Remodels can be costly.
- Remodels are often not DIY friendly.
- Some work in a remodel must be done by a licensed professional.
- Remodels can make part of your home unusable for a long period of time.
Key Takeaways for Renovations and Remodels
If you’re deciding between a renovation and a remodel, here are the key points:
- Renovations are smaller projects that make a space more useful or attractive
- Remodels are larger and change the purpose or structure of a space.
- Renovations are often DIY-friendly projects.
- Remodels often require pros, permits and inspections.
- Renovations are typically more economical and take less time
- Remodels often create dramatic changes.
Browse Lowes.com for projects and products to help you improve your home or look at our installation services and let the pros handle the work. Visit your local Lowe’s and talk to a Lowe’s Red Vest associate about your project and goals. They’ll show you everything you need for a DIY renovation or tell you how our professional installation services can help with your remodel.