If you aren’t happy with your current living space, you might find yourself thinking about your options. You could potentially renovate your current home to make it into your dream home. Alternatively, you could build a new home that is exactly what you want.
There are pros and cons for each option. If you absolutely love your neighborhood and your house, then renovation may be the way to go. However, if even a full gut renovation won’t give you the space or amenities that you want, then building a new custom or semi-custom house may be the right choice.
At Carl Deputy and Son Builders, we can renovate your existing house, put on an addition, or build a beautiful new home for you. We offer the highest quality craftsmanship and an unparalleled commitment to customer service to homeowners throughout Kent and Sussex Counties in Delaware and the Eastern Shore of Maryland. Reach out today to talk to a member of our team about your dreams for a home renovation or a new construction house.
Have questions about building a home or making home renovations? Sometimes talking directly to an expert is easier than reading a post. Speak with a builder at Carl Deputy & Son Builders > (302) 284-3041
Pros and Cons of Renovating a Home
If you already own a house or are contemplating buying an older house, you might be thinking about renovating the home to meet your needs. Older houses can be quite charming, but they often lack the conveniences that modern homes offer. They also tend to have smaller, more closed-off rooms and less storage space.
Advantages
There are many benefits to renovating a house instead of building a new home. First, a renovation often costs less than building a new house. Depending on the extent of work that you want or need, you might be able to transform your living space for a fraction of what you might spend on new construction.
Of course, the total cost will depend on the scope of work performed. If you are adding onto your house, bumping out walls, and otherwise changing the footprint of your house, that will cost more than just making over your kitchen or adding a deck onto your house. You should get estimates from several reputable builders so that you can get a better idea of exactly how much a renovation would cost.
Second, a renovation allows you to stay in a house and neighborhood that you may love. If you really like your house and where you live, but just want to make some changes, then a renovation is the superior option. With a renovation, you will have a few months of inconvenience while the work is being done, but you will ultimately be able to stay in your home and your community.
Renovations can make your house more livable. For example, if you love your house but feel like it’s bursting at the seams, then a renovation can give you the space that you need. If you really want more room, a better layout, or an updated look, a renovation can give you that without the need to move.
Third, a renovation can increase the overall value of your home. A well-done renovation can give your house more space and make it more attractive. Many renovations are also a smart investment, offering an excellent return on the amount of money that you put into the work.
This is particularly true if you are interested in buying a fixer-upper. You might be able to score a great deal on an older home that needs some work, and then make some wise choices with renovations that increase the value of your home significantly. Even on a house that you already own, smart renovation choices can significantly boost the value of your home.
Fourth, a renovation can make your house more energy-efficient. Delaware is known as the first state because it was the first of the 13 colonies to ratify the Constitution. Its rich history also means that many of the houses in our state were not built with modern building standards in mind.
A renovation can include steps like replacing all of the doors and windows in your house, adding insulation, and updating your HVAC system. This can lead to significant savings on utilities. It can also make it far easier for you to keep your house warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
Disadvantages
Of course, there are also downsides to renovating your house. First, there is only so much that a renovation can do. If your house is on a small lot or not structurally capable of supporting a major addition, then you might not be able to add much in terms of space.
Even if you aren’t adding onto your house, a renovation will be limited by the realities of your house. If your kitchen space is small and you can’t move a wall, then you might be able to get a nicer kitchen, but not necessarily a bigger one. These realities should all be discussed with your contractor before you embark on any renovation project.
Second, renovations can be costly. This is particularly true when it comes to hidden problems that are often common in older houses. You might budget a certain amount of money only to be hit with unexpected expenses when your contractor opens up the walls and finds issues like water damage, termites, wiring issues, or asbestos. This could add thousands of dollars onto your total renovation costs.
Of course, you can and should factor in extra money for these types of unforeseen issues. You should also work with a reputable home builder who can assess your home to try to spot these sorts of issues beforehand. Your contractor should also be able to talk to you about the potential for these types of issues based on the age and condition of your home.
Third, renovations can be a major inconvenience. Unlike new home construction, most people are still living in their house for a renovation. Even if you decamp to a relative’s house or a hotel for a few months, renovations can still be a major pain. Depending on the extent of the renovation, it could take anywhere from a few months to more than 6 months to complete. You may also have the added expense of paying for a second place to live while the work is being completed.
At a minimum, you will likely be dealing with a lot of construction dust and debris over the course of several months. No matter how conscientious your builder is about sealing off the area, demolition is dirty work, and it can be quite a headache when all of your belongings are still in your house.
Pros and Cons of Building a New Home
If you aren’t interested in renovating an older house, you could choose to build a new custom or semi-custom house. This can be a great option for almost any homeowner in Delaware. It is also more affordable than many people might think.
Benefits of Building a New Construction House
The first big “pro” of building a new house is that it will be exactly what you want. This is particularly true when it comes to custom homes, where you will get to choose every aspect of the house from the design to the finishes. Even with a semi-custom house, you will have your pick of floor plans and then get to choose the features and finishes that you want.
Many people simply don’t want to compromise when it comes to where they live. Building a house means that you can choose the style and elements that you want in the house. You won’t be stuck with awkward, unused living spaces or wondering how you’ll possibly fit your family and all of their stuff into your house. You will get to decide what you want and then make your dreams come true.
The second benefit is related: you will get to choose where you want to live. You won’t have to settle on a particular area because that is where a house that meets your needs is available. You can select the land that you want in the location that you want and build there.
This is particularly attractive for anyone who wants a bit more space. Many existing homes on the market are in neighborhoods in cities or towns, often with smaller lots. When you build a house, you can choose a plot of land that works for you, and then design the home that you want.
Third, new houses come with modern conveniences and amenities as standard. This can include everything from smart thermostats and rooms wired for cable and internet to spacious pantries and en suite bathrooms.
Older houses often have much smaller rooms and limited storage space. With a new house, you don’t have to worry about making your house fit your lifestyle. Instead, you can design a house that is precisely what you need and want.
Fourth, in a tight housing market, building a new house means that you can often avoid bidding wars. You won’t be competing over a house or spending more than what a house is worth. Instead, you will pick the land that you want (which typically isn’t subject to the same level of competition on the market) and then choose a builder…no bidding war required.
Fifth, new houses have much lower initial maintenance costs. You won’t have to worry about things like replacing a roof or dealing with faulty wiring. Everything in your house will be new, which means that you generally won’t have many expenses beyond some basic upkeep for the first several years of owning your house. When you build a home with Carl Deputy and Son Builders, you will also have peace of mind in knowing that your house was built to the highest standards.
Drawbacks of Building a New Home
There are a few downsides to building a new construction home. First, the initial cost is often higher than a renovation. While building a home can often be less expensive than many people believe, it may still cost far more than a renovation.
Of course, these numbers depend on the size and design of a new home build and the complexity of a renovation. It may be possible that building a new house will actually be less costly than an extensive renovation. There are ways to keep costs down if you want to buy a new house, which your builder can explore with you as part of the process.
Second, building a new home means that you may be carrying additional expenses throughout construction. Most people who build homes are either renting a house or paying a mortgage on their house. They will also likely have to spend a chunk of money on a plot of land and make payments on a construction loan. This can be a financial burden for many people.
Third, building a new home might not make sense financially if you only plan to stay in it for a few years. Generally, if you don’t plan to live in your new construction home for a while, then it might make more sense to buy an older home. Because the home will be built using 2025 pricing on labor and materials, you might not be able to recoup your costs if you have to sell within the first few years of ownership. The house will also be customized to your preferences, which can make it a harder sell.
Finally, building a new home often means leaving a community that you may love. You have to build a house on an empty plot of land. If there isn’t any land for sale in your current community, you might have no choice but to move out of your neighborhood or town. If that isn’t something that you want, then building a new house might not be for you.
Building or Renovating a Home? Give Carl Deputy and Son Builders a Call.
The decision to build a new house versus renovating an existing house is highly personal. The choice will depend on where you want to live, your budget, and other factors. Fortunately, Carl Deputy and Son Builders is highly skilled at both renovations and new home construction. Our team can help you make an informed decision based on your unique circumstances.
Whether you decide to renovate your existing home or build a new custom or semi-custom house, we can help you make your dreams a reality. We offer premium quality construction and excellent customer service to homeowners throughout Kent and Sussex Counties. If you want to renovate your Delaware house or build a new house, give us a call at 302-284-3041 or fill out our online contact form.
