You love your neighborhood. You love your lot. But you don’t love your house.
So should you invest in a major renovation, or does it make more sense to start over with new construction?
The decision here usually depends on four things:
- The condition of the existing home
- How much you want to change
- What the property allows for
- Your budget
At MBK Constructors, we handle both major renovations and new home construction in Ann Arbor. We’ve helped many homeowners explore their options for creating a home they love on the lot they already own.
Is renovation or rebuilding the right move for your property? Either way, MBK Constructors can help. Contact us today to schedule a design-build consultation to determine if a renovation or rebuild is the right move for your home.
When Does a Major Renovation Make Sense?
A major renovation works best when the existing house already has a lot going for it. The foundation and primary structure should be in good condition. The footprint should be something that largely supports how you live, but could be improved with reconfiguring a few walls or an addition.
Renovation is also often the best option if you want to preserve the property’s existing character. A lot of older homes in Ann Arbor have character that’s difficult to replicate on a new build.
Renovations can also be a strong option if you want to
- Open up a closed first-floor layout.
- Add a primary suite.
- Expand the kitchen and living areas.
- Improve storage and circulation.
- Add square footage without changing the entire house.
The condition of the home’s major systems matters here, too. Updating electrical, plumbing, or insulation can be part of a major remodel, but if nearly every system needs replacing, you might consider a clean slate.
The more structure, systems, and square footage you can keep, the stronger the case is for a renovation.
When Is New Construction the Better Path?
New construction can be the better path when the existing home would need to change extensively to meet your goals. The cost of the renovations would need to outweigh the cost of new construction, and that can happen when you want to
- Create a substantially different layout or footprint.
- Alter the ceiling heights or rooflines.
- Add a significant amount of square footage.
- Change the orientation of how the property sits on the lot.
The condition of the existing home can also push you towards rebuilding. If the scope includes major foundation or framing work along with new plumbing, HVAC, electrical, roofing, and windows, you may be paying to work around an old structure without retaining many of the advantages.
New construction removes a lot of constraints. The floor plan, mechanical systems, and design can all be planned around how you live from the beginning.
That doesn’t mean every old or outdated home should come down, though. There are a lot of gorgeous historic properties in Ann Arbor worth saving, even if the renovation costs outweigh the cost of building new.
But when the list of things worth preserving is shorter than the list of things that need replacing, new construction can be a better option for some properties.
How Does the Site Affect Your Options?
The condition of the property is only part of this decision. The other part is the lot itself, which can make a renovation easier, harder, or sometimes even impractical.
We carefully evaluate the lot alongside the existing home, determining
- Available room for additions.
- Setbacks and other site restrictions.
- Driveway and garage placement.
- Drainage and grading.
- Mature trees and landscaping to remain in place.
- Backyard and outdoor living goals.
- Natural light and views.
A house that’s structurally sound might be impossible to expand if it sits too close to a setback. Or an addition could eat up too much of your outdoor living space. Of course, a house with a good location and enough room to expand may be an excellent renovation candidate even if the interiors and mechanical systems are badly outdated.
That’s why site review matters a lot in this decision. Having an experienced builder evaluate the site along with the existing property can give you a lot of answers about what’s possible and the best path forward to reach your goals.
Renovate or Rebuild? Ask These Three Questions
A renovation is usually the best option if you can confidently say yes to these three questions:
- Is the structure worth keeping? The foundation, framing, and enough of the home’s major systems are in good enough condition to remain part of the finished project.
- Can the existing footprint support your goals? You can get the layout, space, and function you need through reconfiguration or a reasonable addition.
- Will a renovation deliver the home you want? You are not spending your budget on compromises just because the house is already there.
If you can say yes to all three, then a renovation is likely the best path forward. If you said no, then it’s time to look at rebuilding.
Let MBK Help You Compare Both Paths
Choosing a major renovation vs. new home construction is a big decision, and it isn’t one you should make based on assumptions and rough estimates.
Let MBK Constructors evaluate your home and property, listen to what you want to change, and help you compare both paths so you can make an informed choice. Our design-build process helps you test the realities of construction early on, so you have a clearer idea of cost, timelines, and scope.
Schedule a design-build consultation with our team to discuss your Ann Arbor home and determine which path makes the most sense for your home and budget.
