Difference between renovating vs remodelling

It might seem like pure semantics, but understanding the difference between renovating and remodelling allows homeowners to make more informed decisions about their home improvement projects.

While the difference might seem insignificant to some, Adrian Goslett, Regional Director and CEO of RE/MAX of Southern Africa, says that many homeowners and buyers confuse the terms, which can often cause misalignment of their timelines and budgets.

It’s crucial to understand that the Budget and timeframe for a renovation project can be significantly different from a remodelling project. Adrian Goslett cautions that using these terms interchangeably can create false expectations about the project’s duration and cost, potentially leading to financial surprises.

To provide greater clarity on the terms, renovation typically involves restoring, repairing, or making minor upgrades to existing features and/or structures within the home without changing the fundamental structure of the space. A renovation project might include things such as painting, replacing flooring, or updating outdated fixtures and fittings. These are typically short-term projects and do not cost as much as a remodelling project.

Remodelling, on the other hand, goes beyond renovation and involves making significant changes to a space’s structure and/or layout. This may include altering the floor plan, moving walls, expanding rooms, or completely changing the purpose of a space (e.g., converting a garage into a living area). Remodelling projects often require more extensive construction work and, therefore, typically take longer to complete and cost significantly more than a simple renovation project would.

“Importantly, most remodelling projects will require planning approval, where most renovations will not. This will also have an impact on timelines and expenses,” Goslett highlights.

Understanding the difference between renovating and remodelling helps homeowners plan accordingly and set realistic timelines. It can also impact their expectations regarding the possible return on investment.

“While both can potentially increase the value of a home, remodelling projects that significantly improve the functionality of a space may have a greater impact on resale value compared to simple renovations. From the start, the best way to gain a realistic expectation of the possible returns is to involve a real estate professional. As suburb and industry experts, agents can provide accurate projections on the possible returns for each project based on what’s happening within their local market,” Goslett concludes.

Writer: Kayla Ferguson