A renovated residence or a newly-built home each has advantages. The important thing is to consider what each path offers.
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To build or not to build, that is the question — one we are often asked at the Regina & Region Home Builders’ Association (RRHBA).
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There is a lot to consider when thinking about renovating your existing home, building new or buying a newly-built home. The answer, of course, depends on your unique situation. How far off is your existing home from your dream? How do you feel about your current location?
A renovated residence or a newly-built home each has advantages. The important thing is to consider what each path offers.
ARE YOU READY TO RENOVATE?
Renovating an existing home has many benefits:
- Renovating allows you to stay in a familiar neighbourhood and schools.
- You retain a home you have lived in for years, including memories.
- Your renovated home can “reset” the clock on its age, to a degree.
- Updates can make your existing home more environmentally friendly and energy efficient.
- You can retain the charm of yesteryear yet support your modern lifestyle.
- Perhaps you simply need more room, a different floor plan, or wish for updates to your kitchen, bath, master bedroom, or living areas. Renovation covers a lot of territory.
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Before you commit to a large-scale renovation, there are more items to consider. What do you want to achieve in the intended use of the home that causes you to desire renovation? Is this a simple refresh or a more complex change to layout? Do you want more room for entertaining or do you need room for children or aging parents? Are you making changes now so you can age in place? What budget should you stay within to keep your total home value at a saleable level? How is the home’s structural soundness and the health of the foundation? If the foundation or structure is compromised, this can be resolved, but it is most often very expensive. Should I hire a professional renovator or DIY?
It is easy to look at the cost of hiring a professional renovator and think only of labour and materials. But remember they offer you an important service and many advantages: years of experience, the right tools, a network of suppliers and subcontractors, and an in-depth understanding of building standards, cost estimating, scheduling, and the latest construction techniques and materials.
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SHOULD YOU BUILD NEW?
New-construction homes can come with many advantages that aren’t found in older houses:
- Your new home is built to the latest National Building Code and is inspected by the municipality before occupancy can occur to ensure the structure is safe and resilient.
- New homes rarely need repairs or renovations. Everything starts in good working order.
- With new and modern plumbing, electrical, heating and cooling systems, just to name a few, maintenance costs are low.
- You start with a modern floor plan and layout that aligns with how a 21st century family will use the spaces. You don’t need to try to fit your design ideas into an existing layout.
- A new home is an energy efficient home, you also have options to upgrade to Net Zero Energy and choose sustainable materials and design.
- Indoor air quality is vastly improved and the potential for asbestos and mold from the past is non-existent.
- While a great option is to build new in an existing neighbourhood, many of Regina’s newest neighbourhoods are loaded with amenities, walking paths with many other benefits.
- You can plan for new technology, like expanding the electrical system to handle today’s devices.
- A professional builder brings a team of experts in residential design, interior design and building science.
- Everything is designed and built to your taste and needs. You start with a clean slate.
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Other considerations with a new home include the time it will take to build; some patience is required. However, many builders do have quick possession inventory for those whose time frame is shorter.
If you do choose to build or buy a new home or renovate your current home, make sure you work with a professional trustworthy company to ensure the project is completed to your satisfaction. Look no further than the members of the Regina & Region Home Builders’ Association.
We know that when starting to build a new home or renovate, you are concerned about making the right choice. To get the quality and service you want, count on the members of the Regina & Region Home Builders’ Association. Check out reginahomebuilders.com to begin your journey!
THIS STORY WAS PROVIDED BY THE REGINA & REGION HOME BUILDERS’ ASSOCIATION FOR COMMERCIAL PURPOSES.