3 reasons to renovate instead of building new

I recently extolled the virtues of why you should build new instead of renovating. Now—indulge me as I play devil's advocate for a moment—I want to share three valid reasons for renovating versus building new, which I talked about on an episode of the NS Builders podcast. It really comes down to your personal taste, circumstances, budget, location, and a myriad of other factors. And the following three points play a huge role in the decision-making process.   

REDUCE THE RED TAPE

The first advantage to renovating involves reducing the amount of red tape you need to cut through—permitting, zoning, town ordinances, etc. In Eastern Massachusetts, we work in many towns where specific criteria have to be met if you want to tear down your home. In most cases, there is a mandatory holding time—often up to 12 months or more—where you are free to start on the paperwork but will have to wait to start demolition. And if the home is located in a historic neighborhood or is a prominent piece of architecture in the town, expect much longer delays. The red tape continues to grow. 

Renovating an existing home typically allows you to speed up the process; getting approvals can be quicker and smoother. And there are additional advantages. For example, let's say you want to build new on the existing lot. But the house is deemed too big for the lot per zoning laws. However, renovating your existing house and keeping the same size shouldn't be a problem—even though the floor area ratio exceeds current zoning—because it is likely grandfathered in. 

When considering all the rules and regulations that have to be met with building new, why not renovate and work with what you have? By combining the expertise of an architect and a builder's skill, you can completely transform a house lacking curb appeal and luster into the home of your dreams.   

THE HISTORIC FACTOR

Here’s a second reason to renovate: It’s a historic home. Perhaps it’s your family home. You have a deep connection to the house. Or it radiates charm from a forgotten era. Ask yourself: 'What originally drew me to this house? The architectural design? The character and uniqueness?' Now, ask yourself this: 'Am I willing to sacrifice all of that, losing it forever?' 

Here's what I see trending in home construction—people buy old homes, strip them down inside, but restore (or replicate) the outside to keep the character that is inherently found in a 100-year-old house. Of course, these people live in a modern world; when you walk inside—it's a whole different story. Ultra-modern, efficient, with open spaces, multiple bathrooms, and spacious closets—everything we expect. These are some of my favorite projects. It’s like an intricate puzzle—taking a house apart, leaving all of the charms but putting pieces together resulting in the home performing like it’s brand-new. Redesigning with a purpose and a respectful nod to the original aesthetic.  

Preserving these old homes—gems in the neighborhood—can be a challenge. But the result is truly gratifying. 

MITIGATE WASTEFULNESS

If you set a goal to actively reduce wastefulness, then renovating a house and having to tear out parts of it won't be so painful—for you or the house. You’ll feel good knowing the materials are going to be responsibly recycled. Managing any renovation should include a plan for salvaging and repurposing. After all, we owe it to our planet to reduce waste as much as possible. 

That's why I encourage all of my project managers to find new homes for salvaged materials. For example, take a day before demo to walk through the house; take inventory of items to be donated to a recycling center. Cabinets, plumbing fixtures, furniture, and appliances can have a second chance at life in a new home.  

True story: My mother called one night and asked me where to buy a dishwasher. I had just heard from a project manager that there was a nearly new dishwasher salvaged from a renovation—it still had stickers on it. So, the dishwasher moved in with my mother, and I racked up points for being a thoughtful son. 

So, in the battle between renovating versus building new, it's going to come down to how much red tape you need to cut through and your level of patience. Not to mention your history with the home as well as your views on wastefulness. All valid questions—that only you can answer. 

It's time to discover what NS Builders can intentionally craft for you! Contact us today to get started on your custom dream home. Together, we can make it happen. 

—Nick Schiffer