Here in Southwest Florida, residents are passionate about creating the ideal home to suit their Florida lifestyle, their family, and their zest for life. Many times, that means that a home remodel is necessary to update an existing home or bring a newly purchased home up to date. Sometimes, however, the structure or age of the home can limit the remodeling possibilities, and it makes more sense to tear it down and rebuild.
According to a recent survey conducted by Discover Home Loans, more than 50% of millennial and Gen Z homeowners have home improvements in process or plan to start a project within a period of about three months.
Additionally, a whopping 82% of Gen Z and millennial homeowners say they plan to improve their homes as a form of investment. If your home needs significant repairs or alterations, you may be wondering whether you should just start from scratch. Here are some simple guidelines to help you decide.
Should I Tear Down My House and Rebuild or Remodel It?
It’s clear that home improvement is a common goal for most homeowners. But deciding whether to remodel or completely rebuild is a daunting task for many people. Luckily, there are several factors that will help guide your decision-making.
Keep these five considerations in mind when answering the question, “Should I tear down my house and rebuild or remodel?”
1. What Changes Need to be Made?
It’s important to consider what kind of changes need to be made to your house to determine whether a rebuild or remodel is best. If you’re looking to make relatively minor repairs, changes, or additions, a remodel is probably best.
On the other hand, if you’re unhappy with major aspects of your home and want something completely different, a rebuild is probably the way to go. Also, many older homes face structural integrity issues that may not be apparent to everyone. Undesirable floor plans, construction materials, or site orientation are other reasons to consider tearing down.
2. What Is Your Budget?
Your budget plays a big role in the decision to rebuild or remodel. Rebuilding your entire house will have a much steeper upfront cost. Conversely, remodeling your home can be done in stages to help spread out the costs.
Remodeling also tends to be less expensive overall. However, this is highly dependent on the extent of the remodeling.
3. Where Do You Want to Stay While the Work Is Done?
During a complete rebuild, you will have to find other living accommodations during construction. However, you can most likely remain in your home during remodeling.
4. What Is the Condition of the House?
Your home’s foundation and overall structure must be strong to support major remodels. If your foundation is in poor shape or your house has major structural issues, rebuilding is usually the best option.
5. What Are Your Local Zoning Laws?
Are you dreaming of a three-story enclave to take advantage of a gorgeous view? Or perhaps an ultra-modern palace with sleek lines and glass walls? Well, your local zoning regulations dictate what can and cannot be done on your property, and homeowners association bylaws can affect your design choices. Check your local zoning and permit regulations to determine:
- What projects you need a building permit for
- If there are any restrictions regarding house height or size
- If there are any restrictions regarding what types of houses can be built
It’s important to remember that rebuilding a home will almost always require more permits and be subject to more zoning restrictions than remodeling.
When to Consult with Professionals
No matter what your level of comfort is with choosing a rebuild or remodel, it’s crucial to get a professional opinion. At Gulfstream Homes, our vast experience in remodeling and rebuilding in Southwest Florida can help determine which option is best for you and bring your Florida home wishes to life. Give us a call today to schedule a custom consultation.
