Which is Right For You?
If you are struggling with space or functionality in your home, it might be time for a change. The real question then becomes: should you do an interior renovation, add square footage to your house or construct a brand new home that will better fit your needs? Each option offers its own benefits, but which is the right choice for you?
When it comes to determining your next steps in creating the ideal space for you and your family, there are numerous factors to consider, including price, time commitment, location, and historical value of your current home. All of these aspects and more can significantly influence your decision-making process. Therefore, it is important that you consult with a professional to explore your options before making any decisions.
How to Decide Which Type of Project is Right for you?
There are many ways to transform your house into the home of your dreams. If you need to reconfigure or modernize the spaces in your house, an interior renovation might be the right choice for you. Some houses can greatly benefit from simply opening up some walls, adjusting the kitchen layout or renovating the bathrooms.
However, if your house feels small and cramped for your growing family, yet you love your neighborhood, you might want to consider adding onto your house. This could mean adding a bonus space like a sunroom or a family room on the first floor, or expanding with a 2-story addition for larger bedrooms, bathrooms, and additional spaces such as a laundry room, a seating area or a home office.
Lastly, when a significant transformation is needed, it might be more practical to demolish your current home and build a brand-new one that fits exactly your needs, style and overall vision. Being involved in the design of your custom home is exciting and fun, since it will be tailored to your family and lifestyle.
Is a Renovation Always Cheaper Than a New Build?
An interior renovation typically presents a more cost-effective option compared to adding onto your house or constructing a brand-new home. Such projects often involve tasks like adding beams, demolishing walls, adjusting or relocating windows, and reconfiguring spaces such as kitchens and bathrooms. Some interior renovations may incur higher costs when they involve roof modifications or the addition of dormers to optimize attic space. Similarly, basement reconfigurations can become costly, especially if lowering the floor to increase floor-to-ceiling height is desired.
In terms of costs, home additions strike a balance between interior renovations and brand-new homes. With a home addition, you have the opportunity to significantly enhance the size, functionality, and value of your home. Ensuring that the new addition seamlessly integrates with the existing structure is crucial. Cohesiveness and connectivity throughout the floor plan are key considerations. The flow and transition between spaces, as well as the proportion of each area relative to the rest of the house, are essential for creating a unified feel. Avoiding fragmented spaces or disproportionate rooms, such as a large kitchen overshadowing small living and dining areas, is imperative. The goal is to create a harmonious environment where the addition blends seamlessly with the original structure, resulting in a cohesive, brand-new feel for the entire home.
While constructing a brand-new home may entail higher expenses, in cases of extensive renovation, it can often be more cost-effective to demolish the existing structure and start anew. Major renovations involve significant repairs and demolition in confined spaces, which can increase construction costs. Conversely, new construction tends to progress faster and encounters fewer unforeseen issues. A brand-new home offers the opportunity to tailor every aspect of the design to your needs and preferences, reflecting your personal aesthetics and family lifestyle.
Working with the right architect can help you achieve your desired home improvements while adhering to your budget. Whether it's an interior renovation, a home addition, or a brand-new home, a well-executed design has the power to completely transform and enhance your home and quality of life. With over 10 years of experience and a dedicated team of experts, Axis Architects is equipped to help you optimize your home's space and functionality.
Build in Phases
At times, clients may feel uncertain about embarking on a major renovation all at once, whether due to budget constraints or other considerations. In such instances, it's advisable to develop a comprehensive design that encompasses the vision for the entire house, yet can be executed in phases. This approach allows for the distribution of construction costs over time, while ensuring that once completed, the house maintains a cohesive design aesthetic, as all spaces have been planned holistically.
Many homeowners fall into the trap of undertaking small renovations sporadically over the years. Unfortunately, this piecemeal approach often leads to disjointed and fractured homes, lacking coherence and flow between spaces. By contrast, adopting a phased renovation strategy enables homeowners to systematically transform their living space, ensuring that each phase contributes to the overarching design concept and fosters a sense of unity throughout the home.
Displacement During Construction
It is also important to keep in mind the displacement factor when considering your residential project timeline. For some renovation projects you will be able to continue living in your home and using the space as it was designed. Other projects like bathroom and kitchen renovations or major additions can disrupt your home’s function and might require you to stay somewhere else temporarily.
During new builds, you will also have to stay somewhere else while your house is being built. This temporary living situation can last quite a while so planning well for that contingency can be essential to your family’s comfort and financial well-being.
Choosing the Right Professionals for the Job
Selecting the right team for your interior renovation, home addition or brand-new home is important to the success of your project. A skilled and experienced team can make all the difference in turning your vision into reality!
At Axis Architects, we understand the significance of this decision, and our dedicated team of professionals is committed to bringing your dreams to life. With a wealth of expertise in architectural design and a keen understanding of construction dynamics, we pride ourselves on delivering exceptional results. From concept to completion, our team collaborates closely with clients to create spaces that seamlessly blend functionality, aesthetics, and innovation.
Contact us today at (202) 361-8811 to take the first step on your journey toward a beautifully designed and expertly crafted home.
