Renovate or Build New
Why Renovate?: When Looking to Improve your Living Situation, What is the Benefit to a Remodel Versus Building New?
With the current housing shortage in Austin the competition for home buyers is fierce. If your current home’s not working for you a home renovation or addition is more tempting than ever. But did you know that a thoughtful renovation can also contribute to a sustainable home? In fact, remodeling can be the more sustainable choice compared to building or buying new. Renovating or adding on to your existing house, not only preserves the character of your home, but can also contribute to greater comfort and savings for you and benefit the environment.
Large remodels or significant additions also have the option to earn enough points for a star rating through the Austin Energy Green Building program which may increase your homes resale value when that day comes. Austin Energy Green Building consultation and rating services are free to Austin Energy customers.
© Thomas McConnell - Courtesy of Austin Energy Green Building
The first benefit of a remodel is preservation and re-use of materials thereby reducing waste and carbon footprint. Reusing existing durable materials, such as hardwood floors, keeps these materials out of landfills and contributes to your home’s history and character. When selecting new fixtures and finishes for your remodel, choose durable products whose longer useful lifespan will protect your investment over time. Quality materials are also more likely to be PVC and VOC free, improving your home’s air quality by emitting less fumes post construction.
This 100 year-old home in East Austin reused the solid wood lath found underneath the ceilings and wall paper to give character to the renovation. The existing windows were repaired and re-outfitted with new glass panes to preserve their historic charm while improving the efficiency of the home.
© Andrea Calo- 100 year-old home renovation, by Jameson Interiors
Another benefit to a remodel is that preserving the building footprint also preserves the existing shade trees on site. Even if you are planning for an addition or building new, preserving the shade trees on site contributes greatly to cooling your home. Any shade you can provide, whether natural or man-made, contributes greatly to a home’s comfort year round. Similarly, larger overhangs help keep the heat of the sun off your walls and windows during the hottest times of the day. Most Texas homes of a certain age were built with deep overhangs. If yours was not, consider adding two foot overhangs with your new roof or roof replacement.
© Rob Gomez Photography
However, If your building is facing considerable structural issues such as a crumbling foundation or insufficient framing, you may find your self investing in a house of straw. Have your systems: Structural, Electrical, Plumbing, and HVAC reviewed by a licensed professional. If the total cost of repair and re-building exceeds 50% of your home’s potential market value, and before delivering the desired design changes, it might be prudent to start from scratch.