Three Ways to Decide the Best Choice for You in Today’s Housing Market
The housing market in Upstate South Carolina and Western North Carolina is hot. In fact, hot may not be a strong enough word to describe the demand these areas are experiencing. Greenville, South Carolina and the surrounding areas are in high demand for new and existing residents searching for housing. Asheville and Western North Carolina are seeing similar demand. Both areas boast temperate four-season climates, relatively low cost of living, and easy access to amenities and work opportunities. Many buyers seeking a new home have a question to face. Should you remodel or build new? The question ultimately comes down to your preference, but there are three main factors to consider: time, cost, and style preference.
1. Time is an important factor to consider
When trying to decide to remodel or build new, time is a factor that should be considered. Time to remodel versus time to build new can vary depending on the complexity of the product. Availability of materials is a significant factor that can affect time to remodel or build new. All builders and contractors are experiencing material delays. A reputable builder or contractor should always discuss your project timeline with you.
Further, you should expect ongoing communication during your remodel or new build and updates when timelines change. Time is a factor in a remodel or new home build that often cannot be controlled. However, time can be managed and measured in a way that reduces stress for the customer and the remodel or building team.
If you decide to build new, the timeline should include site preparation, design time, and every stage of building. When you decide to remodel a home, the timeline may shift during the project if underlying issues are discovered. It is not uncommon for timelines to change during a renovation. This is due to what is discovered as portions of the home are demolished in order to be rebuilt. Whether you choose to remodel or build new, ensure you understand time expectations and limitations as you make your decision.
2. Does it cost more to remodel or build new?
Cost is a major factor when deciding to remodel or build new. You may think cost is the only factor, but it has to be considered along with all the other elements in the home construction process. Similar to time, material availability has a significant impact on cost.
If you decide to remodel, how much of the home will you remodel? You should discuss your no-limits dreams with your builder first. This gives your builder an idea of what you love and what your house would be like if money were no option. Then, get realistic. Money is a factor and it has to be considered as you weigh whether you will remodel or build new.
It may seem like remodeling will be the most cost-effective option. However, there are factors that can affect the remodel that your builder cannot see until they begin. With the exception of fluctuating material costs, a new build may be easier for your builder to estimate the final cost. Remodel projects can run into cost increases when demolition creates discoveries that need more reconstruction or repair than previously planned. Your builder should include estimates in your remodel that account for these surprises, but no estimate is perfect. Be prepared for discoveries during your remodel that you did not expect, and know they are simply part of the process.
Costs can fluctuate during a new build as well. Ensure you are aware of all of the elements you want and need in your remodel or new build and weigh those costs as you make your decision.
3. Consider your style and use preferences
Your style preference should be considered when you are deciding whether you want to remodel or build new. Our latest renovation project became a renovation because the owners knew they wanted to retire in the home. While they loved the home when they purchased it, they knew it would need to be updated to meet their style and use preferences.
Some homes may require too much work to meet your style and use needs. Build a new home when your style preferences simply do not line up with, or cannot be matched with, any home you see on the market. The decision to remodel can totally transform an existing house. However, a remodel can also elegantly incorporate the original elements of a home.
This downtown Asheville remodel on Beaucatcher Mountain beautifully blends the existing construction with the new elements. While touring this home, it’s virtually impossible to discern which areas are new and which areas are original. Style preferences will drive the design process and can help you decide whether you should remodel or build new. Many homes will easily meet your desired needs with a renovation, and some simply will not.
Morgan-Keefe Builders provides custom home renovation and new construction services. One of our latest renovations, featured here, is a beautiful example of preserving the original home while incorporating the owner’s new desires. We added a 1,000 square foot master suite, covered porch, and skylights through the house.
Our dedicated team took care to match the existing finishes on the outside of the home. The result is a seamless renovation and a home that looks as if it always existed this way.
This particular home was renovated to meet the owner’s style and living needs. This home’s unique interior makes it stand out. The windows throughout the home, along with the skylights, bring the outside in and complement the surrounding mountain views of the location.
Our team took the homeowner’s vision and made it a reality. The blend of old construction with the new is so seamless and organic, and a testament to Morgan-Keefe attention to quality and detail. When you stand in this home, you feel as if you are standing in nature. This renovation truly is a Morgan-Keefe work of art.
When you are considering whether you should remodel or build new, time, cost, and your style preferences should begin the debate. As you weigh your options, it would be our honor to discuss our custom renovation and new home construction services with you. Learn more about our building process here.
Contact us to begin a discussion with our dedicated team of professionals. We will help you decide if you should remodel or build a new Morgan-Keefe work of art.
Collaborators / Contributors:
Architect/Interior Design – Griffin Architects, P.A.
Landscape – Home owner design with Earthscapes Collaborative
Interior Trim – Squarepeg Construction
Electrical – QEC (Quality Electrical Contractors)
