Deciding whether to renovate or build a new home – mySA

Of the many decisions you may make as a long-term homeowner, perhaps one of the most significant is whether to renovate a home once its past its prime or build a new home.

And as with so many other choices there are a host of pros and cons to consider before taking the plunge.

The first consideration is budget. If finances are a concern, renovating can be the most cost-effective choice. Depending on your personal budget, you can also renovate at your own pace, one room at a time, which can make it a tempting option to the budget-conscious.

There are other major benefits to renovation versus building new. In the first place, you can avoid having to temporarily move or live somewhere else while the renovations are being completed. And, if you have nostalgic and emotional attachment to your home, it allows you to continue to live in the home where you have built your family, memories and legacy.

Plus, with so many historic neighborhoods in the San Antonio area, renovating can be a great option to maintain an external faade that represents the days of yore, while still enjoying the contemporary benefits and more energy-efficient features of an updated interior.

It is, of course, important to find out the background and history of your home to find out if renovating is a viable option for you. For instance, youll need to find out if the home has already been renovated in the past and if so, how many times. And, depending on the age of your home, it may be necessary to look into whether any dangerous or hazardous materials that could be present might be an obstacle to renovation or construction.

Of course, youll also want to talk with an expert builder or renovator about critical questions, such as whether youre able to access the original building plans of your home; whether building codes have changed or evolved significantly since your home was built; and whether it will still be cost-efficient or in your best interests financially to renovate if any mechanical or electrical system must be redone to comply with codes.

You should also ensure that your house is a good candidate for renovating in other ways for instance, it may not be a strong option if the foundation is poor, ceilings are too low, or theres just insufficient room for the type of renovating or remodeling you need done.

In the event that renovation isnt the best option for you, there are also a number of benefits to building a brand-new home.

First, everything can be fresh, contemporary and up-to-the-minute, from cutting-edge technologies to sustainable materials and energy-efficient options. And, unlike an older home, everything will remain under warranty, keeping repairs rare and, when they do occur, budget-friendly.

Building a custom home is also a creative free-for-all in ways renovating isnt, since renovating can be more constricted and constrained. With building, you have an infinite number of options, and arent limited by the existing structure of your home. And you can choose what personally works best for you and your family as far as blueprints and design go.

If choosing to build a new home, youll want to consult a builder, architect and an interior designer, each of whom will bring insight and experience to your plans.

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They will be best equipped to answer any questions that arise, such as what would be the best site on which to build your home; whether local building codes and neighborhood restrictions will affect your project; what kinds of contract labor youll be able to utilize; and what kinds of temperature, environmental and weather considerations youll have to make.

When building new, its also vital to consider what your lifestyle requires and what things are non-negotiables for you. If children or elderly relatives or family members with disabilities will be living in the home, youll need to take into consideration what features in your new home will best serve them.

And remember to be direct with everyone on your building team, as well as patient with the new construction process. New construction requires permits, approvals and many phases that renovations dont, and generally takes considerably longer. Remain calm and keep your eyes on the goal: your new custom home.

Whether you choose to renovate or build new, make an informed decision thats best for your family and will give you the dream home youve been looking for.

Editor's Note: This content is made possible by a sponsored content contributor. It is not written by and does not necessarily reflect the views of the San Antonio Express-News. Learn more about our advertising products at http://www.hearstmediasanantonio.com.

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Deciding whether to renovate or build a new home - mySA