Your home doesn’t quite feel the way it used to. Maybe the layout no longer fits your lifestyle, or you’re dreaming of a more functional kitchen with an updated aesthetic. Whatever the reason, you’re facing a major question: should you remodel your home, or start over with something new?
Both options have unique advantages and there is no one-size-fits-all answer. So, you’ll need to consider a few financial, logistical, and personal factors to determine which avenue is the best for you.
In this blog, we go over essential considerations to help you decide if it’s better to remodel your home or buy a new one.
Residential Remodeling vs. Renovating
Before we dive into the advantages of remodeling versus buying a new home, it’s important to understand what a residential remodel entails. This distinction can give you a better idea of what to expect in terms of cost and timeline.
While the terms are often used interchangeably, home remodels are actually quite different from renovations:
- Renovations focus on refreshing existing features, such as repainting walls, installing new fixtures, or upgrading cabinets to upgrade the look or functionality of your space. These projects typically require less time and money compared to remodels because there are less changes and no major structural modifications.
- Remodeling is all about altering the structure, layout, or purpose of a space to better fit your needs. Examples include removing walls to expand a kitchen, converting a garage into a living area, or rearranging interior layouts to improve flow. Remodels tend to cost more and take longer due to the project’s scope, but may bring in greater return on investment (ROI).
While both options offer great benefits, a remodel is the way to go if you want to make major improvements to the functionality or structure of your home.
Benefits of Remodeling Your Home
Remodeling allows you to customize your home to your exact needs without giving up its location, uprooting your current routine, or dealing with the stress of moving. Below are some advantages to consider when choosing between a remodel project and buying a new home.
Remodeling Costs vs. Buying Costs
Remodels can vary in cost depending on the size of your home and the scope of the project. However, they are often less expensive than buying a new home altogether when you factor in commissions, closing costs, and moving expenses.
Remodeling also gives you the freedom to control the pace of your spending. You can work with your design-build team to schedule the project in phases to better fit your budget.
Customization and Design Control
When you buy a new house, it’s unlikely that you’ll be happy with every aspect of its layout, functionality, or appearance. In fact, according to a survey conducted by the Home Improvement Research Institute (HIRI), over 90% of recent homebuyers initiated home improvement projects within the first year of ownership.1
The chances are, even if you buy a new home, you’ll probably want to change a few things anyway. A remodeling project gives you complete creative control over your space. It allows you to customize your existing home to meet your every need and design goal—just without the extra costs and hassles associated with moving.
Stay In a Location You Already Love
Another great benefit of remodeling versus buying a new home is that you get to stay in a location you already love. Even moving to a different neighborhood can make a world of a difference when you consider changes in routine, driving routes, school boundaries, proximity to friends and family, and more. Moving to a new state brings even more disruptions.
With a remodeling project, you can stay exactly where you are—but your home will still feel like an entirely different one by the time the job is done.
Short-Term Disruption, Long-Term Rewards
Living through weeks of construction for a remodeling project isn’t always fun, but it’s only temporary. Many homeowners find that a few weeks of disruption is a small price to pay for a home that finally feels right.
Although the timeline for a home remodel varies from project to project, it’s worth noting that sometimes it can take less time than buying a new home. Comparing lenders, getting pre-approved, searching for the right house, making an offer, and closing on a new home can take anywhere from 6 months to a year.2 On the other hand, remodels can typically be completed within a few weeks or months (depending on the project).
Add Value to Your Home
Even if you plan on selling down the line, remodeling your home can significantly boost its resale value. In fact, remodeling projects have an average ROI of 69%. This number can get even higher if you’re adding on extra rooms or making expansions.
Benefits of Buying a New Home
Although remodeling can be a powerful tool for transforming your home and boosting its value, buying a new home can bring you and your family a valuable fresh start. Below are some of the benefits of buying a new home over remodeling your existing one.
Move to a New Location
Sometimes your needs outgrow more than the home itself. If you need to be in a different school district, closer to work, or simply feel called to another area, moving to a new home might be the ideal option for you.
Even if you buy a new home in another location, you can always make home improvement projects to customize it to your needs down the line.
Increase Your Property Size
In some cases, even the best remodeling efforts can’t solve problems like small lot sizes or a home you’ve outgrown. If you feel like you need more space but expanding isn’t in the cards, buying a new house may be the best option for your needs. Plus, having a larger property gives you room for future expansion projects later on.
Contact DRF Builders: Idaho’s Home Remodel and Building Experts
Both remodeling a home and buying a new one can have great benefits, but they serve different goals. If you love your location and want a home tailored to your exact needs, a remodeling project delivers exceptional value and long-term satisfaction.
At DRF Builders, we have years of experience in residential construction. We specialize in high-impact, cost-effective remodels that help homeowners stay rooted and reimagine what’s possible in their current space. Whether you’re remodeling your home or want to build a new one from the ground up, our friendly team of experts can’t wait to get started on your project.
Ready to take the next step? Contact DRF Builders online or call (208) 254-2002 to get in touch today.
References
- Home Improvement Research Institute. (2025, March 3). Recent home buyer and seller study. HIRI. https://www.hiri.org/research/recent-home-buyer-and-seller-study
- Araj, V. (2024, November 30). How long it takes to buy a house: A purchase timeline from preapproval to closing. Rocket Mortgage. https://www.rocketmortgage.com/learn/how-long-does-it-take-to-buy-a-house
- Remodel ROI. (n.d.). https://todayshomeowner.com/home-finances/guides/roi-of-remodel/
