Picture this: you’ve found your ideal lot in a town and neighborhood you love…. but there’s a lot you’d like to change about the home itself. You’re faced with a big question; does it make more sense to tear down the home and build new or renovate the current structure to fit your vision? Let’s review the options…
Considerations for Tear Down & Rebuild
Structural Condition
If there are any signs of severe structural damage, it’s likely in your best interest to tear down and rebuild. Such damages could include the foundation failing, widespread mold, rot, and termite/pest damage. Another consideration is the state of any basement or crawl space. If the home does not have a basement/crawl space, or if they are poured with anything other than concrete (such as cinderblock or stone), it is likely a no-go.
Layout
If the home has an “unfixable” layout in your opinion, rebuilding should be a consideration. An “unfixable” layout is subjective to each homeowner, however factors such as low ceilings, dark rooms or a poor floor plan that cannot be corrected by moving interior walls may feel like justification for tearing down. Every homebuyer has a different threshold for what feels unfixable, however if the home will not suit your family’s needs or is prohibitive to comfortably living in the space, rebuilding may be the best option.
Core Systems
Core systems include electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems. If these systems are outdated and all need total replacements at the same time, it is worth reviewing the tear down and rebuild route. The level of effort required to update all of these systems may make the most sense within a new build project. For example, if the home has boiler heat and requires all new ductwork to accommodate a forced air furnace, this would be grounds for a tear down/rebuild.
Budget
As you weigh your options, pay attention to renovation costs and if they are matching that of a new build. If remodeling estimates approach or exceed the cost per square foot of building a new home, which they most likely will, consider this avenue instead. In this way you’ll be able to make the updates that you want, within a new foundational structure that you can confidently trust.
Considerations for Renovate
Structural Condition
If the foundation, framing and roof are solid and free of major damages such as water, mold, rot, pest/termite, etc. then moving forward with renovations could be a better path. There is certainly less of an undertaking here than fully rebuilding, and if you are confident in the foundation of the home then you can turn your sights to renovations.
Character
Depending on the age of the home, you may want to preserve some of its charm and character. If you want to keep historical details, unique architectural elements or sentimental value, focusing on renovations is a better choice. You can still make updates that you would like without removing the character that is meaningful to you.
Targeted Updates
If you only feel the need to update certain areas of the home, renovations are likely the way to go. Needing to only focus on specific areas such as the kitchen, bathroom or surface finishes can save you a lot of time and money compared to a full rebuild.
Timeline
When you keep the existing footprint of the home, you typically can expect a faster timeline for completion. Local zoning and permits and construction approvals often take less time when you are renovating versus tearing down and rebuilding. If this expedited timeline is important to you, renovations may be the answer.
As you can see, there is not one clear-cut answer for rebuilding versus renovating. The decision is very circumstantial, with many factors to consider. At the end of the day though, after assessing the key components outlined above, you should be able to reach the decision of which path is best for your situation.
Relying on real estate expertise can also greatly help in the decision-making process too. At The Mike McCurry Group, our team has extensive experience working with clients to help determine the best path forward of rebuilding or renovating. We also have active properties right now that can fit your visions. These include:
3403 York Road in Oakbrook – this would be a new build, situated on a rare piece of history, arguably one of the most sought-after properties along the east corridor of Oak Brook and the gateway area.
433 S Hill Avenue in Elmhurst – this offers a multitude of possibilities – including renovations or tear down with rebuild. This is a rare opportunity to own an exceptional lot in a prestigious neighborhood, while making the space truly your dream home.
7 & 8 Yorkshire Woods Drive in Oakbrook - you can build your dream home on these lots, boasting extremely rare topography to accommodate plans for a spectacular walkout basement.
Contact us to learn more about our experiences and hear about our specific case studies where we helped advise homeowners on rebuilding versus renovating. We’re excited to share our insights and active properties with you!