Is it Time for a Minneapolis Home Remodel or a New Build? A Guide for Homeowners
When deciding whether to remodel your current home or build a custom one from scratch, the choice isn’t always straightforward. Both options come with unique advantages, challenges, and long-term implications. We’ve compiled all the information you need to make an informed decision!
1. Evaluate Your Current Home and Lifestyle
First things first. Before making your decision, you’ll need to consider your current position. Do you love your area or are you looking for a change? Do you have school-aged kids who need to stay in the neighborhood or are you a little more flexible? Does your current house *almost* work, or is it so far off the mark that you can’t imagine making it your dream home? These types of questions can help you narrow down your options
For many Minneapolis homeowners, remodeling makes sense when they have deep roots in their community and plan to stay long-term. Perhaps you’ve lived in your home since you were newlyweds, but your family has outgrown its original design. Remodeling allows you to stay in the area you love while adapting the space to your evolving needs.
However, if the structural changes needed are extensive, or the home still wouldn’t fully meet your expectations, building a custom home may be the better choice.
Want to see more of this Custom Home Build? Check out the full portfolio of our Deephaven Dream
2. Compare Costs
Remodeling: While remodeling may seem like the more cost-effective choice (and often it is!), unexpected complexities—like dealing with aging infrastructure—can quickly escalate costs. Additionally, remodeling projects are often priced on a case-by-case basis, making the cost per square foot an unreliable metric.
Building New: New construction generally requires a higher upfront investment due to the scale of the project, but it comes with the benefit of getting exactly what you want. You won’t have to compromise on layout, materials, or energy efficiency, making it a long-term value for many homeowners.
3. Timeframe and Lifestyle
Can Your Lifestyle Handle a Remodel?
Living through the remodeling process is not for everyone. From drywall dust to regular disruptions in your living space, the process can test your patience. At Mark D Williams Custom Homes, we help by scheduling around vacations or finding ways to reduce disruption, but for some families, temporarily relocating is the best option.
Building a new home, on the other hand, doesn’t disrupt your daily life in the same way. While the construction process takes longer overall, you won’t experience the day-to-day inconveniences of living through a renovation while bringing your vision to life.
Want to see this Whole House Remodel? Check out the full portfolio of the Colonial Charmer
4. Sustainability and Energy Efficiency
If energy efficiency and sustainability are priorities for you, building a new home is the way to go. New construction allows us to incorporate the latest green building techniques, such as:
High-performance insulation.
Solar panels and battery walls.
Electric appliances for better indoor air quality.
While your remodeling journey can include energy-efficient updates, older homes often pose challenges due to their existing infrastructure. Retrofitting an older structure can be costly and may still fall short of modern efficiency standards.
5. Resale Value and ROI
Both remodeling and building new are great for resale value! If ROI is important to you, focus your remodeling projects on these areas:
Kitchen updates: Modernizing your kitchen can significantly boost your home’s value.
Mudrooms and pantries: These functional additions are a top priority for many buyers.
Master suite upgrades: Most buyers are looking for a spacious and updated master bedroom.
Building New for Long-Term Value: A new home, on the other hand, has the benefit of modern technology, style, and energy efficiency, which often translates to higher resale value.
Designing (or remodeling) a kitchen? Check out this blog for a new design idea!
Your Cheat Sheet
Remodel if:
You love your current neighborhood, school district, or community.
Your home has sentimental value, and the upgrades you need are feasible.
You’ve locked in a low mortgage rate, making it more affordable to invest in your current property.
Build New if:
You want a completely custom design without compromises.
The cost of remodeling approaches or exceeds the cost of new construction.
Energy efficiency and sustainability are top priorities for your family.
Still Unsure? Let’s Talk.
If you’re debating whether to remodel or build new, why not schedule a consultation? We’ll help you explore your options and determine the best path forward!