Remodel vs buying a new home Charleston SC?

There is a reason HGTV’s Love It or List It is such a hit with viewers.  And it’s a great premise. Host Hilary Farr and real estate agent David Visentin do a fabulous job of transforming homeowner’s current homes to become the home of their dreams. At the end of each episode, homeowners either “love it” and remain in the home or they opt to buy a new one and “list” the old.

Many American’s are also opting to remodel their current homes, due in part to a shortage of move-in ready resale homes.  Spending more time at home also seems to be a driving factor.  Houzz reports a 58% annual increase in project leads for home professionals in June of 2020. Traditionally the most popular remodeling projects are bathrooms, though 2020 brought a huge increase in the remodeling of outdoor spaces and the addition of pools. Rounding out the list of top remodeling projects are kitchen remodels and window and door replacements, respectively.
 
By remodeling many homeowners are able take advantage of the value they have already established in their home. There is a concern that getting all of the features they desire in a new home will cost more than piggybacking on the value of their existing home.  That being said, the complexity of either living in a home during a remodel or temporarily relocating is a huge consideration, particularly with more folks tending to be in the house with work-from-home and virtual schooling. They may wish they had purchased a new construction home instead.
 
To remodel or to buy new construction: both of these options help get the square footage and features you want in your home. But what should you consider about each option? Which is best for you?

 

When is remodeling the best choice?

Everyone values different aspects of their home.  Homeowner Lisa Renée Caplinger said, “We renovated and would never have bought new! Old houses and neighborhoods have character and their own, unique stories to tell.”

Often on episodes of “Love it or List It” buyers prefer homes in established communities that offer character and a central location. This was the case for Sara Corbett whose husband is in the building industry. Sara said their family, “chose to renovate a home because of the home’s charm and location”. Now, Sara and her husband are about to build a new house so they can get “all the features they want, the way we want it.”

The ability to get what you want, exactly the way you want it is why Karl Phillips elected to renovate his home. Karl said, “I renovated a few years ago as I was able to make the changes I wanted and add a bit of character to something that's existed longer that I've been alive. New construction is nice, but there's a bit of charm and history that you can't ignore with an older structure.”

When you currently own a house that you adore, remodeling it to get precisely the bathrooms and kitchen you want may be simpler than moving — at least upon initial consideration.  However, when you factor in weeks or months of strangers trooping through your home, sheetrock dust flying everywhere, unforeseen challenges and expenses that arise (and they always do) and/or living in your home during construction, buying a new construction home may come out to be the best choice.


 

What are some essential things to do if you decide to remodel?

If you conclude that remodeling is the best alternative for you, there are a few things you can do to help your project run smoothly. Mike Eippert of Commonwealth Contracting, said that it’s important to select a contractor who “implement your vision.” He stressed that you don’t want to choose an overbearing, dictatorial contractor, rather someone that will listen to you and work with you as a team throughout the process.
It’s important to choose a contractor whom you like, Eippert advises, pick someone who you can get well along with. The ideal candidate is someone who over-communicates, creates a project plan and really has super testimonials from clients for whom they did similar work. Make sure you get a contract that covers all aspects such as the payment schedule, materials and specifications for all elements of the project, and clearly outlines the scope of work, payment schedule, and construction timeline.


 

Small considerations can have a big impact when remodeling

Be sure to establish your expectations up front when remodeling, especially when it comes to cleanliness. Some things to take into consideration are where will the dumpster be parked and how often will it be emptied? Who is going to pull permits and call for inspections? It’s important to agree on expected hours of work and how the workers will access your property. Don’t necessarily assume that because you mentioned it in passing, that your remodeling contractor will remember what you have discussed.

Patience is a crucial factor in the remodeling process.  Eippert says homeowners must mentally prepare themselves to be patient.  Eippert said that you must “be prepared to be disrupted.” He also advises owners “at every phase of the project, walk around the space and experience it. Tape off major furniture and appliance placements to be sure you comprehend what it will feel like.”

Know going into the remodel that not every project is free of hiccups, in fact, it is rare for a project to run entirely smoothly from start to finish. Discuss, before any situation occurs, what will happen if something changes in your requirements or in the contractor’s ability to do the job. Make sure the contractor is licensed, insured, and reliable. The NAHB offers more tips on finding the right remodeling contractor.

Determine at the start of the process who will be selecting fixtures, fittings, and finishes.  If you’re working with a design/build contractor, the professional will recommend appliances, flooring, and systems to fit your plans and budget. Be sure that if you’re you’re serving as your own design consultant that you understand what is required of you. If, for example, your specs for the remodel call for laminate plank flooring and you purchase unfinished hardwood flooring, you’re going to have a major headache. Not only are the subflooring materials different, the site preparation and even the baseboard moldings will be different.


 

Life can be easier when you choose new construction.

The Charleston area provides an incredible selection of new homes and homebuilders are building homes that fit many needs. And it might surprise you to learn that new homes are not necessarily more expensive than remodeling an existing home. A new home is built to be safe, comfortable and efficient to live in.

When you buy from a builder in master planned and new home communities the cost of your lot, the lot preparation, architectural plans, selection and cost of materials are all provided at a savings. When a builder is constructing many new homes, they are able to streamline the construction process and lock in prices, saving you money. Not only that, you get the advantage of “brand new” and a home warranty too.

New home builders work to build homes you want to buy. Many include popular finishes and features. You’ll find features such as granite countertops, tile and hardwood flooring, home automation and energy efficiency engineered into every aspect of the structure. Most builders also include landscaping in your new home’s price.

A brand new home is built to current construction codes. Today’s codes include structural imperatives to make them stronger during high winds and more energy efficient. Both of which are “must haves” when you live in the coastal area where we occasionally experience hurricanes and have multiple days in the summer when temperatures exceed 90 degrees.

Amenities are also a big draw with master planned communities; you will have walking and biking trails, sports fields, playgrounds, community swimming pools and gathering areas, all nearby your home.

And it could easily be argued that the chief advantage of choosing a new construction home is not having to live in a construction zone as you do when remodeling, or having to relocate during the project. Who does not want less stress in their lives?

Whether you choose to remodel your existing home or purchase a new construction home, you owe it to yourself to consider the effects of each on your life, weigh the costs and benefits of each process and outcome and choose the one that gives you what you want.

List of active Charleston SC area new home communities

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Thank you for reading and sharing our articles from The Greater Charleston New Homes Guide. Our business is to know Charleston, SC's new home construction, home builders, neighborhoods, and homes so we may assist you as you take your new construction home journey. Please take the time to explore our site. The Greater Charleston New Homes Guide is considered the best and most reliable ‘local’ resource to new home construction, builders, neighborhoods, and homes throughout the Lowcountry since 2004.

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