What is the difference in a remodel vs renovation? This is a common question that is often asked by property owners considering a property improvement update.

Both these terms are often used interchangeably by folks in the real estate industry like realtors and brokers when referring to the services required to renovate vs remodel.

By definition, a renovation means to restore or reinstate the existing conditions of the property to its previous and original condition, while remodel suggest to change the state of the original condition of the property to something different.

Although by definition these terms seem rather clearly defined, in the real world they are misused quite commonly to the point, no one ever corrects the misused terms.

Learn about the difference of remodel vs renovation and the dilemma concerning housing options

What is a Renovation?

As already suggested, to renovate something means to restore or revive the condition of the property elements. To use a few real world examples, painting would be a renovation item. Refinishing floors would be a clear example of renovating.

In a more extreme example, when an owner elects to gut an older house and replace the electrical, plumbing and HVAC system, this is considered to be a complete renovation of the property. This includes replacing the floors, drywall and cabinetry finishes.

What is a Remodel?

Technically speaking to remodel a property means to change or modify the existing layout or shape of the property space and function. A fair example of this would be to remodel the kitchen, which would be to change the location (function) of the components of the kitchen, like the sink or oven location.

Why Do These Terms Get Interchanged?

Where these two completely different terms started to get used interchangeably is that it is common during conducting a renovation or remodel to cross over and execute some degree of renovation while you are in a remodel and visa versa.

An example of this is to use our previous example, when we are conducting a kitchen remodel and moving the location of some of the main components, we are also restoring or renovating the floors and painting.

So anytime an owner is executing a renovation project, they are likely to make either small or major remodel changes to the area they are updating. As you can see, in the real world these two different terms essentially mean the same thing to most people.

Which Improvement Will Cost More?

Generally speaking, remodeling will normally cost more than a renovation. Although it is common the replace property components as part of a renovation, the owner is not changing its intended use or its function.

When you remodel, you are without a doubt removing existing items with the primary purpose of modifying or changing its functionality.

As well, you can technically replace a kitchen floor and not replace or refinish any other items in the kitchen, but when you remodel, you are likely to have a substantial impact on many other consequential products within the kitchen, including the floor.

Is it Better to Buy a Property or Remodel vs Renovation an Existing One?