Whats The Difference Between Refurbishment And Renovation
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- Admin
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- renovation vs refurbishment, renovation, refurbishment, home renovation, home refurbishment
- Posted date:
- 02-11-2021
What's the difference between refurbishment and renovation? We look at the benefits of refurbishment work and renovation work to help you understand which is right for you.
What's the difference between a renovation and a refurbishment?
The definitions between renovation and refurbishment can become blurred and have cross overs, but they are separate processes and involve different things.
Renovations are typically larger jobs and ones that fundamentally and significantly change the structure or property. A renovation can involve adding an extension or conversion, changing a floor layout or material or repairing a broken or faulty aspect of a house.
Roof restorations are a common form of restoration and are done when the roof begins falling apart and needs repair. If you're considering having a bigger change done within your home, such as removing a wall and expanding a room, then this is a renovation and not a refurbishment.
Refurbishments are generally smaller jobs and aren't done for structural reasons. When the aesthetic of a house is the main interest, then small repairs and restorations can be done in the name of this. For example, redecorating, repainting, replastering a wall or even getting new window frames can be considered a refurbishment.
Of course, there are cross overs. The more major a refurbishment becomes, the closer it resembles and becomes a renovation. Refurbishments can involve exterior work and even extensions, but it's about the intention behind the work.
If you're aiming to increase kerb appeal and house value, then you need a refurbishment. A renovation concerns itself with repairing what is structurally broken and needs fixing.
The Building refurbishment process
Property refurbishment is similar to restoration but concerns itself more with improving the appeal and value and perhaps even the energy efficiency of that home.
You'll still need to evaluate the budget and scale of the desired project, and this will determine whether a professional team and contractor will be required to oversee the work. This can, of course, cost you more money.
Typically, since renovations are bigger projects, they require more planning and design work. This can involve getting a designer or even architect onboard, as they can offer a professional opinion on design styles and materials.
Understanding your budget will be important, as it'll prove cheaper to do some of the work yourself and only hire professionals where they are absolutely needed.
Sometimes planning permission and approval is needed, so be sure to contact your local council before doing any large work. Visit the planning portal online if you're unsure as to what requires approval.
A large portion of the time and costs will go towards making repairs on the property during a restoration. Anything that has become damaged or less efficient due to time should be repaired or replaced entirely. This can include electrical wiring, plumbing, filling any cracks and holes that have appeared in wooden beams or the walls.
When the major repairing work is being done, you can also replace anything that is beyond repair. Sometimes electrical appliances and wiring cannot be repaired and must be replaced, and can even add to the aesthetic of the new room that you're constructing.
If you're renovating the kitchen and notice that the fridge is broken beyond repair, then recycle the old fridge for parts and invest in a replacement.
When the major repairing work is being done, you can also replace anything that is beyond repair. Sometimes electrical appliances and wiring cannot be repaired and must be replaced, and can even add to the aesthetic of the new room that you're constructing.
If you're renovating the kitchen and notice that the fridge is broken beyond repair, then recycle the old fridge for parts and invest in a replacement.
The aesthetics are also important in restoration, as the house needs to look better than when it started. This is where creativity comes into play, and you're able to have more freedom than a refurbishment.
You can tear down wallpaper during restoration and perhaps even knock down an entire wall, making living spaces much more spacious.
Painting the walls a new colour, re-tiling any walls or laying down a new carpet can also be done and change the aesthetic and feel of the property.
The Building Refurbishment Process
Property refurbishment is similar to restoration but concerns itself more with improving the appeal and value and perhaps even the energy efficiency of that home.
You'll still need to evaluate the budget and scale of the desired project, and this will determine whether a professional team and contractor will be required to oversee the work. This can, of course, cost you more money.
A refurbishment can involve the conversion of a space, which is sometimes a much bigger task. If you're renovating a bedroom into a gym space or studio, or perhaps you want to install a sink in some bedrooms, this accounts for more major conversion work.
More materials and planning are going to be needed, especially when electrical and plumbing come into play.
Reburshiments can also have repair work done, especially during bigger projects. If the electrical or plumbing system isn't efficient and needs modernising, or the central heating system needs repairing, this can be done during the process. Sometimes a roof will need re-tiling and repairing, which can aid in making the home more energy-efficient and thermal.
This will typically be done on bigger refurbishment projects where extensions or partial demolitions are taking place. These types of projects require a lot more planning and legal paperwork as you are changing the fundamental structure and framework of the building.
This will definitely need a professional team, the correct equipment and vehicles, a skip for rubbish, a contractor, and design plans.
Of course, the ultimate goal with refurbishment is to change the house's cosmetics for the better. The aesthetic of a house, both internally and externally, can bring about more kerb appeal and make the home more comfortable to live in. It can take an older property and modernise it or bring more life to a tired property.
In conclusion, the process of navigating a renovation can be confusing and daunting to those who haven't done it before. That doesn't mean that it's impossible, and it can be done without you spending unnecessary costs.
Get in touch today if you need further advice and are considering renovating your property.
Are you planning a commercial property refurbishment in Glasgow or the surrounding areas of Scotland? Contact our commercial building contractors to discuss our building refurbishment services.
Commercial Building Refurbishment Glasgow
