Should I Build New, Renovate or Extend?

There comes a point in most people’s lives where their current home just isn’t suiting their needs. It’s at this point that most ask the question – should I build new, renovate or extend?

All three construction options have their benefits, but the end decision should be based on your needs and future lifestyle. In starting the discussion, there are a number of questions you should be asking yourself.

What’s wrong with your existing home?

Understanding exactly what’s not working in your current home is a great foundation on which to make your decision. In most cases, space is usually an issue, but sometimes there are structural or performance concerns – for example, foundational elements that have worn away and need replacing, or design details like windows that just aren’t functional any more.

If the foundation is the issue, it may be the case that renovating or extending your home will end up being more expensive than starting again, due to the extensive repairs required. If it’s simply a case of space and you’re happy with elements of the existing home as they are, then extending or renovating may be the option for you.

Does the orientation need changing?

The direction in which your home faces can make a huge difference to its look, feel and comfort levels. The best homes are designed to receive sunlight from the north in their living areas. If this isn’t possible in your existing home and can’t be achieved with an extension or renovation, it may be worth thinking about starting with a fresh canvas.

What are you allowed to do?

In some areas, the choice of whether to knock down and rebuild or renovate/extend may be totally out of your hands. If your home is heritage listed, or of historical significance, council laws may mean you can’t demolish it or make large changes.

What type of changes do you want to make?

What does your vision for your new home look like? The scope of changes is going to make a big difference when it comes to your construction choice. If the end design looks very different to your existing property, with minimal elements of the existing home remaining, renovating may turn out to be the more expensive option. In contrast, if you are just looking to take advantage of additional space on (or above!) your block of land, an extension may be the way to go.

If you’re still not sure about which way to go, we can help! Get in touch with the RJ Hill team today for advice on your next building journey.