Starting with a clean slate by building a new home vs. personalizing an existing one to maintain its character and charm are the two options you have in creating your dream home. When looking at both realistically, they each come with their own set of challenges, but getting your desired result makes it all worth it!
The time it takes to achieve your anticipated outcome, the design you crave, and the cost of the upgrade or new build will all impact your decision. How you want to work through your home’s design process will also factor into the equation.
Creating the Home of Your Dreams: Is a New Build for You?
The Ease (and Drawbacks) of New Construction
With new construction, you have a totally blank canvas. There are no existing walls or mechanicals to work around. Most of the details have been laid out on paper ahead of time, and the contractors simply need to go in and build according to the plans. Keep in mind the challenges of a new build are that it may be more expensive because you will need to purchase material for and build an entire structure and complete the associated sitework. Also, it may take longer to build a new home than it does to remodel your existing one. Add to that the extra work involved in moving all your possessions and selling your property, and you have a good idea of what this option entails.
The New Build Process
- Select your site – You may choose a vacant lot or a property you opt to tear down.
- Plan your home design – You will meet with an architect and define the home style you desire. You will need to define your “must haves” vs. your negotiables. Material selection is part of this step, involves lots of decisions, and can be tedious.
- Project bids – Contractors will bid on your home build and price out your construction.
- Construction of your new home – The building will commence, and you get to move in upon its completion!
Why a New Build May Present Challenges
- It’s more expensive. With a more complex scope of work, more man hours, and more materials to purchase, a new build is a more substantial investment than renovating your current home.
- It takes longer. With new construction, you build the entire structure from the ground up, and it is more time consuming than a renovation.
- It involves moving. With a new build, you have to sell your home and move.
The Beauty of Remodeling Your Home
A Glimpse Inside the Remodeling Process
Remodeling is a whole different story than a new build. It can also be a challenge and includes a lot of details to resolve—but it’s worth it! After all, you get to stay in your beloved location, and you don’t have to go through the hassle of selling your home and moving.
At Action Builders, we take time to go to your home and plan out the details before beginning your gorgeous remodeling project. Remodeling offers unique challenges for contractors, but our team finds it energizing to listen to your dreams, evaluate your space, collaborate on the best solutions, and create them. The end result is a stunning, functional space that will enhance your lifestyle!
The Power of the Design Phase
The design phase is when we figure out the details. Signing a design agreement with us at Action Builders allows us to document your existing structure and mechanicals and plan out as much as possible while designing the project you are envisioning. Depending on the complexity of your renovation, the HVAC subcontractor or plumber may need to come in and verify that what is being designed is possible and what the associated costs are.
The Immense Value of Knowledgeable Engineers
Remodeling is more complicated than a new construction rough-in when it comes to mechanical work, but it’s worth it! Mechanicals include HVAC units, plumbing, and building management systems. At Action Builders, when we find a good subcontractor, we stick with them and use them on all of our projects. Tying into the existing structure can be complicated and working with knowledgeable engineers that understand our design vision is key.
The Simplicity of Hiring a Design-Build Company for Your Remodel
At Action Builders, we are able to offer all of the structural drawings, permit drawings, and engineering for projects along with providing the general contracting knowledge, and we have the experience to get it done right the first time. This results in a more streamlined process, and results in a gorgeous outcome!
Action Builders prefers open concept flush ceilings and floors. We advise against structural posts on the main level and prefer spans up to 24’ on some layouts. We are comfortable using steel beams which can achieve what is envisioned in most cases.
This element of figuring out the right solutions for your needs and having the resources to implement your dream remodel are key reasons why it’s a more streamlined process to hire a design-build company rather than a traditional contractor. And the results make it so worthwhile!
How Our Experienced Team Will Bring Your Remodeling Project to Life
If you love your location and the basic structure of your home, you can enjoy staying in and upgrading your own house rather than the challenges that come with selling your current home, building a new one, and moving. Plus, the costs are usually significantly lower to renovate your property rather than build a new one.
At Action Builders, our design-build method of remodeling means you get the results you desire in less time than a new build and within budget. Our proven system of designing and building your home’s renovations ensure that you’ll love the outcome. And you don’t have to face it alone—we’ll partner with you and overcome any obstacle along the way—together. Learn more about our home remodeling services and how they can bring your vision to life!
