Renovations vs. New Builds: What's Right for You?
February 20, 2024
The decision to embark on a construction project, whether it's renovating an existing property or starting from scratch with a new build, is a significant one. It's not just about bricks and mortar; it's about envisioning the space you'll live or work in, considering your lifestyle or business needs, and making a choice that aligns with your goals. In this blog, we'll explore the age-old dilemma: renovations vs. new builds. We'll delve into the key factors to consider when making this decision and help you determine what's right for you.
Renovations: Breathing New Life into the Old
- Preservation Meets Transformation: Renovations offer a unique opportunity to breathe new life into a structure with history and character. Whether it's a historic home, a commercial building, or a personal project, renovations allow you to preserve the past while making the space more functional for the present.
- Sustainability and Cost-Effectiveness: Renovations can be a sustainable choice. By reusing existing materials and structures, you reduce the environmental impact of construction. Moreover, renovations often tend to be more cost-effective than building from the ground up.
- Personalization: Renovations allow you to put your personal stamp on a space. You can tailor the design to your specific needs, ensuring it aligns perfectly with your vision. Whether it's your forever home or your dream workspace, renovations offer a chance for customization.
- Challenges to Overcome: Renovations aren't without their challenges. Existing structures may have hidden issues that require costly repairs. The design may be constrained by the original layout. It's essential to have a skilled architect and builder to navigate these obstacles effectively.
New Builds: A Blank Canvas for Innovation
- Unlimited Possibilities: New builds offer a blank canvas for innovation. You're not bound by existing structures or layouts, allowing you to create a space that fulfils your vision without compromise. The possibilities are limited only by your imagination.
- Energy Efficiency and Modern Amenities: New builds can be designed with energy efficiency in mind, incorporating the latest technology and eco-friendly materials. They often come with modern amenities that make your life more convenient and comfortable.
- Long-Term Investment: If you're considering a property as a long-term investment, a new build can offer peace of mind. You won't have to worry about the hidden issues that can plague older structures, and you'll have a warranty that covers many aspects of the construction.
- Construction Timeline: New builds typically have more predictable construction timelines. With renovations, unexpected discoveries can lead to delays. A new build allows for better planning and scheduling.
How to Decide: The Key Considerations
Making the choice between a renovation and a new build depends on various factors:
- Budget: Consider your budget carefully. Renovations can be cost-effective, but unforeseen issues can increase expenses. New builds may have a higher upfront cost but fewer surprises.
- Location: The location of your project can greatly influence your decision. In areas with limited space or strict zoning regulations, renovations might be the more feasible option.
- Sustainability: If sustainability is a priority, renovations are often the eco-friendly choice. Reusing existing materials and structures reduces the environmental impact.
- Lifestyle or Business Needs: Your specific needs and preferences play a significant role. Think about how the space will be used and whether a renovation can accommodate those needs.
- Long-Term Goals: Consider your long-term goals for the property. If it's an investment or your forever home, the decision should align with your vision for the future.
- Expert Guidance: Consult with architects and builders experienced in both renovations and new builds. They can provide valuable insights and help you make an informed decision.
The Perfect Blend: Renovation and New Build
Sometimes, the ideal choice isn't purely a renovation or a new build. It's a blend of both. Renovating an existing structure and adding a new build extension can provide the best of both worlds. This approach allows you to preserve the charm of an old structure while incorporating modern amenities and innovations in a new build section.
Renovations and new builds each have their advantages and challenges. The decision ultimately depends on your unique circumstances, goals, and vision. Whether you choose to renovate an existing structure or embark on a new build, the key is to collaborate with experienced professionals who can turn your vision into a reality.
At SMG Architects, we understand that every project is unique. We provide personalised, residential architect services to help you make the right choice, whether it's breathing new life into an existing structure or creating something entirely new. Get in touch today to discuss your project, and let's bring your vision to life.
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As Architects, we feel we are in an influential position to the growing, environmental movement with smart sustainable architecture practices.
Ian Mutton, managing director of SMG Architects, showcases a recent barn conversion that typifies the journey a build project can go through in pursuit of the perfect, once in a lifetime new home and some of the key driving factors that make such projects successful. Our greatest challenge as architects is to help clients visualise the end result. Discussing concept scheme design verbally is a great starting point, but it is the ability to depict the intricacies of a project with the use of sketches and CAD software that can really help ease the concern around committing to a major build project. However, a degree of open-mindedness is often required as some projects attract greater interest from the relevant authorities (such as planning, building control, highways, conservation and Natural England) and can therefore require a more considered approach. An example of what’s possible with a little foresight and attention to detail can be found in a recently completed threshing barn near the village of Corpusty, in north Norfolk. The clients moved in this summer and every credit should to go to them for their sympathetic yet stunning renovation of this 1837 farm building. SMG was engaged to design the conversion, with the client managing the build phase. The barn’s heritage remains evident internally, with many of the original features not only retained but tastefully shaped into features of the new interior to give a subtle nod to the building’s history. Details such as displaying the original steel gallows brackets that support the original beams, exposed brickwork complete with original brick niche, and the use of the arch to form a majestic entrance have all been retained to stunning effect. The challenge is not to overwhelm the striking internal space, but to create a scene of visual interest where style meets practicality. Materials such as lime render, exposed brickwork and oak fittings throughout lend themselves to that beautifully modern countryside barn appearance, complete with glazed openings that provide stunning views across the surrounding countryside. The addition of modern solutions to reduce energy consumption, such as a ground source heat pump, suitably future-proof the building for many years to come. Subtle tweaks at the design stage allowed the building to comply with planning requirements yet also benefit the clients’ enjoyment of the property. The use of a hipped roof on the cart shed as opposed to a gable option, for example, allows far less shadow to be cast on the courtyard area to the rear. The lessons learnt from built examples such as this one are that, with a little ambition, great things are possible but that challenges will almost certainly present themselves, and it is the team’s willingness to resolve them that wins out. After all, there are no problems, only solutions!
Working from home the new normal? Working from home has been very relevant in these present times. Would you go for a Garden office/studio? Garden offices and studios are a great way to separate home life with work. With many of us not having the option to work in the office, these garden offices have become a great alternative. A garden office is a great solution for a study space outside of the home. Having had to re-imagine what working looks like, having a place where it is solely for work and not acting as another space within a house is so key. It’s a private retreat where you can create a more defined routine and differentiate work hours to normal life. Are you working inside the home? For those who are unable to build a garden office, and you’ve opted for the spare room in the house or a study. If you are working from home, within a home, a separate room in the house acting as an office is so crucial. It is so important to have a space to work where it separates you from the chaos of normal life. I.e., avoid working in a communal space, not only because this is distracting but also because it helps mentally differentiate when you are working vs when you are resting. How you can enjoy working from home: Here are a few tips to help get into the working from home lifestyle, whether that’s in a Garden office or inside the home? Keep the same morning routine. Get up and go. Set up your workspace with all things you would usually have in the office. Keep hydrated! Allow yourself to have breaks from the screen and/or desk (you usually would in the office when chatting to colleagues or drink breaks) Make sure you keep your working hours the same, it’s easy to not have a clear end to your day as you don’t have the travel but stop when you usually stop. Make the most of working from home, make a good lunch you couldn’t make if you were in the office. Make sure to check in with your colleagues, Makes it all a little less isolating.
Being based in Norfolk, we are often approached by clients who have a listed building, looking for advice on making developments to listed properties.
Ian Mutton, managing director of SMG Architects, explains how subtle extensions can make a big difference, including a couple of recent examples of SMG’s own. We often meet clients whose circumstances or desires have changed over time, prompting them to consider extending their property. We discussed barn conversions in our last entry, but here I would like to highlight the benefit that smaller scale work can have on the enjoyment of a home. Even the subtlest of increase in space can often allow for huge improvements in functionality, feel, and flow. It’s the old adage of simple ingredients done well. It doesn’t have to be extravagant or lavish to have a big impact. Simply getting the basics tastefully correct can hugely enhance the look and use of an area of your home. One such example is the kitchen. It’s probably the busiest room in the house, so creating a family friendly, relaxed and multifunctional space is high on the agenda for many homeowners. An open-plan style kitchen may well provide the answer with a more social focus and the versatility to adapt its use. However, when faced with the complexity of improving the flow of the house and the challenge of creating a room with a variety of functions, the design of the extension is key to its success. First, decide what you would like your extension to include – a kitchen, somewhere to eat, living area, desk space, storage, access to the garden. Then its size and shape – single or double storey, a lean to or side-return, or a rear addition. Some options will require less foundation work, some may need more structural considerations such as removing walls, disguising pillars or levelling floors and ceilings. Extensions can also displace daylight so consider supplementing it with roof lights, lanterns or full-height glazed doors. Lastly, remember that your extension doesn’t have to be in the same style as your home but there should be some sense of cohesion. I would like to evidence two recent examples. The first is in Buxton where the clients wanted to transform their modest two-bed bungalow into more of a family home. The second is a terrace house in West Runton where space was at a premium. In both cases, the results are testament to the passion and care that the clients displayed in seeing the projects through to completion. When successful, these small-scale extensions can create a real focal point of the home environment with a logical layout and usable space. The creation of a well-crafted extension is far from easy, but as designers we enjoy the challenge. After all, if design were meant to be easy, then Michelangelo would have simply painted the Sistine floor!
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