Technically, a renovation and a remodel are defined differently. While a remodel changes the shape of something (for example, adding a new shower to an existing bathroom), a renovation focuses more on restoring something old so that it's in good shape (fixing a creaking floor, for example). In a renovation, the kitchen is still a kitchen and a bedroom is still a bedroom, but repairs and updates are made. This usually includes things like painting, installing new floors, and changing items such as cabinet knobs and faucets.
For example, if rotten wooden elements are discovered, they will be removed and the area (wall, subfloor or ceiling) will be rebuilt with new wood. A renovation means updating an existing structure with aesthetic changes, while a remodel involves changing the structure through demolition and construction, explains Jason Larson, founder and president of Lars Remodeling & Design in San Diego, California. Because renovation usually costs less and because it involves repairing and updating the basic features of the home, homeowners often see a better return on investment in renovation projects than in remodeling projects when they sell their home. The magazine Remodeling publishes an annual analysis of the cost in relation to the value of common home improvement projects and notes that renovation projects, such as replacing an entrance door or garage door, or changing the siding of a house, will bring the homeowner approximately 75, 98 and 76 percent of ROI, respectively, when the house is sold.
