Do you think it’s better to tear down and start over or preserve what’s already there? Well, either way, you’re doing it wrong. The truth is, the decision to build new or renovate is much more nuanced than folks think. It can’t be simplified to “newer is always better” or “old character is always worth preserving.” In some cases, it might be better for the environment to tear down the drafty house and just start over. In others, working with an existing structure may give you more flexibility to invest in the finishes that really matter. 

At my Austin interior design firm, I am partial to working with period homes. However, instead of asking whether it’s better to build new or renovate, the question we should ask ourselves is, “What will deliver the best quality?”  

 

In a previous blog, I revisited Sarah Susanka’s book, The Not So Big House. In her work, she examines how the ideal home size is much smaller than what we may initially think we need. Instead of focusing on square footage, she urges folks to invest in spaces that actually function for their needs. It all comes down to quality over quantity. The same principle applies to whether you should build new or renovate. 

 

The Benefits of Building New 

Building new has the benefit (or the curse) of giving you almost complete freedom over the design of your home. Personally, I enjoy the challenge presented by working within the parameters of an existing structure. For others, they may prefer starting from scratch. Regardless, building new will give you a good deal of control over the project and allow you to make sustainable decisions from the ground up. However, a new build will never have the charming characteristics of a period property, like a creaky wood floor—these sounds of home offer unsurpassed comfort that can’t be recreated. 

The Benefits of Renovating Old 

When renovating something old, you have the opportunity to expand upon a (hopefully) strong foundation. I enjoy renovations because you can keep a piece of history and set the stage for an intentional design. In many cases (but not all), it is more sustainable to renovate what’s existing. Regardless of environmental factors, I find a renovation requires a more considered approach than a new build. It’s a different method of thinking. In a renovation, a designer has to assess what can improve functionality and honor existing character. The process can be slow and complex, but it is so worth it. 

 

The Best of Both: Renovations and Additions 

For many of my Austin interior design clients, the right choice isn’t a new build or a renovation but something in between—a renovation paired with a new addition. Every property and every family is different. Again, there is so much nuance that a one-size-fits-all approach simply doesn’t work. Don’t apply a set way of thinking about your home. Instead, take the intention to reflect on what you really need. 

Is It Better for the Environment to Build New or Renovate? 

Just because you can build and buy new doesn’t mean you should. It’s morally upstanding to consider the ecological impact of your home, from the resources used to construct it to the quality of materials selected for finishes. However, some options that feel more sustainable on the surface may be less so than you think. 

 

There are arguments that some older homes are just not worth preserving, and it is actually much better for the environment in the long run to tear down, start over, and design sustainably. However, other times, the most sustainable choice is to preserve what’s already existing—especially when it’s in good condition. 

 

The same goes for interior pieces like furniture. There is a new focus on collecting antiques, partly to reuse existing materials. However, restoring a vintage chair will require new foam padding, upholstery, and nailheads. By the end of the process, not much of the original may even exist. 

 

It’s all nuanced. The most sustainable choices for your home depend on many unique factors, from the property it’s set on to the pieces inside it. There may not be a “right choice,” but an intentional decision must be made on the approach. 

 

Renovations Allow You to Allocate the Budget to the Things That Matter Most  

While a renovation may present a sustainable option for many homeowners, my mind also goes to budget allocation. When building new, you will spend a good deal of your investment in the areas you can’t see or enjoy, such as insulation, foundation work, and more. However, a renovation can allow you to make more room for furniture, window treatments, and art. If you save in one area, you can invest in that custom fabric print you love or create the bathroom of your dreams. 

Things to Consider in a Renovation and Addition Project

I made the conscious decision not to work on projects that are strictly new builds. Instead, I focus my time on period renovation and additions. Because I specialize in this space, I’ve found two primary renovation considerations to keep in mind for every project.  

Celebrate Character

Rather than stripping a home to the studs, I prefer to find ways to lean into the existing character and celebrate what’s already there. For example, instead of removing a paneled wall or trim work you’re not fond of, consider what it would look like painted. A monochrome treatment might offer a beautiful textural backdrop for other accents. 

Embrace the Difficult 

A renovation is no easy feat! You’ll encounter many challenges, including navigating around existing features that present a headache rather than an asset—at least at first glance. For example, maybe you initially hate the fireplace placement. Moving a fireplace is a pricey job, which may not be the best place to allocate your budget. However, you can develop a furniture layout to complement the feature and make it a focal point rather than something to hide. 

 

Renovations inspire creative thinking because there is no other option! 

It’s Not as Simple as “In With the New, Out With the Old” 

We should approach investing in our homes much like we approach investing in our own personal development. It is not always necessary to start completely from scratch, nor should we mold ourselves to meet the expectations of our neighbors or trends. We need to consider what areas will make a difference in our lives (and our homes) and what we really want from ourselves (and our spaces). So, stop asking if it’s better to build new, renovate, or add on. Instead…

 

Start taking a considered approach rooted in quality.