Renovation, remodeling, restoration, refurbishment – these terms seem to be talking about the same thing. But they aren’t. Each project has different goals, requirements, and processes. For any business owner, it’s important to understand what each means and what these projects entail for your operations, budget, and the result that addresses your business needs.
As a commercial general contractor with over 50 years of experience, Stovall Construction has managed various construction projects that address the needs of businesses across Texas. Whether you want your business spaces to reflect your rebrand or restore your property from existing property damage, contact our team for exceptional customer service.
Interested in discussing renovations, restorations, remodeling, or refurbishment projects? Here’s what you should know about renovation vs. restoration vs. remodeling vs. refurbishment.
What Is Building Renovation?
Renovation involves restoring a building to an improved condition. This means replacing and upgrading present components to meet the required standards without altering the original design.
Renovation construction projects are usually done to increase the value of buildings on sale. They are often shorter and have a lower budget than other projects. They have little to no effect on the layout and structure of the building.
Before any renovation project, consider the age, condition, and structure of a building. Have an expert look it up and give you the go-ahead. The renovation process involves:
Design and Planning
This stage identifies the areas of the building that require renovation. A designer can provide a sketch plan for the renovation.
To plan out the project, identify the renovations you can do yourself and those you can’t, choose the best professional for the job, and get the necessary permits from the local authorities.
Repair
This involves repairing any damaged or broken structures to restore the building to its original condition. For example, it may include fixing the light and plumbing fixtures, repairing cracks in the wall, and updating an old ceiling.
Aesthetics
Decorating is improving the quality and look of an interior space. It involves painting the walls, varnishing wooden surfaces, covering the floor, and tiling. For businesses with an established brand, it’s important for your spaces to achieve a consistent aesthetic that matches your brand. For instance, if your retail store undergoes a rebranding to look more modern, you’ll want to update your spaces to feature modern styles.
Replacing
For fixtures or hardware that can’t be restored, it’s always advisable to replace them. This is especially necessary for appliances and electrical systems.
What is Building Remodeling?
Remodeling means completely transforming the layout and structure of a building, often involving changing the use of space. It is usually costlier than renovations and may involve the services of professionals like architects, plumbers, and electricians.
Before remodeling a business space, you must consider your budget, available resources, and time. Here are the five steps to remodeling a typical commercial space:
1. Review the Certificate of Occupancy
Also known as a Use-and-Occupy Certificate (CO), this document proves the building complies with the specifications and plans submitted and approved by the zoning or local building authority. In other words, it shows what you can legally use a commercial space for, whether you can operate an office, warehouse, convenience store, or any other establishment. The requirements for the certificate vary depending on the city.
Changing the CO can be a daunting and costly process, and in some cases, it’s impossible to alter the use of a specific commercial building. That’s why it’s always recommended to lease or buy a property where the CO fits the type of business.
This certificate can also affect other smaller issues. For instance, if a restaurant wants to remodel and use its backyard space for additional seating, the CO should specify that as allowable. Otherwise, it may need updating. Seek the help of a legal expert on this issue.
2. Review the Structural, Plumbing, and Electrical Systems
Whether you want to flip a retail space into a restaurant or switch to an open-space office design for better employee collaboration, always ensure that the walls and floor of the building can support the additional weight.
Additionally, know whether you can move the load-bearing walls without compromising the structural integrity of the building.
Also, when turning a commercial space into a restaurant with a kitchen, the gas, plumbing, electrical, and plumbing will require many precautions to ensure safety. Thus, it ensures that the existing infrastructure can support it and prepares a reasonable budget.
3. Check the Building’s Envelope
A building’s envelope separates the inside from the outside – roofs, windows, and doors.
Ensure that the space is accessible to everybody, including people with disabilities. This may mean installing ramps, as well as having doorways and bathrooms wide enough to fit a wheelchair.
A building’s historical value may also impact how you remodel it. So, be sure to check with the necessary local authorities before starting the project.
What Is Building Restoration?
Restoration involves returning a building to its former state. It’s done to historical buildings to maintain their heritage and rich culture. The features of a building are recreated to match its appearance and function.
Restoration aims to achieve the highest level of authenticity and replication. If new systems utilities such as ACs, furnaces, and fire alarms are needed, they’ll be installed in a concealed manner so that they don’t disrupt the building’s original appearance.
Criteria for assessing the need for restoration construction include:
- Effects of restoration on the heritage of the building
- Effects of the project on the previous form of the building
- Implications of the restoration on the maintenance requirements
- The amount of evidence needed to determine the original form of the building
Restoration may require more paperwork and care in historical cities.
What Does Restoration Involve?
Here’s how to restore different aspects of a building:
Flooring
The first step is to inspect the floor to determine the level of damage. This is followed by cleaning to properly reveal the damaged structures. Then, an expert removes and recreates the damaged parts, replacing them with new elements.
Doors and Windows
The windows and doors are inspected, and broken handles, hinges, locks, and other damaged parts are replaced. Sometimes, all the doors and windows are replaced with closed replicas.
Fixtures
Restoration may also involve replacing damaged light and plumbing fixtures. Experts will inspect the whole electrical and plumbing system to identify possible faults and correct them without destroying the building’s heritage.
What Is Building Refurbishing?
Refurbishment involves improving building decor, cleaning, re-equipping, and retrofitting to improve sustainability and energy efficiency.
Refurbishment is closely related to renovation and restoration as they all aim at restoring the building to its former state. Before the process, an expert should properly assess its structure and typology to determine a suitable refurbishment approach.
Additionally, consider the following:
- Budget: A budget will help determine the extent of the house refurbishment. Discuss the budget with an expert to find more affordable options without compromising on the quality of the project.
- Extent of Refurbishment: A major house refurbishment impacts more than 50% of the whole building. It involves upgrades, repairs, and replacements that could affect energy efficiency. A minor refurbishment doesn’t impact the building as much.
- Current State: This will help the refurbishment experts know the work needed.
Building or house refurbishment may involve the following:
Conversion
Conversion means changing a building’s use – for instance, converting a convenience store into a restaurant or office space. This may alter the layout, materials, and structure of the building – all of which require expert intervention.
Repair
Repairs are construction activities that restore a building to a good condition. An expert will inspect the electrical system, plumbing lines, and other features to ensure they’re working properly. Repairs may also involve filling up cracks in the walls and fixing leakages on the roof.
Alterations
Alterations are carried out to improve or change a building’s performance. Most alteration projects require planning permission from the local authority before execution.
Common examples of alteration activities include partial demolitions, extensions, and decorations.
Cosmetic Renovation
The goal of a cosmetic renovation is to improve the aesthetics of an old building through painting and other interior design practices.
Renovation vs. Remodeling: Key Differences to Note
Remodeling and renovation are completely different projects. Here are some key differences between the two:
1. Renovation Improves How a Space Looks Without Changing the Layout
When renovating, the commercial space remains unchanged, even after the repairs and updates are made. The original design isn’t dramatically altered; it’s only tweaked or updated to meet certain standards.
Generally, renovation involves activities like repainting walls, installing new flooring, replacing windows, and adding new hardware.
2. Remodeling Alters the Design and Sometimes, the Structure
In remodeling, the function and the design of a building change. For instance, it may involve removing a wall, separating two rooms to create one large room, adding a new bathroom, raising the ceiling, and changing the layout of a room.
3. Renovation Is More DIY-Friendly
Painting walls and replacing old windows will require less effort and technical know-how than changing an entire room’s layout. Remodeling will certainly involve professionals like plumbers and electricians.
4. Renovation Rarely Requires a Permit, But Remodeling Almost Always Does
Local building authorities often require permits whenever a building’s structure is changed. For example, when redesigning a roof, putting an additional structure, and reconfiguring interior walls.
Minor renovations don’t require permits, but major ones like replacing a roof or rebuilding walls do.
5. Remodeling Is Better at Solving Poor Design Problems
Remodeling the building can solve inconveniences such as walking from one floor to another to get to the washroom or having to pass through one office to get to another.
Renovation vs. Remodeling: Which One is More Costly?
Remodeling projects are usually complex and thus costly. They involve changing a building’s physical structure and reconfiguring plumbing, ductwork, wiring, and more. They also require more materials and professional labor, which adds to the overall cost.
However, the overall cost of remodeling and renovation depends on factors such as:
- Age and condition of a building
- Space to be renovated or remodeled
- Permits (if required)
- Materials
- Labor
Renovation, on the other hand, is more DIY-friendly, allowing you to save cash if you choose to.
Renovation, Restoration, Remodeling, or Refurbishment – Choosing the Best Project for You
Choosing the best project for a business space will depend on some factors, including:
Budget
Remodeling needs complex construction, plumbing, electrical work, and sometimes, permits. Hence, it’ll cost more than renovation, refurbishment, and restoration.
If money isn’t an issue, remodeling is the best option since it allows adjustments that will satisfy the business needs. However, if the budget is limited, restoration or renovation may work.
How Much Change is Required?
Restoration is perfect for minor fixes such as repainting walls and replacing broken windows.
If the business needs to add more aesthetic and functional elements to the building without changing the structure, renovation is the way to go. However, if the current design is undesirable, remodeling would work best.
A complete remodel or rebuilding would be the only option for buildings too old for restoration, renovation, and refurbishment.
Available Time
Remodeling may take a lot of time, which may not be available, especially if the business is on hold. In this case, restore or renovate, then remodel later when there are more resources and time.
Future Plans of the Building
If the building will be for sale in the next few years, renovation is better as it will increase its market value. However, if it’s a commercial property you plan to own for the rest of your life, redesigning it will be the way to go.
Legal Requirements
Legal requirements may limit changes to a property. If a building has historical value, restoration is usually preferred. In some neighborhoods, only a certain type of design is accepted, which may limit a remodeling project.
Get Professionals to Help You With Your Renovation, Remodeling, Restoration, or Refurbishment
Whether needing renovations, remodeling, restoration, or refurbishment, the best results come from working with the right commercial construction company. DIY projects for commercial spaces may do more harm than good, so look for a reputable and experienced construction company in your area.
Stovall Construction has a long track record of delivering high-quality construction solutions to commercial clients. Our family-owned company is the full-service solution perfect for minor construction projects or major overhauls to your establishment. Reach out to us online or call 817-572-1331 to discuss your upcoming project.