Renovation

For other uses, see Renovation (disambiguation).

"Remodeling" redirects here. For other uses, see Remodeling (disambiguation).

"Remodeled" redirects here. For the television series, see Remodeled (TV series).

Truman's renovation of the White House, 17 May 1950

Renovation (also called remodeling) is the process of improving a structure. Two prominent types of renovations are commercial and residential.

Process

The process of a renovation, however complex, can usually be broken down into several processes. They are:

• Planning
• Engineering
• Structural repair
• Rebuilding
• Finishes

Wood and renovations

Wood is versatile and flexible, making it the easiest construction material for renovations. Wood buildings can be redesigned to suit changing needs, whether this involves adding a new room or moving a window or door. Few homeowner or professional remodelers have the skill and equipment needed to alter steel-frame or concrete structures.

Forest certification verifies that wood products are from well-managed forests. Most certification programs have on-line search options so consumers can find certified products – the Certification Canada includes a search option for all the certification programs used in Canada.

In North America, most structures are demolished because of external forces such as zoning changes and rising land values. As well, buildings which no longer serve the functional needs of the occupants and which cannot be modified are subject to demolition. Very few buildings are demolished because of structural degradation. (Cite the Athena Study of demolitions in Minnesota.)

The Athena Institute surveyed 227 commercial and residential buildings demolished in St. Paul, Minnesota, from 2000 to mid-2003. Thirty percent of the buildings were less than 50 years old, and 6% were less than 25 years old. The four biggest reasons for demolition were “Area redevelopment” (35%), “Building’s physical condition” (31%), “Not suitable for anticipated use” (22%) and “Fire damage” (7%). Lack of maintenance was cited as the specific problem for 54 of the 70 buildings where physical condition was given as the reason for demolition.^{[citation needed]}

Home renovations require a different approach to a new build

Most builders focus on building new homes, so renovating is a part-time activity for them. This matters because the processes and services required for renovations are quite specific. Once plans are signed off, building a new home is relatively predictable. Materials can be ordered well in advance and sub trades get easy access and well scheduled periods to work on site. Renovations are the complete opposite, so you need to select a renovation company that is set up to do a good job and be cost effective. Renovations require all the sub trades that new build does, but you need to work much more closely with them. That's why you need to choose a company with a tight knit team of sub trades to help quote and then carry out the work. During the project you and your renovation company will need to be very flexible to respond to unexpected issues that arise.

See also

• Home improvement
• How Buildings Learn (book)

References

[1] [2]