Home > Blogs > The Murray Morris Group > Richmond,VA Real Estate Agent

Looking for a Restoration or a Renovation?

Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams Richmond West

April 05, 2016 04:04 AM

Should you RENOVATE, or RESTORE?

Over time, all Richmond, Virginia homes require some maintenance work. At times they require significant work. These homes are often listed as “fixer” properties. Depending on the age, style and location of the home, you might consider a restoration project instead of renovating the property. That 1950s vintage avocado green oven might look wonderful in a Mid-Century Modern restoration project but amiss in a Craftsman bungalow renovation. What kind of project you tackle considers these issues.

Restoration vs Renovation

Restoring a property means to bring it back to its glory days. The restoration carefully removes th home restoration e evidence of changes made throughout the years by using materials, colors and finishes which were common to the original era. At times this can mean removing entire additions if they are inconsistent with the architectural style of the time. Restoring a home give you the ability to walk into your home when it’s finished and feel as if you are stepping back in time, but with a freshly renewed feel.

Renovation is a replacement process. In a renovation project you remove the old fixtures, floors, styling and replace them with modern trends. While this does not mean a disregard for the building and its lines, it often takes an older structure and develops it into a home more in tune with current new construction trends. When you walk into a renovated home, it feels new, clean, fresh and very updated.

Examples of Restoration Projects

Refinishing the floor to its original color and finish
Replacing or repairing doors, windows and molding
Restoring cabinets, fireplaces and staircases
Restoring crown molding, baseboard and other carpentry to original condition
Replacing light fixtures, heater grills, and even radiators
Removing additions to the home inconsistent with the era of the building
Removing exterior siding to reveal the original building

Remove and restore are key words used in restoration projects. The challenge can be finding the older materials to use in the project. Restorers often search online for vintage fixtures, appliances and other materials. The goal is to bring the home back to historically accurate condition as much as possible.

Examples of Renovation Projects

Replacing the entire kitchen with new cabinets and appliances and adding new granite, quartz, marble, or even concrete countertops
Gutting and replacing the entire bathroom with new, updated materials
Replacing flooring with modern options
Replacing doors and windows with contemporary options
Building add-on space to kitchens, family rooms and master bedrooms
Knocking out walls to open up spaces and give a home that “open concept”

Replacing the existing style is what determines a renovation project. Homes are made over with the latest trends in materials, color and design. Often the more extensive projects include changing the layout itself.

Most of the time, home owners find a balance between the two options. There are many modern materials available which mimic the look and feel of traditional styles. These offer increased durability and add a modern sheen to the feel of the home. Everything from vintage-styled appliances to faux wood floors can be nice ways to acknowledge the history of a building and still have great functionality.

Mixing old with new should be done carefully so that the property retains a sense of harmony. Restoration is normally more expensive than just starting over. Some cities and states offer help for restoring these homes in the form of grants and tax breaks.

As you determine which kind of project you plan to undertake, do your research on the property and get expert advice. Once you understand the history of your property you can decide if it needs to be restored or renovated.

Hiring an agent like those of us at the Murray Morris Group can help you on your search for the perfect Richmond, Virginia area home to renovate or restore. Once you find it, we have resources available to assist you in finding exactly what you need to accomplish making this home perfect for you and your family.

The Murray Morris Group specializes in catering to the needs of each and every one of our clients. You can read their testimonials here. Put your trust and valuable time in the hands of industry experts! Your results will always be the best they can be! Give us a call today! We’ll work diligently on your behalf by putting your needs at the forefront of every transaction.