What Is A Structural Remodel? (Find Out Now!)
Maybe you bought a fixer-upper, or maybe you are just looking to add on or update your home. Sometimes we can get lost in the jargon and lingo as we try to navigate the best route to making our abode new. It might not be so important to know the difference between a “structural remodel” and other types of remodels or renovations until you are looking in the phone book to try to find the right professional for the job. The definitions are actually pretty straightforward.
If you are wanting to re-do a part of your home that will significantly change or affect its structure, this is considered a structural remodel. This can range from turning a closet into an en suite bathroom to adding a second story or moving load-bearing walls. A structural remodel will not be a DIY job unless you are a professional in this field.
If you are wanting to make a significant change to your home, a professional will be able to help you decide how to get the job done. Here are some things to consider when you want to change the design of your home.
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What Does a Structural Remodel Entail?
A structural remodel will make major (and most likely, expensive) changes to your home. Some projects that would constitute a structural remodel are:
- Changing load-bearing walls or posts
- Altering the foundation
- Adding on a room or a story
- Adding a basement
- Increasing your home’s square footage
These additions and changes will also change the home facts of your house (floor plan, blueprint, survey).
When to Consider a Structural Remodel (and When Not to!)
Life changes like kids being born, kids moving out, or parents needing care, can mean that you need your space to work for you in different ways. This could mean tearing down a wall to make an open kitchen or adding on a room to your house. You may want to consider a structural remodel for the following reasons:
Updating
A galley kitchen or conversation pit might have been the way to go in its era, but times change. If you love the retro aspects of your house you should keep them! However, if the space doesn’t work well for your needs, you have to live in the present and make the changes you need.
Damage
Some types of damage to your home may call for a structural remodel. If you have termites in a wall or damage from a storm to your roof, these things affect the structure of your house.
Budget
Maybe the floor plan you want is across town but its price is out of your budget. If this is the case, making significant changes to a piece of property you already own can be a more budget-friendly option than buying new.
Sentimental Value
Sometimes it may be cheaper to just uproot and move to another house that works better for your needs. A structural remodel is not always your cheapest option! However, if the home has been in your family since your great-grandad bought the place, it may be worth it to you to spend more and keep the memories alive.
A structural remodel can be a good idea when you want your current home to work better for your needs. If you plan to live in your home for many years down the road, a structural remodel can be a good investment for your family.
Resale value and Return on Investment
A structural remodel can add value to your home. However, if you are looking to sell your house in the near future, you would probably be better off going with a mid-range remodel.
In this more budget-friendly cosmetic remodel, you will focus more on replacing things like flooring, counters, cabinets, etc. These small investments can up your sell price without forking out so much cash. A cosmetic remodel can give you a better return on your investment if you are planning to sell your home.
Factors to Consider When Remodeling
Do your research
You will want to research thoroughly before starting a structural remodel. This can include measuring furniture and appliances that will go in the area, researching companies and their ratings. It can also include checking out other similar homes in your neighborhood. (You may even hit up an Open House in your area.)
Do the math
Know your maximum budget in exact figures. Leave extra room in your budget for unexpected expenses that may come up (termite damage, mildew damage, cost increases, etc.).
Get a clear contract
Make sure that you get a clear contract before giving the go-ahead to begin work. This can give you a safety net if something goes wrong in the remodel. Also, a clear price breakdown can help you make an accurate budget.
Check building permits
Residential building codes make sure that your neighborhood retains a certain aesthetic but it also protects you from badly done remodeling jobs. A permit usually is based on building codes that give specific details about how an addition should be built structurally. If your permit is approved, you have some “insurance” to make sure the job you are paying for will be structurally solid in the end.
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Related Questions
Can I Structurally Remodel a Condo?
Yes, you can choose to remodel the structure of your condominium since you are the owner. This could mean changing the floor plan or opening up walls. Keep in mind, that in many condos you may have to get approval from the board first. You will want to work with a professional when making changes to the structure as the safety of other residents’ homes depends on the sound structure of your home.
What is the difference between a structural remodel and a renovation?
A structural remodel changes the structure of your home by adding something new. A renovation is restoring something old to improve its condition.
What are the most common types of home remodels?
The three most common types of home remodels are in the bathroom, kitchen, and bedroom (in that order).
Alex Praytor is a native Texan who got her degree in English Literature and decided to travel the globe. She finds the architecture and design of homes across cultures fascinating. In her spare time, she visits coffee shops with her family and creates projects for their own home. Alex enjoys sharing tips on how to keep repairs up to date while turning a house into a home.
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