The Difference Between a Home Renovation and a Home Remodel

Not sure if your home makeover is a renovation or a remodel? Learn the difference and see examples.

When PBS launched This Old House in 1979, it was one of the first home renovation shows available on TV. Over the next forty-five years, viewers have had more than a hundred different home improvement shows to choose from, including Dream Home Makeover, Kitchen Glow Up, Mountain Remodel, and Rescue My Renovation.

Perhaps you’ve watched some home renovation shows and thought of some changes you’d like to see around your own home. Do you try tackling it yourself? Probably not if you’ve been watching Help! I Wrecked My House.

So, who should you hire? A home remodeling contractor? A home renovation professional?  Does renovate mean the same thing as remodel? Is an expert in one automatically an expert in the other? 

Renovating and remodeling do have unique meanings. Here’s what you need to know about each one. 

Renovating

  • Definition: Renovating is about updating, improving, or modifying a space without making major structural changes. 
  • Scope: Renovation typically involves projects such as repainting walls, replacing cabinets, updating fixtures, refinishing floors, or upgrading appliances.
  • Goal: The goal of a renovation is to improve the comfort, usability, or style of a home without altering the existing layout.
  • Example: Below are before and after photos of a kitchen renovation Utah Home Remodel Experts completed in Sandy, UT. The layout of the room is unchanged, but we repainted the door and cabinetry, changed the look of the walls and kitchen island with a faux brick design, replaced the original countertops with ones imported from Europe, and added pendant light fixtures over the island.
When PBS launched This Old House in 1979, it was one of the first home renovation shows available on TV. Over the next forty-five years, viewers have had more than a hundred different home improvement shows to choose from, including Dream Home Makeover, Kitchen Glow Up, Mountain Remodel, and Rescue My Renovation. Perhaps you’ve watched some home renovation shows and thought of some changes you’d like to see around your own home. Do you try tackling it yourself? Probably not if you’ve been watching Help! I Wrecked My House. So who should you hire? A home remodeling contractor? A home renovation professional? Does renovate mean the same thing as remodel? Is an expert in one automatically an expert in the other? Renovating and remodeling do have unique meanings. Here’s what you need to know about each one. Renovating Definition: Renovating is about updating, improving, or modifying a space without making major structural changes. Scope: Renovation typically involves projects such as repainting walls, replacing cabinets, updating fixtures, refinishing floors, or upgrading appliances. Goal: The goal of a renovation is to improve the comfort, usability, or style of a home without altering the existing layout. Example: Below are before and after photos of a kitchen renovation Utah Home Remodel Experts completed in Sandy, UT. The layout of the room is unchanged, but we repainted the door and cabinetry, changed the look of the walls and kitchen island with a faux brick design, replaced the original countertops with ones imported from Europe, and added pendant light fixtures over the island. Remodeling Definition: Remodeling involves changing the structure or layout of a space, often with a significant redesign. Scope: Remodeling projects are usually larger and more complex, as they can involve moving walls, adding windows, changing room configurations, or building entirely new spaces. Goal: The goal of a remodel is to transform a space to serve a new function or aesthetic. Example: Below are before and after photos of a kitchen remodel Utah Home Remodel Experts completed in Holladay, UT. The extensive changes included removing walls to open up the kitchen to the rest of the main level, reflooring the now unified space, major electrical upgrades and plumbing reroutes to move the location of the sink and add a kitchen island with pendant lights and built-in appliances, and completing the new chic aesthetic with white quartz countertops and shaker-style cabinets with brushed gold finishes. The Most Important Thing To Remember Renovating is making something old feel new while remodeling is transforming something old into something new. But while there is technically a difference between the two terms, in reality, they are used interchangeably among the home improvement community. So it doesn’t matter whether you call us your glow-up gurus, makeover masters, renovation specialists, or remodeling experts–all that matters is that you call us. Because at Utah Home Remodel Experts, we don't care what terms you use; we only care about bringing your vision for your living space to life.
When PBS launched This Old House in 1979, it was one of the first home renovation shows available on TV. Over the next forty-five years, viewers have had more than a hundred different home improvement shows to choose from, including Dream Home Makeover, Kitchen Glow Up, Mountain Remodel, and Rescue My Renovation. Perhaps you’ve watched some home renovation shows and thought of some changes you’d like to see around your own home. Do you try tackling it yourself? Probably not if you’ve been watching Help! I Wrecked My House. So who should you hire? A home remodeling contractor? A home renovation professional? Does renovate mean the same thing as remodel? Is an expert in one automatically an expert in the other? Renovating and remodeling do have unique meanings. Here’s what you need to know about each one. Renovating Definition: Renovating is about updating, improving, or modifying a space without making major structural changes. Scope: Renovation typically involves projects such as repainting walls, replacing cabinets, updating fixtures, refinishing floors, or upgrading appliances. Goal: The goal of a renovation is to improve the comfort, usability, or style of a home without altering the existing layout. Example: Below are before and after photos of a kitchen renovation Utah Home Remodel Experts completed in Sandy, UT. The layout of the room is unchanged, but we repainted the door and cabinetry, changed the look of the walls and kitchen island with a faux brick design, replaced the original countertops with ones imported from Europe, and added pendant light fixtures over the island. Remodeling Definition: Remodeling involves changing the structure or layout of a space, often with a significant redesign. Scope: Remodeling projects are usually larger and more complex, as they can involve moving walls, adding windows, changing room configurations, or building entirely new spaces. Goal: The goal of a remodel is to transform a space to serve a new function or aesthetic. Example: Below are before and after photos of a kitchen remodel Utah Home Remodel Experts completed in Holladay, UT. The extensive changes included removing walls to open up the kitchen to the rest of the main level, reflooring the now unified space, major electrical upgrades and plumbing reroutes to move the location of the sink and add a kitchen island with pendant lights and built-in appliances, and completing the new chic aesthetic with white quartz countertops and shaker-style cabinets with brushed gold finishes. The Most Important Thing To Remember Renovating is making something old feel new while remodeling is transforming something old into something new. But while there is technically a difference between the two terms, in reality, they are used interchangeably among the home improvement community. So it doesn’t matter whether you call us your glow-up gurus, makeover masters, renovation specialists, or remodeling experts–all that matters is that you call us. Because at Utah Home Remodel Experts, we don't care what terms you use; we only care about bringing your vision for your living space to life.

Remodeling

  • Definition: Remodeling involves changing the structure or layout of a space, often with a significant redesign.
  • Scope: Remodeling projects are usually larger and more complex, as they can involve moving walls, adding windows, changing room configurations, or building entirely new spaces.
  • Goal: The goal of a remodel is to transform a space to serve a new function or aesthetic.
  • Example: Below are before and after photos of a kitchen remodel Utah Home Remodel Experts completed in Holladay, UT. The extensive changes included removing walls to open up the kitchen to the rest of the main level, reflooring the now unified space, major electrical upgrades and plumbing reroutes to move the location of the sink and add a kitchen island with pendant lights and built-in appliances and completing the new chic aesthetic with white quartz countertops and shaker-style cabinets with brushed gold finishes.
When PBS launched This Old House in 1979, it was one of the first home renovation shows available on TV. Over the next forty-five years, viewers have had more than a hundred different home improvement shows to choose from, including Dream Home Makeover, Kitchen Glow Up, Mountain Remodel, and Rescue My Renovation. Perhaps you’ve watched some home renovation shows and thought of some changes you’d like to see around your own home. Do you try tackling it yourself? Probably not if you’ve been watching Help! I Wrecked My House. So who should you hire? A home remodeling contractor? A home renovation professional? Does renovate mean the same thing as remodel? Is an expert in one automatically an expert in the other? Renovating and remodeling do have unique meanings. Here’s what you need to know about each one. Renovating Definition: Renovating is about updating, improving, or modifying a space without making major structural changes. Scope: Renovation typically involves projects such as repainting walls, replacing cabinets, updating fixtures, refinishing floors, or upgrading appliances. Goal: The goal of a renovation is to improve the comfort, usability, or style of a home without altering the existing layout. Example: Below are before and after photos of a kitchen renovation Utah Home Remodel Experts completed in Sandy, UT. The layout of the room is unchanged, but we repainted the door and cabinetry, changed the look of the walls and kitchen island with a faux brick design, replaced the original countertops with ones imported from Europe, and added pendant light fixtures over the island. Remodeling Definition: Remodeling involves changing the structure or layout of a space, often with a significant redesign. Scope: Remodeling projects are usually larger and more complex, as they can involve moving walls, adding windows, changing room configurations, or building entirely new spaces. Goal: The goal of a remodel is to transform a space to serve a new function or aesthetic. Example: Below are before and after photos of a kitchen remodel Utah Home Remodel Experts completed in Holladay, UT. The extensive changes included removing walls to open up the kitchen to the rest of the main level, reflooring the now unified space, major electrical upgrades and plumbing reroutes to move the location of the sink and add a kitchen island with pendant lights and built-in appliances, and completing the new chic aesthetic with white quartz countertops and shaker-style cabinets with brushed gold finishes. The Most Important Thing To Remember Renovating is making something old feel new while remodeling is transforming something old into something new. But while there is technically a difference between the two terms, in reality, they are used interchangeably among the home improvement community. So it doesn’t matter whether you call us your glow-up gurus, makeover masters, renovation specialists, or remodeling experts–all that matters is that you call us. Because at Utah Home Remodel Experts, we don't care what terms you use; we only care about bringing your vision for your living space to life.
When PBS launched This Old House in 1979, it was one of the first home renovation shows available on TV. Over the next forty-five years, viewers have had more than a hundred different home improvement shows to choose from, including Dream Home Makeover, Kitchen Glow Up, Mountain Remodel, and Rescue My Renovation. Perhaps you’ve watched some home renovation shows and thought of some changes you’d like to see around your own home. Do you try tackling it yourself? Probably not if you’ve been watching Help! I Wrecked My House. So who should you hire? A home remodeling contractor? A home renovation professional? Does renovate mean the same thing as remodel? Is an expert in one automatically an expert in the other? Renovating and remodeling do have unique meanings. Here’s what you need to know about each one. Renovating Definition: Renovating is about updating, improving, or modifying a space without making major structural changes. Scope: Renovation typically involves projects such as repainting walls, replacing cabinets, updating fixtures, refinishing floors, or upgrading appliances. Goal: The goal of a renovation is to improve the comfort, usability, or style of a home without altering the existing layout. Example: Below are before and after photos of a kitchen renovation Utah Home Remodel Experts completed in Sandy, UT. The layout of the room is unchanged, but we repainted the door and cabinetry, changed the look of the walls and kitchen island with a faux brick design, replaced the original countertops with ones imported from Europe, and added pendant light fixtures over the island. Remodeling Definition: Remodeling involves changing the structure or layout of a space, often with a significant redesign. Scope: Remodeling projects are usually larger and more complex, as they can involve moving walls, adding windows, changing room configurations, or building entirely new spaces. Goal: The goal of a remodel is to transform a space to serve a new function or aesthetic. Example: Below are before and after photos of a kitchen remodel Utah Home Remodel Experts completed in Holladay, UT. The extensive changes included removing walls to open up the kitchen to the rest of the main level, reflooring the now unified space, major electrical upgrades and plumbing reroutes to move the location of the sink and add a kitchen island with pendant lights and built-in appliances, and completing the new chic aesthetic with white quartz countertops and shaker-style cabinets with brushed gold finishes. The Most Important Thing To Remember Renovating is making something old feel new while remodeling is transforming something old into something new. But while there is technically a difference between the two terms, in reality, they are used interchangeably among the home improvement community. So it doesn’t matter whether you call us your glow-up gurus, makeover masters, renovation specialists, or remodeling experts–all that matters is that you call us. Because at Utah Home Remodel Experts, we don't care what terms you use; we only care about bringing your vision for your living space to life.

  

The Most Important Thing To Remember

Renovating is making something old feel new while remodeling is transforming something old into something new. But while there is technically a difference between the two terms, in reality, they are used interchangeably among the home improvement community. So it doesn’t matter whether you call us your glow-up gurus, makeover masters, renovation specialists, or remodeling experts–all that matters is that you call us. Because at Utah Home Remodel Experts, we don’t care what terms you use; we only care about bringing your vision for your living space to life.

Choosing the Right Kitchen Countertop Material for Your Renovation By W. Hemsath Countertops can drastically change the look of your kitchen, but when planning a kitchen remodel, appearance is only one consideration. The kitchen countertop material you choose will also affect the cost of your kitchen remodel, as well as the durability of your counters and the maintenance they will require. To help you make the right choice during your kitchen renovation, here's an updated look at the top trending countertop materials for 2024, including how much they’ll cost you in money and upkeep, how durable they are, and what other homeowners enjoy most about each one. To make it simple to compare materials, we’ve scored their maintenance and durability in a range of 0-10: 0 being the lowest on maintenance and lowest in durability. 10 is the highest maintenance requirement and the highest in durability. 1. Quartz Cost: $70–$150 per square foot (installed) Low Maintenance: (3/10); no sealing required, though sealing is recommended for easier cleaning and improved resistance to staining; clean with mild soap and water. High Durability: (7/10); non-porous and resistant to scratching and staining, though things like wine can stain if not sealed; heat resistant but only up to 300° F, so trivets are recommended for all hot pans. What Homeowners Like Most: Homeowners love quartz for its uniform appearance and wide range of colors and patterns. Its affordability, durability, and low maintenance make it especially attractive for busy households. 2. Granite Cost: $50–$200 per square foot (installed) Moderate Maintenance: (6/10); requires sealing once a year; clean with mild soap or stone cleaner. High Durability: (9/10); resistant to heat and scratching but may be prone to chipping if heavy objects are dropped. What Homeowners Like Most: Granite’s natural beauty and unique patterns are major selling points. Many homeowners appreciate the high-end look and feel, as well as its resilience under heavy use. All natural beauty that comes from the earth. 3. Marble Cost: $75–$250 per square foot (installed) High Maintenance: (8/10); requires sealing every 3-6 months to prevent staining and etching; clean gently with a pH-neutral cleaner. Moderate Durability: (5/10); prone to scratching, staining, and etching from acids (like lemon juice); heat resistant up to 350° F for short periods of time. What Homeowners Like Most: Marble is beloved for its timeless elegance and luxurious veining. Homeowners who want a high-end, sophisticated look often choose marble despite its higher maintenance needs. 4. Butcher Block Cost: $40–$100 per square foot (installed) Moderate Maintenance: (5/10); requires oiling every 1-3 months to prevent drying, cracking, and water damage; clean with mild soap and water. Moderate Durability: (6/10); prone to scratches and dents but can be sanded down; not heat resistant and subject to burn marks if trivets aren’t used. What Homeowners Like Most: Homeowners love the warmth and natural look and the added functionality that butcher block adds to a kitchen. It’s also one of the more affordable options, making it attractive for budget-conscious renovations. 5. Concrete Cost: $70–$150 per square foot (installed) Moderate Maintenance: (7/10); requires sealing every 1-3 years to prevent stains; clean with a pH-neutral, non-abrasive cleaner. Moderate Durability: (7/10); prone to hairline cracks if not properly reinforced; resistant to scratching, staining, and heat if properly sealed; can be sensitive to sudden temperature changes. What Homeowners Like Most: Homeowners love concrete for its modern, industrial aesthetic and the ability to customize it with embedded materials or unique shapes. 6. Recycled Materials (e.g., Glass Composite) Cost: $50–$125 per square foot (installed) Low Maintenance: (4/10); sealing may be required; clean with mild soap or regular household cleaners. High Durability: (7/10); resistant to scratches and stains; generally heat-resistant, but care should be taken with very hot items. What Homeowners Like Most: Eco-conscious homeowners appreciate the sustainable nature of recycled countertops. They also love the striking, often colorful appearance that can complement a modern kitchen design. Budgeting for Your Kitchen Countertop As you plan your kitchen remodel, remember that the cost of a kitchen remodel can vary significantly based on the countertop material you select. Additionally, choosing a material that aligns with your desired esthetic, maintenance leve,l and durability needs will help ensure long-term satisfaction. Whether you prefer the low-maintenance durability of quartz or the natural beauty of butcher block, there is a perfect countertop for every kitchen style and budget. For homeowners in Utah, it’s helpful to consult with local experts who understand the climate and can recommend materials that will hold up in dry, high-altitude conditions. Whatever your choice, your kitchen renovation can be a stunning success with the right countertop!

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