quick summary:
Renovation: Best for homeowners who love their current location (e.g., Montpelier, Stowe) but need better energy efficiency or aging-in-place features. Expect a shorter timeline than new builds.
New Build: Best for clients seeking a Net-Zero custom home, specialized home design needs, or those with complex land sites. Allows for complete control over floor plan layout, interior design, orientation and solar gain. Longer timelines.
Cost Factor: While renovations often seem cheaper, unexpected structural upgrades in historic Vermont homes can equalize costs with new construction.
Making the Right Home Design Decision in Central Vermont
When deciding between home renovation with additions or custom new home construction, families in Central Vermont and beyond often face important decisions with no clear answers. At Arocordis Design in scenic Montpelier, we guide families through creating homes that truly reflect their needs and dreams, whether through thoughtful addition and remodeling design or new custom home design.
Common Pain Points We Hear
Homeowners frequently ask us whether they should renovate their existing space or opt for new construction. Four key considerations influence this decision:
·Low-interest rate mortgages make selling and buying new property less appealing.
Growing families need more comfortable living spaces.
Aging and foward-thinking homeowners seek single-level designs for easier living.
Multi-generational families require adaptable floor plans and home design.
Affordability has become increasingly significant challenge here in our state. With rising prices throughout Vermont's beautiful mountains and meadows, purchasing nearby homes has grown prohibitively expensive in desirable areas. Instead of moving, also due to low existing mortgage interest rates, homeowners are choosing to improve and expand their current homes—a notable shift in housing market trends reflecting ongoing affordability challenges.
The Renovation and Addition Option
Benefits of Renovating and Adding On
Renovations and additions offer compelling advantages:
Greater cost-effectiveness with less upfront investment compared to new construction.
No additional expenses for land-clearing, infrastructure, or new construction permits.
Retention of favorable mortgage rates
Shorter completion periods
Preservation of emotional connections to homes and communities
Budget-friendly transformations that enhance comfort and lifestyle.
Whether expanding for a growing family or making aging-in-place modifications, renovations allow homeowners to stay in beloved neighborhoods or rural area without the expense and stress of relocating. Or if they have fallen in love with one when buying new to them, they may seek similar updates.
Challenges of Renovating and Adding On
However, renovations come with distinct challenges worth reflecting on in the beginning of your planning journey. Some of the key ones include:
Local zoning laws in Montpelier, Stowe, and Waterbury can limit property expansion options. They also help guide the development and evolution of the communities.
Integration of new structures with existing ones can lead to unpredictable complications.
Unexpected costs and schedule issues may arise during construction.
Collaboration with an experienced architect is crucial for creating thoughtful designs and detailed plans that bring your vision to life while navigating these challenges.
Living in the middle of a renovation and in addition can get stressful. It is critical to have a clear understanding of the potential disruptions and a plan forward to make it as graceful as possible.
Case Study: Ranch Home Transformation
One memorable Arocordis Design project transformed an outdated 1960s ranch home into a modern, retirement-friendly retreat that beautifully complemented the surrounding landscape. Through thoughtful single-level addition and renovations in Hartland, Vermont, we preserved the home's original charm while enhancing its functionality, demonstrating how additions and renovations can help a house evolve into a multi-generational home.
The New Build Option
New Aging in Place Friendly Home Design
Advantages of Building New
Building from scratch offers distinct benefits:
Complete customization of every detail, from layout to design
Freedom from restrictions imposed by existing structures.
A blank canvas for your unique vision
Greater predictability in the construction process
Reduced stress from renovation surprises
Drawbacks of Building NewExcessive land costs in Vermont complicate budgets for custom builds
Property prices have surged since the pandemic began.
Limited affordable land options make renovation projects increasingly attractive.
This represents a substantial shift over the past decade, a trend likely to continue throughout Vermont.
It may take a year or more to build a new home, depending on complexity and site factors. That is after the design process.
Case Study: Burke Hollow Rustic Modern Home
Our team designed a new three-bedroom home and garage in Burke Hollow in Vermont's northeast kingdom. This rustic-modern design merges net-zero capable construction with rugged Vermont aesthetics. We strategically positioned the house to highlight village views, including the church steeple, from the kitchen window. The owner-builder is completing construction this spring, demonstrating the possibilities of thoughtful new construction.
Flat on front view of the rustic modern farmhouse in Burke Hollow. Under construction.
Important Considerations
When choosing between renovation with additions or new custom construction, consider these key factors:
·Long-term plans: Will this be your forever home, an investment, or temporary housing?
·Location value: Does the area meet your long-term needs with access to schools, shops, and amenities?
Financial commitment: Building new typically represents a larger investment than upgrading existing property.
Current and future lifestyle: Consider family growth, extended family needs, home office requirements, and aging-in-place capabilities.
Navigating Emotions and Practical Decisions
The choice between renovation and new construction often carries emotional weight. Leaving a familiar home or starting anew can create uncertainty. Early collaboration with an architect helps smooth this process. At Arocordis Design, we prioritize collaborating closely with clients to evaluate both options, helping you make informed decisions aligned with your family's goals. And then once established, develop together an elegant and beautiful design solution.
Common Misconceptions
Clients often assume choosing between renovating and building new is straightforward. Both options require careful planning and consideration. Hiring professionals like Arocordis Design early can save considerable time, money, and stress later.
We recommend consulting with both architects and realtors familiar with Central Vermont and beyond, before deciding. Too often, clients purchase land or homes that—after professional evaluation—do not meet their needs or require much more investment than anticipated.
Conclusion
Whether building new or expanding existing homes, beautiful, family-friendly designs are possible. The best choice depends on your specific goals, life stage, location, and preferences. Partnering early with a knowledgeable team, including a realtor, architect, and builder, provides crucial support throughout this crucial decision process.
Considering a home renovation or new custom build in Vermont? Reach out to Arocordis Design and firm principal Stephen Frey today. We provide tailored advice and creative design solutions aligned with your vision. Need a referral to a trusted realtor or builder? Just ask! Contact us today.
Arocordis Design, a custom home architect and planner, has served Vermont families since 2010. We provide licensed architectural services throughout Vermont, including Waterbury, Stowe, Montpelier, Calais and beyond. We also serve the Burke, St. Johnsbury, White River Junction, Tunbridge, and the Woodstock regions. We specialize in modern-inspired home design that connects to Vermont’s past while providing a creative climate positive vision for the future.
**Disclaimer:** The information provided in this post is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Please consult a licensed architect or qualified professional in your area for guidance specific to your situation.