Question: Why does remodeling cost so much more than new construction?
Answer: Remodeling is more costly because remodeling requires matching existing conditions and doing it while the homeowner is occupying the home. Remodelers have to protect the existing yard and the homeowner’s belongings while doing work which uses heavy equipment and tools that produce dust and debris. Remodelers must keep the job site safe and clean and also stop the spread of this debris to the parts of the home and property that aren’t remodeled. Thus they must clean the job site every night before leaving. Home builders are able leverage lower prices for materials since they are building multiple homes in the same area. Remodelers buy smaller quantities for only one project at a time, thus they pay more for their materials. They also may be required to spend extra time finding products that match the existing home and pay for extra shipping. Since the homeowner is present much of the time they spend extra time explaining what they are doing and why. Remodelers just get started doing one phase of construction and it is time to move to the next phase which requires a completely different set of tools and skills. Remodelers never know exactly what they will find behind each wall which creates an added risk. To coordinate and orchestrate a seamless remodeling project is difficult and tedious. Only certain personalities can do this with the degree of skill and calmness required to make remodeling an acceptable option.
Don Jason
Follow Us!