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What Is The Difference Between A Kitchen Remodel vs. Renovation?

March 22, 2022

People often use “renovation” and “remodel” interchangeably when referring to their home and kitchen projects. Suppose you are planning on making kitchen improvements. In that case, it is best to understand the difference between a kitchen remodel vs. renovation. Therefore, you know exactly what to ask a contractor. Homeowners often renovate and remodel their kitchens simultaneously, so it is understandable why many use both words interchangeably. To help you figure out which method is suited to your needs, here are the differences between remodeling a kitchen and renovating one.

The Purpose of a Kitchen Remodel vs. Renovation

While remodeling and renovation are used interchangeably, there are some critical differences between the two. For example, when someone remodels their kitchen, the kitchen undergoes some structural change that alters its design or functionality. On the other hand, a renovation is a process that typically involves making what was old furniture or fixtures into new ones. While each method may seem similar to you, as they are often done together, here are some examples.

Kitchen Remodeling Examples

Suppose you live in Abington, Pennsylvania. Your home is several decades old and is on the smaller side of houses in an urban area. And your kitchen may be small, and you want to add more space to make your home feel open and provide more opportunities for entertaining. One of the things you decide to do is remove a loadbearing wall to combine the kitchen and dining room. That is an instance of remodeling your kitchen. Other examples of remodeling include the following:

  • Constructing an addition to the kitchen to add more space
  • Turning a specific part of the kitchen into a mudroom
High end kitchen with view of window outside | Kitchen Remodel vs Renovation | Saturn Construction

When you change your kitchen’s structure, design, or purpose (or just certain areas), you are remodeling it.

Kitchen Renovation Examples

An example of a kitchen renovation differs from that of a remodel. Suppose you live in an older home in Philadelphia or Horsham (where most houses were built from the 1950s to the 1980s), and you want to get new cabinets for your kitchen. Installing new cabinets is a renovation project because you are repairing, fixing, or updating your kitchen rather than changing the underlying structure or purpose of the room. Other examples of a renovation include the following:

  • Installing new countertops or flooring
  • Replacing old furniture with new ones (tables, islands)
  • Updating fixtures or plumbing and electrical systems

Although your kitchen may look different thanks to new cabinets or paint or fixtures, the kitchen remains the same in terms of layout and function.

Other Differences between Kitchen Remodel vs. Renovation

In addition to the difference in purposes of a kitchen remodel vs. renovation, there are other notable differences between them for homeowners.

One of the significant differences between the two processes is cost. Because remodeling projects are more complicated work due to changing a kitchen’s structure or design, it does cost more than a renovation project. Changing the design or layout of a kitchen may require reconfiguring the wiring, plumbing, and ductwork, and the material costs may be higher than a renovation, too.

As part of paying more for a kitchen remodel vs. renovation, you have more control over what your new kitchen can look like if you have specific goals. For example, if you have significant issues with your kitchen design. These issues could be the kitchen feeling too cramped or outdoor sink lines that freeze during winter. Remodeling can resolve these issues. In addition, remodeling allows you to bring your dream kitchen to life and gives you the chance to implement a new, more attractive, and practical design.

Kitchen blueprints | Kitchen Remodel vs Renovation | Saturn Construction

Contact Saturn Construction LLC for Kitchen Remodel Services

Are you interested in a kitchen remodel or renovation? If you are, contact Saturn Construction LLC. Saturn has years of experience in kitchen remodeling and renovation services for Southeastern Pennsylvania homeowners. We work with various materials, kitchen features, and styles. Our highly qualified and experienced team of carpenters and contractors will work with you to bring your dream kitchen to life. For more information on our services or to get started on your kitchen remodel, contact us today.