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Minor or Major Remodel: What’s the difference?

Home upgrade of a modern kitchen with a large marble-topped kitchen island.

When it comes to home renovations, there may be a lot of terms and phrases you are not familiar with. An area of confusion that often comes up during the planning stage is the difference between a major and a minor remodel.

Knowing the difference from the start will give you a better idea of how much money and time you will need to budget for your project. Let’s look at some differences between a major and a minor remodel.

Before and after of minor remodel where decorative elements were added such as the beams on ceiling and a fireplace mantel

What Is a Minor Remodel?

If you have a functional space but want to change the style, you’re probably looking at a minor remodel. With a minor remodel, the existing footprint of a space is preserved, as are some of the appliances or other fixtures.

For example, in a minor kitchen remodel, you may replace or even repaint the cabinets and add a new backsplash. In a bathroom, you might replace an old bathtub with a new tub and tile surround.

What Should You Consider Before Taking on a Minor Remodel?

Before we get started with a minor remodel, you’ll want to think about the space. Is it really just the outdated colors and fixtures you’re unhappy with? If so, a minor remodel is a great idea.

However, if you’re frustrated with the lack of space or the way the room is laid out, a minor remodel might not give you the results you are looking for.

Minor remodels are much less expensive than a major remodel since less work will need to be completed. The time required to complete a minor remodel is also significantly less than a major remodel.

Major remodel where everything in kitchen was replaced including cabinets, appliances, island, lighting and more.

What Is a Major Remodel?

If you have a space that just isn’t working for you – the layout, the cosmetics, the size of the room – you should consider a major remodel. That means flooring, lighting, appliances, cabinets, and everything else you can think of would be brand new upon completion.

You see major remodels on TV shows where walls get knocked down, bathrooms are gutted, and kitchens get moved from one side of the home to the other, with everything getting replaced.

Major remodels are also needed when there are issues with the foundation, plumbing, or electrical systems. In some cases, structural changes will also need to be completed to get the finished product you are hoping for.

What Should You Consider Before Taking on a Major Remodel?

Major remodels are a huge investment and can take months to finish. The planning process is much more involved than with a minor remodel. We will look at more than just cosmetic upgrades and will determine how to create a more functional space conducive to your lifestyle. 

The remodeling process itself is not exactly pleasant. Your home will be a construction zone for months which is certainly not ideal, especially if you have young children or pets. However, you’ll have a space designed for you once you get through the inconveniences. You’ll find your home more enjoyable and more useful, and you’ll likely see your property’s value increase.

Whichever route you decide is suitable for your home, we are here to help. Let’s get in touch to discuss what changes you’d like to make to your home and put together a plan to make them happen!

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