What’s the Difference Between a Renovation and a Remodel?
If you’re thinking about updating your home — whether it’s a dated kitchen, a cramped bath, or a whole floorplan rework — you’ve probably seen the terms “renovation” and “remodel” thrown around like they’re interchangeable.
But they’re not.
At The Building Company, we hear this question all the time from homeowners in Spokane, Coeur d’Alene, Sandpoint, and beyond. So let’s clear it up — and help you figure out which one actually fits your project.
🔧 Renovation = Restoring or Refreshing What’s Already There
Renovation typically refers to making updates without changing the fundamental layout or structure of the space.
Think:
- Replacing countertops and cabinets in your kitchen
- Updating fixtures and tile in a bathroom
- Refinishing floors or repainting rooms
- Upgrading lighting or adding new trimwork
You're keeping the bones of the house — just giving them new life.
🔹 Good renovation candidates:
- Homes with solid layouts but outdated finishes
- Cosmetic overhauls for rental properties or resale prep
- Smaller projects with quicker timelines and tighter budgets
Renovations are often less disruptive — and in many cases, don’t require structural changes or full permitting. (Though local codes vary — especially in areas like South Hill or Hayden Lake.)
🏗️ Remodel = Reworking Layout, Structure, or Systems
Remodeling goes beyond surface-level updates. It involves changing the way your space functions — walls move, rooms combine, new plumbing or electrical gets installed.
Think:
- Opening up a kitchen to create a great room
- Adding a bathroom or expanding a primary suite
- Converting a garage or basement into living space
- Moving the location of appliances, sinks, or walls
Remodels are usually more complex — and come with
larger investments and longer timelines. But they’re also where the magic happens when you want a home that truly works for the way you live today.
Most of what we do at The Building Company
falls under “remodeling” — because we specialize in reimagining space, not just refreshing finishes.
🧭 So Which One Do You Need?
It depends on your goals. Ask yourself:
Think:
- Do I like the current layout of the room?
- Are the issues mostly aesthetic… or functional?
- Am I trying to increase resale value — or create long-term livability?
We’ve worked with clients across Liberty Lake, Spirit Lake, and Spokane Valley who started out thinking they just needed “a few updates”… only to realize the layout was what really wasn’t working.
That’s why our process starts with
listening to your goals — then helping you decide if a renovation or remodel (or some of both) is the better investment.
🧱 Real-World Examples
- Renovation in North Spokane: A homeowner wanted a fresh kitchen look. We kept the cabinet layout but replaced counters, flooring, backsplash, and fixtures — all without moving a single wall.
- Remodel in Coeur d’Alene: A 1990s home with a chopped-up floor plan. We removed walls, expanded the kitchen, relocated the laundry room, and reconfigured the primary suite for modern living.
Same square footage. Two totally different approaches. The key? Understanding the difference and designing accordingly.
Need Help Figuring Out What Fits Your Home?
Let’s talk. We’ll walk through your space, your goals, and your priorities — and help you decide whether a renovation, a full remodel, or a phased approach makes the most sense.
📱 Call or text: 509-890-0222
📧 Email: info@pnwbuild.com
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The Building Company
is a proud member of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI), committed to delivering honest advice, high-quality craftsmanship, and local expertise across the Inland Northwest.
