A home remodeling project involves significant transformative structural changes, minor cosmetic updates, and everything in between. Designers categorize projects as major or minor, depending on the scope of the work and the impact on your Home. Here are the differences between major and minor home remodels:
Project Scope
Major and minor home remodeling projects have different scopes, which describe the nature of alterations required. A major remodeling project involves substantial changes to your home’s structure or layout. The projects may involve changing the foundation, walls, and roofs or adding new floors and rooms. You can transform your home from a closed-concept to an open-concept space or add an extra bedroom for a new child. Room extensions and demolitions are also significant projects. Other examples of major remodeling include kitchen overhauls, bathroom gut renovation, new beam installations, and room extensions.
- Minor remodeling projects focus on minimal cosmetic updates that don’t interfere with the existing structure.
- Examples include replacing the flooring finish, painting the walls, or updating fixtures.
- Refresh the kitchen with new cabinets, countertops, and appliances, or update bathroom fixtures and tiling.
- Minor remodels enhance your home’s aesthetics using small-scale improvements like changing a backsplash or installing new hardware and trim.
- Other minor remodeling projects include updating lighting, resurfacing aging decks and entryways, and installing new switches, handles, and accents.
Expected Timeframe
Minor and major remodeling projects have varying timelines due to the alterations involved. Projects involving changing the location of walls, plumbing, and electrical systems require extensive planning and can take several months to complete. Major remodeling projects involve applying for permits, scheduling inspections, and working with various contractors. Kitchen remodeling projects involving full leveling, new layouts, and structural changes require at least a couple of months. Major bathroom overhauls may also take months to complete. Whole home renovation and new Dining Room additions featuring construction and alteration to the foundation may take several months to a year.
Minor projects usually last for a few weeks or months, depending on the size of your home. Cabinet resurfacing, new countertops, and backsplash installations only take a short time to complete. New vanity, minor tiling, and fixture installations require a couple of weeks. Painting, flooring, and light upgrades can also be completed within a short timeframe. Project timelines vary based on permit approval processes, material availability, and contractor schedules. Permit approvals can take weeks, and delays in material sourcing may slow down progress. Unexpected structural, plumbing, and electrical problems can also set you back for a certain period.
Home Impact
Major home remodels involve changing the structure, layout, and major systems like plumbing, electrical, and HVAC. Such remodeling projects can impact your daily life, requiring alternative living arrangements. A full kitchen or bathroom overhaul may make it impossible to use your old space for several months. You’ll need new ways to cook, bathe, and live comfortably. Altering the foundation, digging into the underlayment, and changing the location of plumbing and electrical fittings may also require complete evacuation. Once the project is completed, you can expect a more functional home.
Minor home remodels cause minimal inconvenience because no structural work is involved.
The remodeling can be contained within one room and doesn’t require shutting down water, heat, and other supplies.
You can set up makeshift kitchens and baths without having to leave your home.
The changes involve upgrading finishes and hardware for enhanced aesthetics and small functional improvements.
Expect enhanced visual appeal once the project is complete. Both minor and major remodeling projects leave your home more functional, efficient, and aesthetically pleasing.
Speak to a Home Remodeling Company Today
Home remodeling involves careful design selection, planning, material sourcing, and execution. The remodeler can help you understand the scope of work involved, timeline, budget, permits, and more. Contact a home remodeling company today to start planning your project.