Which Path Is Right?
It’s something a lot of people consider at some point in their property journey "should we renovate, or would it make more sense to build new?" Sometimes it’s a question asked right at the beginning, and other times it only really hits halfway through a project (usually when the quotes start rolling in).
Renovating can be a really beautiful option, especially if you love the area you live in or feel connected to your home. There’s something special about working with an existing house... The history, the character, the details that give it a sense of soul. Older homes in particular carry stories, and I’ll always have a soft spot for preserving what’s already there where possible.
Renovating
There’s a very real side to renovations that doesn’t always get talked about early enough. I’ve seen plenty of people get to the costing stage and suddenly realise that once you factor in structural works, compliance upgrades, plumbing, electrical, insulation and all the unknowns hiding behind walls, the budget can blow out quickly. In some cases, it can actually end up costing more than building new and in hindsight, a knock-down rebuild or purchasing a new home would’ve been the more practical choice.
Vs Building New
Building new offers a completely different experience. You’re starting with a blank canvas and designing a home around how you actually live today, rather than working around old layouts, awkward room sizes or limitations of an existing structure. It allows for better natural light, improved energy efficiency, smarter storage and a layout that’s future-proofed from the start. While the upfront cost can feel higher, it’s often more predictable and can come with fewer surprises along the way.
The Role of Your Design Team (and Your Honest Budget)
This is where your architect or building designer and your interior designer play a really important role. A good design team should be helping you navigate your budget from the very beginning, not just designing something beautiful and hoping it fits the numbers later.
But (and this is the important part) this only works if you’re genuinely upfront about how much you’re prepared to spend. Not the dream number. The real number.
When your designers understand your true budget from the get-go, they can give you realistic design advice on what’s actually achievable. Whether that means prioritising certain spaces, suggesting alternative materials, or even helping you decide whether renovating is worth it at all. It allows the design to be strategic, not just aspirational, and ultimately leads to better outcomes with fewer painful surprises.
Knowing When to Let Go
The tricky part is knowing when a home is worth saving, and when it’s simply too far gone. Some houses require so many repairs and upgrades that the financial cost and the energy output can outweigh the benefits. Ongoing maintenance, constant patching and living in construction mode for months on end isn’t always sustainable, especially if the end result still involves compromise.
So what’s the right answer? There isn’t one. Renovating can be incredibly rewarding when the bones are good and the character is strong. But sometimes the most practical, cost-effective and even sustainable decision is to start fresh.
The key is being realistic, getting the right advice early, and weighing up not just the cost but how you want to live in the space long term. Because the best choice isn’t always the most emotional one… it’s the one that actually works for your lifestyle.
