The last few years in the world of design have taught us that we need to be adaptable. When the pandemic hit there was an unprecedented surge in home renovations and new builds. It changed the availability of designers and tradespeople and it sent the supply chain into a frenzy we’ve never seen before. For a lot of homeowners the thought of waiting years before beginning their major renovation was off the table and new ways of designing became popular.
Among those ideas gathering steam is the no-reno demo. If you’ve seen the popular TV show “No-Demo Reno” you’ll know that it’s possible to completely change the aesthetics of your home without ever changing the footprint of your space.
What are the benefits of that? Let’s start with our favourite benefits - saving time and saving money. Those savvy homeowners determined to change up their living space turned to simpler methods to get it done and it created a new movement towards a simpler way of designing.
Why We Love a No-Demo Reno
1/ You Save Money
This is definitely a new discussion when it comes to design and renovating. Most often, we’re talking about escalating costs and out of control surprises. Instead, this allows us to get a brand new home for less.
When you leave the footprint of your home intact the cost savings of a renovation are significant. A lot of the cost of renovating comes from changes to plumbing and electrical as well as structural costs incurred when we move walls.
The other part of a structural renovation that adds up are the “might as well” costs. Once a major renovation is underway, things pop up that maybe the homeowner hadn’t (or didn’t want to) think about. There’s always good logic behind doing those things now rather than ripping down the same walls in a few years to get it done but those costs are usually what accounts for skyrocketing increases. With a no-demo renovation nothing structural is moving. The “might as well” costs are all cosmetic and sometimes those are easy to pass on because they may just be as easy to do later.
2/ A Faster Completion Date
Renovations that last 4,6 or more months are not uncommon when you’re doing a full renovation. Since the beginning of the pandemic we’ve seen renovations that last multiple years. Sometimes it’s because of a shortage of trades and sometimes it’s product delays. Neither of those are things that can be avoided but living through a multi-year renovation is nobody’s idea of a good time.
With a no-demo renovation you’ll see results much quicker. When you hear people talk about their reno being extended by multiple months it’s usually because of unforeseen things hiding behind walls. It could be outdated electrical that needs to be corrected. You can get right down to business and wrap up quickly when the renovation is just aesthetic.
3/ Availability of Trades
Depending on which city or town you live in, the trade shortage may have affected you differently. In some larger, urban areas projects got put on hold indefinitely because trades can’t keep up. It’s never been a better time to be a tradesperson but it’s an historically awful time for homeowners dreaming of design but being placed on long wait lists.
It can be especially hard to find trades that are available for the length of time you require them when you’re planning a full renovation. When you do a no-demo renovation it’s often easier to get a tradesperson who can squeeze you in between larger projects.
For example, a kitchen renovation with no demolition can be completed in as little as a few weeks once all the materials start rolling in. A lot of trades find themselves stalled on larger projects waiting for materials. Take advantage of them during these slow times and avoid the long wait lists.
4/ You Can Live At Home
Renovating is one of the most disruptive experiences a family can endure. Depending on the extent of the work, it could mean moving to a single floor in your home. In the worst case scenario, it means packing up the family and moving into a hotel or with family.
It’s still messy and invasive but you can often continue to live in your home during a no-demo renovation. You may have to create a makeshift kitchen to get you through but it will be a shorter period of inconvenience. Since it’s not a structural renovation the mess is more contained.
And if you really default to optimism you could say it gives you a chance to be in touch with your trades everyday when you live at home. You see them in the morning and again in the evening, even if you have to go to work throughout the day. A lot of homeowners like getting to know the ins and outs of the daily work and the people involved.
5/ Much Less Stress
There’s no question that a no-demo renovation is much easier to plan for and live through. Most of the choices are cosmetic which means they’re less intrusive and less messy.
There’s an instant gratification that comes from a no-demo renovation as well. You don’t have to wait for weeks or months while the structure is updated. Your old space is ripped out and within days the new space starts to appear. Without question, this is the part of a reno that clients usually enjoy the most.
Making decisions and seeing instant results with a new countertop or flooring is a lot more enjoyable than discussing plumbing issues or electrical plans for weeks on end.
If a no-demo renovation sounds like something you’d be interested in you can book a Design Consultation with me to discuss in detail how I can help you.
If, on the other hand, there’s no way to avoid a full renovation be sure to read my popular blog posts on The Importance of Creating a Budget Before Your Project Begins as well as Things to Know to Prepare for a Successful Renovation.
Happy planning,
Kristina
