6 Easy Home Improvement Projects You Can DIY in a Weekend
6 Easy Home Improvement Projects You Can DIY in a Weekend · Update Cabinet Hardware · Weatherproof Your Home · Paint Surfaces in Need of a ...
renovations
Home improvement projects are often synonymous with major <anchor>renovations</anchor> and high costs. And if you don’t have prior homeowner or handyperson experience, overwhelming projects can take a significant mental and financial toll. But not every project needs to be a huge undertaking. In fact, a few minor DIY projects can make a big difference, leaving your home refreshed and ready for the coming seasons in just a couple of days time.
Renovation vs. Remodel: What's the Difference?​
Renovation vs. Remodel: What's the Difference?​[Skip to content](#main)

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# The Difference Between a Renovation and a Remodel, According to Pros

We get to the bottom of the debate.

By

[Kelsey Mulvey](https://www.realsimple.com/author/kelsey-mulvey)

[Kelsey Mulvey](https://www.realsimple.com/author/kelsey-mulvey)

Kelsey Mulvey is a New York–born, San Francisco–based journalist who covers lifestyle and wellness content.

[Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines](/about-us-5546943#toc-editorial-guidelines)

Updated on June 25, 2022

In This Article

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In This Article

- [Remodel vs. Renovation](#toc-remodel-vs-renovation)

- [Definitions](#toc-definitions)

- [What Do the Pros Say?](#toc-what-do-the-pros-say)

- [The Bottom Line](#toc-the-bottom-line)


Close

![Renovation vs. Remodel - renovation definition, remodel definition and differences](https://www.realsimple.com/thmb/dAkgei7D-32kh7Xt9fef16SO4Pc=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/renovation-vs-remodel-definition-differences-7661f6a0b3514c779f43bac8f8a655b9.jpg)

Photo: Getty Images

They say Rome wasn't built in a day—and neither was your dream home. If we're totally honest, very few domestic endeavors compare to the time, energy, and (sometimes) stress of tackling a [home renovation](https://www.realsimple.com/renovation-mistakes-you-re-most-likely-to-regret-later-8640111). Or is it a remodel? Chances are, you probably use the words renovation and remodel interchangeably. This may not seem like a big deal when faced with the [cost to remodel a house,](https://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/home-improvement/renovations/kitchen-remodel-ideas-worth-the-cost) but it could still reveal the extent of your experience (or lack thereof) with home updates.

## Remodel vs. Renovation

No matter which term you use, there's a good chance whoever you're talking to knows what you're referring to, but have you ever stopped and wondered if you're using the correct word? Or if the contractors, designers, paint pros, and other experts you're working with think you're unfamiliar with the process because you're using the wrong word?

Is there a difference between a remodel and a renovation? Well, it depends on who you ask.

## Definitions

Technically, a [renovation and remodel](https://www.realsimple.com/are-home-renovations-tax-deductible-8608763) are defined differently. While a remodel changes the form of something (like adding a new shower to an [existing bathroom](https://www.realsimple.com/bathroom-renovations-that-are-worth-it-8611812)), a renovation focuses more on [restoring something old](https://www.realsimple.com/best-cities-to-buy-fixer-upper-storagecafe-8636127) into good repair (fixing up a creaky floor, for example).

[Good News: Scrimping on a Home Remodel May Actually Pay Off](https://www.realsimple.com/houzz-top-home-remodeling-and-design-trends-2024-8620742)

## What Do the Pros Say?

Over the years, the design world has closed the gap on differences between remodels and renovations. When we asked JoJo Fletcher and Jordan Rodgers—former Bachelorette couple and stars of the CNBC show [Cash Pad](https://www.cnbc.com/cash-pad-bio/)—the duo insisted the two terms can be used interchangeably. "I think renovation and remodel are often used hand in hand," Rodgers says. "We're making subtle, very pointed changes in order to turn \[a space\] into something that functionally makes sense."

In their experience, the term renovation (or remodel!) is often associated with a completely different word: flipping. And while home makeovers can help increase your space's value—which is especially convenient if you're looking to sell—they're not always synonymous with flips.

"I think sometimes people get remodel and flipped mixed up," Fletcher says. "All the homes I've always done have been remodels and were never flipped because I keep them as rentals. Remodeling a home is taking what it is and sort of changing it into a better form."

## The Bottom Line

Whether you call it a renovation or a remodel, one thing's for sure: It's important to plan your project with care. One of the biggest tips the duo has for undergoing your home project is to pay attention to the rooms you use the most (and least!) and spend accordingly.

"Being realistic with why you use your space will help you not overspend," Fletcher suggests. "Maybe don't break the bank on a ton of cabinetry that you're never going to use or an island that can seat 12 people if you don't entertain a lot."

[10 Things That Can Make or Break Your Kitchen Remodel](https://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/home-improvement/renovations/kitchen-remodel-ideas-worth-the-cost)

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[12 Kitchen Cabinet Styles to Consider for Your Next Remodel](https://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/decorating/decorating-kitchen/kitchen-cabinet-styles) [20 Home Improvement Shows to Binge-Watch on Netflix](https://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/home-improvement/home-improvement-shows-netflix) [6 Expert Tips to Deal With 'FOMU' (Fear Of Messing Up) During a DIY Project](https://www.realsimple.com/fear-of-messing-up-during-diy-project-8690632) [How to Paint a Wall Like a Pro](https://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/home-improvement/painting/paint-wall) [How to Clean a Shower Drain and Prevent Smells](https://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/cleaning/cleaning-bathroom/how-to-clean-shower-drain) [The 12 Different Types of Tiles, Explained by Experts](https://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/decorating/types-of-tiles) [20 Best Cities to Buy a Fixer-Upper, According to StorageCafe](https://www.realsimple.com/best-cities-to-buy-fixer-upper-storagecafe-8636127) [10 Complex DIY Projects You Should Always Leave to the Pros Instead](https://www.realsimple.com/complex-diy-projects-you-should-always-leave-to-the-pros-8684539)

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