The Build New or Renovate Dilemma
The 2025 Dilemma – Building New Or Renovating Old?
As fewer vacant homesites become available in Hilton Head Island and Bluffton, one of the most frequent questions building industry professionals are being asked is, “Should I build a new home or renovate an older one?” This question is not easily answered as it depends on the homeowner’s preferences, finances, and time frame.
Purchasing a resale home and renovating the property has become more popular in our local market since 2021. With fewer desirable vacant homesites available, buyers are re-imagining their coastal home using existing home structures. “More times than not, this is not a DIY remodel, but an extensive professional renovation,” states Kathryn Drury of Drury & Associates, LLC. “Local custom home builders are seeing a transition in their project portfolios from strictly new construction to including home renovations with tear down, rebuilding, and expansion components.” While the cost of renovations is in line with new construction, they can be more accurately estimated early in the project to see if they are within the homeowner’s budget. Homeowners can “stage” a renovation, allowing them to occupy the home during renovation and/or spread the cost over a longer time. The design and building period may also be condensed as compared to new construction, if the existing structure can be used and if site conditions are favorable, eliminating the cost of site clearing and foundation work.
Drury & Associates, Kathryn Drury
Kathryn Drury is Owner of Bluffton- based Drury & Associates, a real estate and residential construction consulting firm. Kathryn advises clients through the new home construction process from inception to completion – coaching them through land purchase, home design, contractor selection, building contract, financing, and construction oversight – ensuring a client’s goals stay centric to their home build. For more information, visit: www.drury-consulting.com.
“Building a new home allows homeowners to select every detail in the home design and finish, guaranteeing the family will have all the space and features they want in their next home,” Kathryn notes. While planning and constructing a new home may exceed the time needed to complete a renovation, the result is exactly what the homeowner desires. When building a new home, clients partner with a builder and architect to plan a home customized to fit the site’s building envelope and meet local and community building guidelines. During the design phase, builders and designers work together to estimate the overall building cost. Once the homeowner receives this estimate, they usually contact a construction loan lender to understand options for financing the home build. Final home pricing is available after the house plans are complete and the owner has selected all products and finishes for the home. “With a new home, the homeowners will have an efficient residence with new products and warranties, eliminating many expenses related to maintenance and repair,” adds Kathryn. The construction time for a new home will vary depending on the home location, builder, and material availability. Drury often recommends clients expect an 18-month to 2-year time frame for completion of the project.
So, what is Kathryn’s answer to the question, “Should I build a new home or renovate an older one? “There is not one answer which is right for everyone,” replies Kathryn. “Homeowners should consider what is best for them. If they have found the perfect vacant homesite and have the luxury of both time and sufficient financial resources, new construction can result in a rewarding experience for them, providing exactly the home they envision for their family. However, if the perfect home site already has a home on it, home renovation may be a better choice. Remember that land is unique and no Lowcountry view can be replicated. Renovation can be as rewarding as a new construction home and offer the convenience of shorter time frames and less cost.”
Industry veteran, Kathryn Drury of Drury & Associates, LLC, has advised clients through the homebuilding process for over 20 years. Kathryn moved to Hilton Head Island in 2010 and noted the availability of various home sites along with customer interest in custom-designed, energy-efficient homes. While the cost to build from 2010- 2020 was slightly higher than a resale home, the benefits of new construction outweighed the differential in cost. With raw land supply dwindling and building costs rising since COVID, local buyers are torn between building a new home or renovating a resale. Kathryn advises these clients based on their individual circumstances. www.drury-consulting.com
