Pros & Cons to Rebuilding from a Foundation

We've rounded the corner to Spring, finally. As the weather warms up and projects start moving forward, let's dive into one of the most common dilemmas homeowners and developers face: Should you rebuild from the foundation up? Here’s a quick look at the pros and cons of starting fresh from the ground up.

The Challenges

Township Requirements Municipalities often have strict zoning and permitting regulations. Rebuilding from a foundation can trigger new code requirements, which can affect design flexibility and approval timelines.

More Costly Than Renovation Starting over typically means a larger upfront investment. You may encounter higher costs for demolition, excavation, engineering, and structural components than with a renovation or addition. Budget planning becomes even more critical.

The Benefits

Boost Curb Appeal with Exterior Aesthetics A new build gives you the chance to reimagine the home’s exterior entirely. A full rebuild allows for maximum design freedom.

Taller Basement Possibilities New construction means you can plan for higher ceilings in the basement. This can greatly increase the livable square footage and value of the home.

Better Exterior Envelope Efficiency

With new framing and materials, you get a tighter, more energy-efficient building envelope. From insulation and vapor barriers to windows and siding, the performance of a new build can far surpass that of a retrofit.