To Renovate Or Build New in Boston, That Is the Question

October 20, 2024

When faced with deciding whether to renovate an existing home or start fresh with new construction, homeowners often find themselves grappling with the pros and cons of each choice. While building new offers a blank canvas, renovating an existing home can lead to unexpected beauty that surpasses initial expectations. 

In many cases around the Greater Boston area, the decision to renovate uncovers hidden potential, honors the home’s history, and ultimately provides a more flexible path to create a dream residence.

Renovate Or Build New | What Boston Property Owners Must Consider

With today’s rising construction and material costs, renovating an existing home can be the more cost-effective solution. Additionally, in a city like Boston, where new stretch codes are adopted every year to meet higher sustainability/efficiency standards, new construction can come with limitations that renovations may not encounter. 

Navigating the Subtleties

With some renovations around Greater Boston, homeowners can sidestep newer building constraints, especially if the property is non-conforming, meaning the existing layout does not need to adhere to modern zoning standards. This is where the term “grandfathered in” comes into play.  

In Boston, some properties are subject to non-conforming guidelines, which permit renovation projects to maintain a property’s current layout–even if it doesn’t align with current design standards. Having this flexibility provides some property owners with a distinct advantage. 

In contrast, new builds must comply with the local municipality’s stretch codes, limiting design freedom. For some homeowners, due to historic preservation guidelines, homes cannot be demolished in many of Boston’s neighborhoods, leaving renovation as the only viable option.

Fortunately for these homeowners, residential architects specializing in historic preservation can breathe new life into old structures while honoring their heritage. Renovating is the ideal solution for homes that meet the criteria for historical societies’ preservation efforts. 

Project Spotlights: A Celebration of Renovated Homes

Slocum Hall Design Group has several notable renovation projects. These examples highlight how older homes can be revitalized into stunning residences, even those deemed beyond repair.

Residence on Ruane: From Dilapidated To Dream Home

Initially, the owners of the 1950s ranch-style Residence on Ruane planned to demolish the dilapidated property and start anew. However, a yearlong demolition delay led them down a different path. Instead of tearing the house down, they collaborated with skilled architects to design an addition and renovate the existing home. The result? A remarkable transformation that merged modern elements with the mid-century aesthetic. The new design included four-bedroom suites, an expansive recreation basement, and a reimagined garage space, showcasing how renovation can exceed expectations.

Residence on Ruane

Read more about the Residence on Ruane here.

Residence on Highland: A Harmonious Blend of Old and New

The Residence on Highland, a Dutch Colonial on West Newton Hill, was in disrepair. Instead of opting for a complete rebuild, the homeowners chose to restore the property’s distinctive charm while introducing modern features. The renovation included three carefully planned additions and a new detached garage, making the home a perfect balance of traditional elegance and contemporary functionality.

renovate or build new

Discover the story of the Residence on Highland.

Residence on Bellevue: Honoring the Past, Embracing the Future

The Residence on Bellevue is a classic Neo-Classical Revival that holds a place on the National Register of Historic Places. The renovation focused on preserving the home’s architectural grandeur while updating its kitchen, bathrooms, and other essential spaces to meet modern needs. An attached three-bay garage with bonus space above was seamlessly integrated, demonstrating the beauty of respecting history while adapting to contemporary living.

Award-Winning Neo-Classical Revival In Newton, MA

Explore the Residence on Bellevue renovation.

Renovate or Build New | Renovation as a Journey of Discovery

Deciding whether to renovate or build new is a personal choice, and both options have their merits. However, renovating offers an opportunity to uncover the hidden potential of an existing home, often revealing beauty and history that would otherwise be lost. It allows homeowners to create spaces that blend the charm of the past with the functionality of the present, all while navigating the complexities of home renovation design.

Working with trusted architecture firms in Boston can turn what may seem like a daunting renovation project into a journey of inspired design, ultimately leading to a home as unique as the family inhabiting it.

Reach out to us today to discuss your next project.