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Remodel, Add On or Build New in Gainesville, GA?
An honest comparison of remodeling, adding on, tearing down and building new in Gainesville and Hall County, from a builder who does all four.
Quick answer: If you like your lot and the house has good bones, remodeling or adding on is usually cheaper and faster than building new. In Gainesville and Hall County, remodels start around $1,500 for a single room, additions around $5,000, and new homes run about $150 to $350 or more per square foot plus land. Building new makes sense when the house no longer fits the way you live, the layout can't be fixed, or you own land you love. EBD Construction LLC, a licensed and insured Gainesville general contractor, does all of these and can tell you honestly which fits your situation. Call 404-925-7481 for a free consultation.
Planning an addition or new home? See how EBD works as a residential general contractor in Gainesville and Hall County.
Is it cheaper to remodel or build a new house in Gainesville, GA?
In most cases, remodeling is cheaper, because the foundation, roof, walls and utilities are already paid for. Here's a general guide to how the options compare in Gainesville and Hall County. It isn't a quote.
| Option | Typical range | Typical time |
|---|---|---|
| Remodel one room (kitchen or bath) | $1,500 to $70,000 | 2 to 10 weeks |
| Whole-home renovation | $7,000 to $250,000 | 1 to 6 months |
| Room addition | $5,000 to $160,000 ($75 to $300 per sq ft) | 1 to 5 months |
| Finish a basement | $5,000 to $75,000 | 4 to 10 weeks |
| Build a new custom home | $150 to $350+ per sq ft, plus land and site work | 8 to 14 months after permits |
| Tear down and rebuild | Demolition about $8,000 to $30,000, plus the new home | 9 to 15 months |
For details on each option, see the guides to whole-home renovation, home additions, basement finishing and building a custom home in Hall County.
When does remodeling make the most sense?
- You love the location. Your neighborhood, schools, lot or lake access would be hard to replace.
- The house has good bones. The foundation, framing and roof are sound, even if the finishes are dated.
- The problems are fixable. A closed-in kitchen, a dated bath or a small living room can be solved by opening a wall or reworking a room.
- You want to phase the work. Remodeling can be done one room at a time as budget allows.
When does adding on make the most sense?
An addition fits when you like the house but simply need more room: a bigger kitchen, a primary suite on the main floor, a bedroom for a growing family or space for aging parents. If your house has an unfinished basement, finishing it is usually the least expensive way to add space. If not, a bump-out, sunroom or full room addition can be built to match the existing house.
When does building a new home make the most sense?
- You own land or found the right lot. Family land in north Hall, a lake lot or acreage you love. See building north of Gainesville.
- The layout can't be fixed. When almost every wall would move, remodeling can cost close to building new.
- Major systems are failing. Foundation problems, widespread rot or a house that needs everything replaced at once.
- You want something specific. One-level living, a walk-out basement, a big porch or energy efficiency built in from day one.
Should I tear down and rebuild?
A knock-down rebuild can make sense on a great lot with a house that isn't worth saving, which happens in older Gainesville neighborhoods and on Lake Lanier lots with small original cabins. You keep the location and existing utilities, and you get a brand-new house. Budget for demolition, typically about $8,000 to $30,000 depending on size and access, plus testing for asbestos or lead in older homes. Eric can look at the house and give you an honest opinion on whether it's worth remodeling.
How do I pay for a remodel, addition or new home?
- Cash or savings for smaller remodels and phased work.
- A home equity loan or HELOC for remodels and additions, borrowing against the home you already own.
- A cash-out refinance for larger renovations.
- A renovation loan that's based on the home's value after the work.
- A construction loan for a new home or a rebuild, often converting to a regular mortgage when the house is finished.
Talk with your lender early. A written estimate from EBD helps them size the loan.
If resale is part of the decision, see which remodels add the most value in Gainesville.
How do I decide which option is right for me?
- Write down what isn't working about your current house, and what you'd keep.
- Set a comfortable budget range, including a cushion for surprises.
- Get the house looked at. A contractor can tell you whether the structure, roof and systems are worth building on.
- Compare two or three options side by side, with cost and timeline for each.
- Think about how long you'll stay. The longer you'll live there, the more a bigger change pays off.
That's exactly what a free consultation with EBD covers. Eric does remodels, additions and new homes, so you get an honest answer instead of a sales pitch for one kind of job.
Where does EBD Construction remodel and build?
- Gainesville
- Flowery Branch
- Oakwood
- Buford
- Braselton
- Murrayville
- Clermont
- Lula
- Cleveland
- Dahlonega
- Demorest and Cornelia
- Lake Lanier homes
Why talk to EBD Construction before you decide?
- The same crew every day. Three full-time builders who have worked together for over a decade, not a rotating cast of subcontractors.
- You talk to the owner. Eric Bubniak is your point of contact from the first visit to the final walkthrough.
- Permits handled for you. Eric pulls every permit himself and schedules the inspections.
- Reviews you can check. EBD Construction has 5-star reviews on Thumbtack, and references from past customers are available on request.
- See the work first. Browse the project gallery or walk through a real EBD whole-home project.
Remodel or build new FAQs
Is it cheaper to remodel or build new in Hall County?
Usually remodeling is cheaper, because the foundation, roof, walls and utilities already exist. Building new can come close in cost when nearly every wall would have to move or major systems are failing.
Does a remodel or a new home add more value?
A new home is worth more, but it also costs more. Kitchens, baths, porches and finished space usually return a good share of their cost and make the home easier to sell.
Can I remodel one room at a time?
Yes. Many homeowners phase the work, starting with the kitchen or primary bath, and EBD can design each phase to fit with the next.
Can you tell me if my house is worth remodeling?
Yes. During a free consultation Eric looks at the foundation, framing, roof and systems and gives you an honest opinion on remodeling, adding on or rebuilding.
Do you build new homes and remodel?
Yes. EBD Construction builds new custom homes and does remodels, additions and basements, with the same crew on every project.
Is EBD Construction licensed and insured?
Yes. EBD Construction LLC is licensed and insured, all work is guaranteed, and references are available on request.
Not sure which way to go?
Call Eric Bubniak at 404-925-7481 or fill out the form below for a free consultation. Tell us about your house or land and what you'd like to change, and Eric will walk you through the options.
Get your free consultation
Tell us a little about your project. Eric will call you within one business day to talk it through and set up a time to see the space.