Transform your home: Should You Remodel, Add On, or Build New in 2025?

transform your home

As life changes, so do our needs for the spaces we call home. At Mark Eric Benner – Architects, we specialize in creating thoughtful, innovative designs that fit your lifestyle while addressing critical factors like energy efficiency and sustainability. But deciding whether to remodel, add on, or build new can feel overwhelming, especially in today’s challenging market conditions.

Let’s explore your options while considering the impact of inflation, labor shortages, and high demand—and how advanced architectural planning can help you navigate these challenges.

1. Remodeling: Updating What You Have

If you’re mostly satisfied with your current home but want to refresh it, remodeling can be the perfect solution.

Benefits of Remodeling:

  • Address wear and tear: Update outdated finishes, repair structural issues, or modernize fixtures.
  • Enhance functionality: Turn underused spaces into practical areas that match your needs.
  • Improve efficiency: Upgrade to energy-efficient windows, smart HVAC systems, and sustainable materials.

Market Considerations:

  • Inflation has increased the cost of lumber, steel, and fixtures.
  • Labor shortages can delay project timelines if not managed carefully.

Our Approach: With comprehensive architectural planning, we help minimize delays and ensure every dollar spent contributes to the quality and efficiency of your remodel.

2. Adding On: Expanding Your Space

If your family has outgrown your home but you love your location, an addition might be the answer.

Benefits of Adding On:

  • Create more living space without sacrificing your favorite neighborhood.
  • Boost your home’s value by adding desirable features, such as a home office, larger kitchen, or additional bedrooms.
  • Incorporate sustainable elements like solar-ready roofing or energy-efficient designs.

Market Considerations:

  • High demand for construction services means competition for skilled labor.
  • Material costs can fluctuate, potentially impacting your budget.

Our Approach: Advanced planning ensures your project is designed with precision, enabling you to source materials efficiently and secure trusted contractors to avoid unnecessary delays.

3. Building New: Starting Fresh

Sometimes, the best way to achieve your dream home is to start from scratch.

Benefits of Building New:

  • Create a home that perfectly matches your current and future needs.
  • Incorporate cutting-edge energy conservation and renewable energy solutions from the ground up.
  • Utilize modern layouts, materials, and technologies to increase comfort and efficiency.

Market Considerations:

  • Inflation makes budgeting crucial, with rising costs for materials and labor.
  • The labor shortage can affect timelines if projects aren’t meticulously planned.

Our Approach: Comprehensive architectural planning minimizes risks by anticipating challenges, optimizing your budget, and ensuring every detail is ready before construction begins.

4. Navigating the Market Challenges

Inflation, labor shortages, and high demand in the construction industry can feel like barriers to achieving your dream home, but they don’t have to be.

How Advanced Planning Helps:

  • Efficient Resource Allocation: By planning, we secure the best materials at the right time, reducing waste and avoiding costly delays.
  • Actionable Timelines: We create realistic schedules that account for labor availability, minimizing the impact of shortages.
  • Sustainability Built-In: The design integrates energy conservation and renewable energy solutions, making your home future-proof and environmentally friendly.

By choosing an experienced architectural team, you can avoid costly missteps and focus on bringing your vision to life.

5. Incorporating Energy Conservation and Sustainability

Regardless of your choice, energy efficiency and sustainability should be central to your project.

Options for Any Project:

  • Solar energy systems: Ideal for new builds or roof upgrades.
  • Smart home systems: From energy-efficient lighting to automated climate control.
  • Water-saving technology: Rainwater harvesting and efficient plumbing.
  • Sustainable materials: Reclaimed wood, low-VOC paints, and advanced insulation.

These investments lower utility bills and increase your home’s value while reducing environmental impact.

6. Choosing the Right Path Forward

Whether remodeling, adding on, or building new, your decision should align with your long-term goals, budget, and lifestyle.

Ask Yourself:

  • Do I love my current location, or is it time for a change?
  • How much space do I truly need to live comfortably?
  • Am I ready to invest in sustainability and renewable energy?
  • What timeline and budget constraints do I need to consider?

At Mark Eric Benner – Architects, we work closely with you to create a home that meets your needs while navigating the complexities of the current market.

Partner with Experts for Success

Inflation, labor shortages, and high demand don’t have to derail your plans. With advanced architectural planning, we turn challenges into opportunities, creating efficient, sustainable, and actionable designs.

Whether you’re remodeling, expanding, or building new, Mark Eric Benner – Architects ensures every detail is accounted for so you can confidently move forward. Let’s bring your dream home to life.

Read more about our collaborative design partnerships here.


Is It Time for You to Prepare for a Residential Architecture Project?

Want to know more about how the process works? Check out our Work WIth Us page. Contact us today to start designing your wellness-focused home! Discover more residential architecture design ideas by following us. Our LinkTr.ee page is home to all of our platforms, linktr.ee/MarkBenner.

Mark Eric Benner – Architects has served and provides bespoke, value-focussed architectural and interior design services in the following communities:
Illinois: Arlington Heights, Bannockburn, Bull Valley, Burr Ridge, Chicago, Crystal Lake, Deerfield, Downers Grove, Evanston, Geneva, Glencoe, Glenview, Glen Ellyn, Fox Lake, Highland Park, Kenilworth, Lake Bluff, Lake Forest, Lemont, Libertyville, Morris, Northbrook, Northfield, Park Ridge, Ravinia, Round Lake, Skokie, Waukegan, Wilmette, Winnetka, and Woodstock

Wisconsin: Burlington, Door County, Ephraim, Fish Creek, Kenosha, Lake Geneva, Sister Bay, Twin Lakes, Walworth, Williams Bay;
as well as communities throughout Colorado.

Affordable Housing

Our non-profit projects serve:
Chicago, IL; North Chicago, IL; Bogalusa, LA; Franklinton, LA; Slidell, LA; Tupelo, MS; Johnson City, TN; White Sulphur Springs, WV.
Partners in disaster recovery and affordable housing:
Solid Rock Carpentersboard member (www.SolidRockCarpenters.org)
Appalachian Service Project (www.ASPHome.org)
Habitat for Humanity (www.Habitat.org)
Matthew Homes (https://www.renewcommunities.org/matthewhome)
The Home Depot Foundation (https://corporate.homedepot.com/page/home-depot-foundation)
We invite you to learn more about, and support these generous and caring organizations who support communities in need.

Contact us today to start planning your dream home project.


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