Remodeling an older home compared with building new, for cost, schedule, character, systems and surprises.
Owners often ask whether to renovate or start over. Renovation keeps what is good about a home, such as location, trees, character and sometimes the structure, and it carries unknowns behind walls. A new build lets you design everything and meet current codes, and it can mean tearing down something worth keeping. Neither always costs less, and each has strong cases.
The right answer depends on condition, location, rules and what you want. A sound house with a poor layout can be renovated well. A house with deep structural or moisture problems may cost more to fix than to replace. Historic or overlay rules can limit both choices. In Nashville, where lots are valuable and neighborhoods are changing, we study the building and the lot, compare scenarios and give you an honest recommendation before you commit.
Keeps character and location and has unknowns.
Fresh design and current codes.
Neither always costs less.
Renovation can be faster or slower depending on surprises.
Structure and moisture often decide.
Older homes hold details that are hard to replace.
Home Additions and ExpansionsNew rooms and wings designed to match your home, with roof lines, materials and structure planned together.Explore 
Outdoor Living and Pool House DesignCovered porches, outdoor kitchens, pool houses and pavilions that extend your living space outdoors.Explore 
Renovation and RestorationPlans to renew older buildings: repairing what is worth keeping and updating what no longer works.Explore 
Storm and Fire Damage Rebuild DesignPlans to rebuild after storm, fire or water damage, working with insurers and builders to move quickly.Explore 
Structural Opening and Wall Removal DesignOpening walls and adding beams safely, with the structure designed by an engineer and the finish drawn by…Explore 
Concept and Schematic DesignThe first design phase: big ideas, sketches and plans that show what your project could look and feel…Explore 
Plan Review and Second OpinionsA fresh look at plans you already have: what works, what is missing and what could be better…Explore Plan a lot, pick a style or ballpark a budget.
Lot Setback and Buildable Area PlannerEnter lot size, setbacks and coverage limits to see a rough buildable area. Always confirm real limits with the city.Try it 
Architectural Style PickerAnswer a few questions about your taste, site and lifestyle to see which home styles usually fit and what to look at next.Try it 
Architecture Project Budget PlannerPick a project, set the size and add extras to see a ballpark planning range for design and building. Placeholder values only.Try it It depends on the house. A condition study and early pricing help compare.
Sometimes. The foundation must be sound and suit the new plan.
Yes. We plan allowances and investigate early to reduce them.
Comparison guideArchitect vs Designer vs BuilderWhat architects, residential designers, interior designers and builders each do, and how to choose who to hire first.Learn more 
Comparison guideDesign-Bid-Build vs Design-BuildTwo common ways to organize design and construction, compared for cost clarity, speed, control and risk.Learn more 
Comparison guideArchitectural StylesCraftsman, farmhouse, colonial, ranch, contemporary and other house styles common in Middle Tennessee, compared by look, layout and…Learn more 
Comparison guideFloor Plan LayoutsOpen, traditional, split and hybrid floor plans compared for flow, privacy, light, noise and furniture.Learn more Call us and describe your project. We will look at your property, talk through ideas and give you a clear written estimate.
