Dearest Reader:
In Orlando’s most desirable districts, where oak canopies shade the streets and the air smells faintly of orange blossoms, a familiar question is making the rounds. You’ll hear it at open houses, in coffee lines and whispered between neighbors: “Shall one lavish one’s coin on the restoration of an aging beauty, or sweep her aside for a dazzling new debut?”
In neighborhoods like College Park, Thornton Park and coveted corners of Winter Park, many homes have stood for generations. Their plaster may crack, and their plumbing may sigh, yet their charm is undeniable, the sort of character no builder can replicate. A renovation preserves these stories and quirks, offering a living link to the past.
Still, the lure of new construction is undeniable. Imagine closets so large they require their own zip code, kitchens that gleam as if awaiting a magazine photographer, energy-efficient everything, and floor plans designed for the way we actually live. In a market where land is scarce, starting fresh can even yield stronger returns than the most artful renovation.
So, how does one choose? Begin with an honest look at your needs. Do you crave a bigger footprint than your current home can provide? If so, and your lot allows, a new build may be your only path to more space. But if your home has good bones and a workable layout, a renovation might serve you just as well. (And remember, age alone does not guarantee quality; some old houses are more “project” than “prize.”)
Now, the numbers. In Orlando, building new often starts at about $275,000 for every 1,000 square feet — and most new builds aim for 3,000 square feet or more, putting many projects over the million-dollar range.
Renovations, by contrast, might begin around $75,000 for every 1,000 square feet — making it possible to refresh a smaller home without the full expense of starting from scratch.
Then, timing. A renovation might let you remain at home, if you can live with dust, detours to the kitchen, and the occasional contractor vanishing like a suitor with cold feet. A new build will require other accommodations and often takes 12–18 months to complete, compared to a renovation’s six to seven months.
And finally, financing. Renovations may be funded through savings or a home equity line of credit, while new builds often require a construction-to-permanent loan.
In the end, choose the path that serves your lifestyle, your budget and your patience, with just enough boldness to keep the neighbors talking.
Yours truly,
Lady Listwell
