Definitions. Technically, a renovation and remodel are defined differently. While a remodel changes the form of something (like adding a new shower to an existing bathroom), a renovation focuses more on restoring something old into good repair (fixing up a creaky floor, for example).

Renovation and New Construction - An Overview The term “new construction” is pretty straightforward. The house is designed and built from the ground up. Everything is newly built and installed. Renovation is the term used when you want to make changes to an existing structure for various reasons.

And as you can see, even though remodeling and retrofitting have some similarities, retrofitting is more or less a means to improve the functionality of a home or building by adding new technology, where as remodeling centers around aesthetics (and some functionality as well).

It basically means reshaping and restructuring an entire room or building. It often requires planning permission and it almost always requires the help of an architect. Remodelling activities include things like: Demolition and construction work, i.e. knocking down old walls and adding new walls.