Older or damaged properties have plenty of charm, and can be worthwhile investments with the proper renovations. There may be times, however, when a structure is too far past its prime and demolition is preferable to restoration. Here are several tips for determining if a home should be repaired or if demolition is the ideal way to go.  

How to Decide If a Property Should Be Demolished or Restored  

1. Costs

If the budget for renovating a home far exceeds the actual cost of the house’s sale price, it may be more efficient to demolish the structure. Line item all expenses for repairs to the foundation, electrical wiring, roofing, drywall, insulation, siding, windows, plumbing, and other miscellaneous restoration components. Compare this total to the amount you’ll pay for the home and land, combined with the expected cost of demolition and rebuilding. Use estimates from reputable experts. Consider also the average market conditions and consumer preferences in your area; if the home has historical value that you know buyers will appreciate, it may be worth it to opt for renovations. 

2. Major Structural Damage

If the structure was improperly constructed or has suffered significant damage, it may not be worth renovating. Cracks, settling, or sinking in a home’s foundation are signs that the home may not be salvageable. If the ceilings are low or in extremely poor condition, it can be prohibitively expensive to raise them. Extensive mold issues may also require lengthy and costly remediation. If you demolish, you’ll be able to rebuild with an improved architectural design and take advantage of the latest technology and materials to create a stronger fundamental structure. 

3. Age

While older homes have unique aesthetic appeal, age may pose practical problems. Outdated plumbing can cause repeated backups. Old-school electrical wiring might not have the wattage to power modern appliances and lighting. Wholesale replacement of these systems could get pricey, especially if you’ll need to address multiple issues. Even repaired properties may require additional upkeep as they continue to age, so it may ultimately be more cost-effective to demolish and rebuild a new, lower-maintenance property. 

If it’s time to demolish and rebuild your commercial or residential property, Amazon Construction in Pearl City, HI, will help. Since 1981, they’ve offered safe and efficient demolition, as well as land clearing, excavation, hauling, and grubbing. This locally owned firm provides customers with free estimates and a guarantee of 100% customer satisfaction. For advice about whether to repair or demolish a structure, call (808) 841-6595. Visit the website to view photos of their residential and commercial projects.