Q: Should I scrape or remodel my home?
When deciding whether to scrape your home or remodel it, start with the numbers:
- Look at nearby scrape-off projects and what they sold for.
- Compare that to what your current home would sell for as-is or after renovation.
- If your home could sell for more than 25% of the highest new home sale price, you should remodel rather than scrape.
In premium Denver Metro neighborhoods like Hilltop or Cherry Creek North, that threshold can reach up to 30%. However, if your land value alone approaches 30% of the highest sale price, you may be in the danger zone—meaning a remodel is typically the smarter, more cost-effective choice.
Q: What should I consider when deciding to scrape or remodel?
Before you make a decision, research your neighborhood trends.
- If no one else has scraped and rebuilt nearby, that’s usually a signal not to go first.
- Some neighborhoods are ideal for fix-and-flip projects, others for simple remodeling, and some for complete tear-downs.
It’s rare to find a neighborhood where more than one of these options consistently makes financial sense. Always study the local market and redevelopment history.
Q: What should I not consider?
Everything should factor into your decision — location, zoning, demand, financing, and resale potential. The more research you do, the better your decisions will be.
The most important rule?
Only take advice from qualified, proven experts with real experience in construction and redevelopment — not just general market opinions.
Q: What are the biggest misconceptions about scraping or remodeling?
Many homeowners base expectations on what they’ve seen on HGTV or home renovation shows. While entertaining, these programs often misrepresent the true time, cost, effort, and risk involved in major construction projects.
In reality, successful redevelopment requires:
- Careful planning and budgeting
- Expert project management
- Patience and professional execution
If you fall short on any one of these, a project can quickly turn from profitable to costly. As Dave Jackson puts it, “If it were easy, everyone would do it — and it wouldn’t be profitable.”
Professional Guidance from Jackson Design Build
At Jackson Design Build, we’ve helped countless homeowners across Colorado make informed, strategic choices about whether to scrape or remodel.
If you’re considering upgrading or rebuilding your home in Denver or the greater metro area, our team can help you weigh the numbers, analyze the market, and choose the best path forward.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and get expert advice tailored to your situation.
