TABLE OF CONTENTS Philosophers have long recognized that a fruitful discourse requires agreement on the terms of discussion. Various "R words" are used in this hook to describe building renovation activities; these words sound similar but refer to slightly different concepts. Since there is no universal agreement on the meaning of these terms, the following common definitions are used here:
Renovation is a process of substantial repair or alteration that extends a building's useful life.
Rehabilitation is an upgrade required to meet the present needs; it implies sensitivity to building features and a sympathetic matching of original construction.
Restoration is a more restrictive term than rehabilitation; it suggests replicating the structure as originally built. This term is most commonly applied to buildings of historical value.
Repair is a process of reconstruction and renewal of the existing buildings, either wholly or in part.
Retrofit is an upgrading of certain building systems, such as mechanical, electrical, or structural, to improve performance, function, or appearance.
Remodeling is essentially the same as renovation; the term is commonly applied to residential construction.
Sometimes the word renovation is used to refer to inappropriate alterations to historic properties, as opposed to rehabilitation, which implies a deferential approach to the historic fabric. Renovation, as used here, is intended to encompass any measures needed to make a building stronger and more appealing.
A confluence of several factors, whose relative importance varies from project to project, usually establishes...
