REMODEL, NEW BUILD, OR SCRAPE-AND-BUILD
Which One is Right for You?
At Elizabeth Hales Design, we’ve had the opportunity to work on a wide range of projects, from minor interior updates to complete overhauls. One of our recent transformations was a full scrape-and-build, and the outcome couldn’t have been more rewarding. While remodels always bring surprises, this project is a reminder that sometimes starting from scratch is the smartest, most impactful path forward.
THE SCRAPE AND BUILD PROCESS
Scrape-and-build projects, where an existing structure is entirely demolished to make way for a new home, are sometimes the best choice for our clients. The photos above document an example of this process from demolition to completion. Here are a few reasons why a scrape-and-build was the right choice for this EHD home:
Structural challenges: The original home had significant limitations. Retrofitting to achieve higher
ceilings, radiant floor heating, or expansive openings would have been both costly and inefficient.
Design freedom: Starting from a clean slate gave us the ability to reorient the home on its site, capture
better views, and design with long-term sustainability and energy efficiency in mind.
Optimized layout: A new build meant we could rethink the entire floor plan—creating open, connected
spaces that flow seamlessly and respond to the family’s lifestyle.
Future-proofing: With a new structure, we could integrate modern systems and smart technologies from
the ground up, ensuring the home performs well for decades to come.
Selective preservation: Where it made sense, we reinforced portions of the existing foundation—
balancing efficiency with thoughtful reuse.
Cohesive design integration: Working hand-in-hand with landscape designers allowed the architecture
and outdoor spaces to be conceived together, resulting in a unified property experience.
The outcome: A warm, modern home tailored entirely to the family, blending beauty, functionality, and
longevity.
THE REMODEL PROCESS
Remodel projects, where the existing structure is carefully preserved and updated, are often the best path forward when a home carries history and character worth saving. The photos below show the transformation of a Canadian log cabin, showing how thoughtful updates can breathe new life into a beloved property. Here are a few reasons why a remodel was the right choice for this EHD project:
Heritage value: The cabin’s craftsmanship and rustic log structure carried a sense of history and authenticity that demolition would have erased.
Strong foundation: The existing bones of the home provided a reliable framework to build upon, making preservation both practical and meaningful.
Character preservation: Original details, such as exposed logs and natural textures, were carefully maintained to honor the cabin’s architectural identity.
Thoughtful addition: A new expansion was introduced, seamlessly integrated with the original cabin to provide more space.
Modern upgrades: Systems were updated and interiors reorganized for better flow, ensuring comfort and functionality without compromising character.
Refreshed materials: A wash was applied to the logs, softening their tone into a lighter, more minimal finish that pairs beautifully with new modern details and furnishings.
Enhanced livability: Strategic adjustments improved natural light, added storage, and created a stronger connection between indoor and outdoor spaces.
Final result: A welcoming retreat that feels rooted in its history yet fully adapted to the needs of a modern family.
THE RIGHT DECISION FOR YOU
Knowing whether to pursue a scrape-and-build or a remodel depends on the condition of the home and the long-term goals of the project. A scrape-and-build is often the best option when the structure is failing, the layout is severely limiting, or when future needs require upgrades that would be impractical to achieve through renovation. On the other hand, a remodel is ideal when the structure is sound, carries historical or sentimental value, or when preserving original character is just as important as improving comfort and functionality. At Elizabeth Hales Design, our strength lies in guiding clients through these choices, balancing vision, budget, and long-term goals to determine the smartest path forward.