Chad Isbell, founder of Crescent Moon Custom Construction and an industry leader at UBuildIt Houston Gulf Coast, has shaped the Houston residential market since the late 1990s. Renowned for fusing cutting‑edge building techniques with timeless design, he guides homeowners through every stage of creating, remodeling, and enhancing their properties—from bespoke houses to luxury outdoor living spaces crafted through SummerSet Oasis Pools and Patios. An active member of the National Institute of Building Sciences and the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, Chad’s diverse expertise and relentless pursuit of excellence make him a trusted authority on all things home construction.
UBuildIt-Houston Gulf Coast offers both custom home building and remodeling services. In addition to providing quality home building and remodeling services, the team at UBuildIt also serves as a valuable resource for homeowners considering both options. In a June 2025 blog post, the company shared with the public the pros and cons of building a custom home versus simply remodeling an existing one.
Typically, homeowners who are considering building a new home or remodeling an existing one do so because they have outgrown their current space. Building a new home creates a space customized to personal needs while also reducing long-term costs. Alternatively, home remodeling is a more affordable option that provides homeowners with more functionality, in addition to other benefits.
One major benefit of remodeling is that it allows homeowners to stay in their current home, which is especially valuable if they live in a desirable neighborhood with good schools, views, or convenience. Remodeling is generally less costly than a custom build and can be a practical way to update a home without the need to relocate.
Upgrades such as energy-efficient appliances, modern features, and thoughtful design improvements can also increase property values and add market appeal. Additionally, remodeling can preserve the unique charm of a home, including original hardwood floors or custom architectural elements. Living in your home during the remodeling process is possible, minimizing disruption to family life.
While remodeling offers some advantages, one disadvantage is that homeowners may face design issues, including limitations to the original floor plan, which can make removing walls or adding rooms challenging. Moreover, with older homes, homeowners face challenges related to outdated wiring, plumbing issues, and rotting framing, which can lead to delays and additional costs. In addition to these complications, homeowners must obtain permits and comply with code compliance requirements that apply to even the most minor home upgrades.
Alternatively, building a new home offers homeowners the opportunity to create a floor plan that aligns with their lifestyle, whether it means adding space for a multigenerational living area or a home office. A custom-built home comes with the latest features, which means homeowners can enjoy long-term value in terms of maintenance and repairs. Additionally, many custom home builders offer their clients warranties on items such as appliances and roofing, which homeowners typically do not receive with older home remodels.
Custom home construction comes with high upfront costs, including land, permits, materials, and labor. Unlike remodeling, which may be completed in a few months, building from scratch can take nine months or more.
Finding suitable land also presents challenges. Urban lots are scarce and expensive, while rural plots often lack infrastructure, which can increase utility and road access costs. Additionally, homeowners will need temporary housing during construction, which can result in increased rental expenses.
Both options offer homeowners benefits and drawbacks, but experts advise homeowners to consider a few key factors when deciding whether to remodel or build a custom home. Considerations include whether their family will grow and if homeowners will have the time to wait for a new home to be constructed, as well as financing considerations for either project. Homeowners should consider the amount of equity they currently have in their existing home, the state of the real estate market, and whether short-term or long-term savings are more important to the household.
The experts at UBuildIt offer homeowners a comparison and assessment of their current home to help them decide which option is best. For more information on how the team at UBuildIt can help, please visit houston-gulfcoast.ubuildit.com.