Ranch-style homes have fallen in and out of favor over the decades. This love-hate relationship with homeowners often leads to a desire to make major changes to the average ranch. One of the most frequently asked questions regarding a major ranch home renovation is: ‘When is it better to knock it down instead of working with what is there?’ Sometimes that line is hard to draw, and it usually is determined by a cost-benefit analysis. If, in changing all the windows (and moving them), removing the roof, and rearranging the floor plan, there is little house left, then certainly a case can be made to start from scratch. Regardless if that approach makes the most economic sense, most of us cringe at the idea of demolishing a home, even if it has major problems.

One reason to work a new design around an existing home can be a desire to preserve historical features, although that does not usually apply to the average ranch. Another important factor in making those choices can be the extent of existing landscaping and terraces. If an owner has invested in creating a beautiful environment close to the house, a complete teardown will also destroy that investment.

Sometimes the interior layout of a ranch-style home can be modified to retain large portions of the existing floor plan while adding a second floor. By saving major components of the ranch, the impact on the surrounding site can be minimized. If mechanical systems are in good shape, they often can be reused as well as foundations, and the septic system.

It is important to take the entire scope of the project into consideration before opting for a complete tear-down of the familiar ranch-style home, even if what you want is a two-story colonial.