1. The Challenge of Renovation

2. • Philosophers have long recognized that a fruitful discourse requires agreement on the terms of
discussion. Various “R words” are used in this book 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:

3. • 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.

4. • 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.

5. • 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.