Renovation vs Remodeling

Question and the debate of the century! What is the difference between Renovation and Remodeling! Most people make the mistake of using one term for the other and vice versa! Sadly, even some "renovation" companies use the wrong term!

The word 'renovation' comes from the Latin word 'nov' which means new! What it boils down to is simply 'Renew"! Take what's at hand and without making any structural change or modifications, simply renew it! What falls under renovation, you ask? Well;
-painting,
-replacing or refinishing cabinets,
-replacing countertops,
-new light fixtures,
-faucets, door handles, blinds etc.
In other words, anything you can do to renew or refresh the look of your existing place would fall under renovations! Keep in mind that renovations typically do not require city permits, where on the other hand, remodeling usually does!

So now let's take a look at remodeling!
This is a whole 'other game! With remodeling, you are actually making structural changes and alterations to your place. For example;
-creating an opening through an existing wall,
-any significant change to the original build and/or layout,
-dividing an existing room into two by putting up a wall etc.
While remodeling may also include renovating, the opposite is typically not true.

Hope this helps clarify the issue and distinguish the difference between the two terms.