Yes, a house can be built without renovation. New construction inherently avoids renovation requirements as it involves building from scratch rather than modifying existing structures.

The primary distinction lies in the definition of renovation, which typically refers to altering, repairing, or upgrading pre-existing buildings. In the United States, approximately 65% of housing units are owner-occupied, with a significant portion being newly constructed properties. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, housing starts, a key indicator of new construction, reached 1.6 million units in 2022, underscoring the feasibility of building homes without prior renovation. Renovation activities, by contrast, account for a smaller but growing market segment. The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) reported that the home renovation market was valued at $484 billion in 2022, highlighting its economic significance. However, this data emphasizes that renovation and new construction are separate markets.

Cost and regulatory factors further support the viability of renovation-free building. New construction allows developers to specify materials, designs, and systems upfront, avoiding the complexities of retrofitting existing structures. For instance, the average cost of building a single-family home in the U.S. was $432,000 in 2023, while renovating an existing home often exceeds $50,000, according to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). Additionally, local building codes prioritize safety and compliance in new constructions, reducing long-term risks associated with outdated renovations.

In summary, while renovations play a critical role in the housing market, new construction remains a viable and common approach to building homes without requiring prior renovations. Data on housing starts, market valuations, and cost comparisons reinforce this conclusion.