renovate

Renovate is the act of improving a building, object, or system by repairing, updating, or modernizing it. In everyday use, renovation involves altering existing structures to improve function, efficiency, or appearance while retaining original form where possible.

Etymology: the word derives from Latin renovare, meaning to renew, and entered English via Old French and Middle English.

In construction and design, renovation encompasses a range of activities from cosmetic upgrades to substantial rehabilitation. Typical tasks include structural repairs, replacement or modernization of electrical, plumbing, or HVAC systems, updating insulation and energy performance, and new interior finishes or layouts. Renovations can be partial, focusing on one area, or complete, transforming the whole building.

Heritage and urban contexts: When applied to historic properties, renovation aims to preserve or restore significant architectural features while improving safety and usability. Regulations, permits, and preservation guidelines often shape the process and may restrict the extent of alteration.

Renovate (also known as Renovate Bot) is the name of an open-source software tool that automates dependency management in software projects. It scans a repository, identifies outdated dependencies, and proposes updates through pull requests. It supports multiple ecosystems, including JavaScript, Python, Java, and others, and can be configured for cadence, grouping, and compatibility rules to maintain security and currency in codebases.

See also: restoration, refurbishment.