A post on the Unshelved Blog reminds me of the varying philosophies towards upgrading web sites.
In the post, Bill discusses how much easier it is to make incremental changes to their site fairly often, rather than a major overhaul less often.
I agree, but also have found that completely re-doing a site occasionally, combined with incremental and on-going changes, allows for the least amount of overall work in maintaining a web site. This is because some changes are more easily accomplished from the ground up rather than afterwards.
Think of it in terms of one’s house: adding forced-air heating, or plumbing, or network cable is much easier in a new construction than in an existing home. Changing windows, flooring, or updating a bathroom can all be accomplished relatively easily in an existing house.
The trick, with both the web site and the house, is to determine what is needed, what is wanted, and the resources and options you have to make it happen. There is a great deal you can do to an existing web site / house, but at some point it makes sense to start fresh. Figure out which is best, and plan ahead for the big changes.
