Remodeling Versus Moving How to Decide

A home in the midst of a renovation (Photo by Petra Keßler on Unsplash)

​A couple of years ago, your home seemed perfect for your family. Nowadays, not so much. You've outgrown it, there's barely any storage room left, and there's evident wear and tear present. Fixing it all up seems like too much work, so the thought of moving homes crossed your mind. Still, you can't seem to make up your mind. Remodeling vs. moving? What are their pros and cons? And which one would work better in your particular situation? Stick with us as we try to give you all the answers! #remodeling #homerenovations

Renovating Versus Moving What Is the Right Decision?

​Honestly, neither of the two is wrong. There are benefits associated with remodeling, and there are those associated with buying a new home. It's more of a question of what is suitable for you. For example, if your house seems a bit too petite for your current needs, building an extension could potentially solve your problems. If the neighborhood is troubling, then sadly, no amount of work around the property would suffice. Before making the ultimate decision, though, try asking yourself these questions:

• To what extent would an addition expand the available space, and would that be enough?
• Will a new home offer you something that the current one can't and never will?
• Do you feel like you belong in the community? Would you miss it if you were to relocate?
• Does buying in a new community mean you'll be closer to work, school, hospital, etc.?

 
While the above questions can simplify the decision-making process, you'll still have to weigh in the other factors as well. Keep reading for the 5 of the most prominent ones.

What to consider when deciding between a new build or renovation

​Cost-effectiveness
What pays more - to stay put and remodel or sell and move on? You'll have to figure this one out before you do anything about either. You may think buying a new house would prove more cost-effective, but that doesn't always have to be the case. There are lots of hidden expenses associated with buying properties that could add up rather quickly. The moving process itself is not to be taken for granted either. It's pricey, tough, and brings an enormous amount of stress into one's life.
 
Initially, you might think going through a renovation is not worthy, especially if it seems like there are too many issues to tend to. In some instances, though, the root of the problem can actually be solved with a smaller scale renovation. Would it make sense to sell if only a couple of thousands of dollars were stopping you from improving your home? Well, obviously, not.
 
Take up budgeting to determine the cost-effectiveness of both moving and renovating. If you find the latter would work the best for you, of course, you'll have to contemplate storing your belongings somewhere during remodeling. Make some space in adjacent rooms, garage, or the attic, if possible. Should everything else fail, there's also an option of renting a storage unit. #movinghomes

Remodeling vs. moving? Which is more cost-effective? The answer varies and depends on the amount of work that must be done. (Picture Pexels)

Research the Current Real Estate Market
You absolutely must inform yourself of the current real estate market trends before opting for moving. The last thing you want is to buy property at the wrong time! Talk to an expert local realtor about the next course of action if you were to truly pursue moving. Figure out the value of your current home, and check out the prices of those in the area you wish to relocate to. Book an appointment with a mortgage lender as well, as a way to compare the latest rates with your current one. All this information could help you better understand the difference between remodeling versus moving. 

Don't Neglect Emotions
Are you ready to move out from the house you've been calling ''home'' for all those years? Are you honestly prepared to say goodbye to a place where you made all those precious memories? You must have a heartfelt conversation with your family about the matter to determine if the issues outweigh the emotional connection you've all got to the house.

Take Location into Consideration
The layout of a brand new home, the design, and the size may all work in your favor, but would they be able to beat the location of your previous home? You'll have to come to terms with what matters more to you. Is it the style or the comfort, the proximity to your children's school, your work, great accessibility to major roads? You know how life is - you can't have it all. There's a big chance you'll have to make certain sacrifices. It's up to you, though, to choose which ones.

Would you be ok with making sacrifices if you choose to move? The ones, for example, involving location? Think about his before you take the leap. (Photo by Ketut Subiyanto from Pexels)

Weigh in the Benefits of Staying Put
​Many people would say that moving is among the worst experiences in life. It makes one's skin crawl and isn't something to go through unless absolutely necessary. In most cases, you and your home would be better off with a renovation. These are a couple of advantages to improving your home.
 

• We've already mentioned how stressful it is to move. Remodeling, while demanding as well, isn't nearly as arduous as swapping homes.
• There are various fees associated with purchasing a property and moving. We aren't talking a couple of hundreds of dollars, but thousands. Think about the number of things you could do around the house with that kind of money.
• You won't be just pouring money down the drain by opting to remodel. You'll be increasing the value of your home. To what extent exactly, though, it's hard to say as not all home improvement projects provide the same ROI (return on investment).
• If you work with a quality designer and a top-notch contractor, you'll be able to convert the ugly duckling into a house of your dreams without having to go through neither the selling nor the buying process.

: If you choose a quality contractor for the renovation project, you could be better off fixing the issues than moving. (Photo by Henry & Co. on Unsplash)

​Ultimately, when we talk about remodeling vs. moving, it seems that the favors are slightly shifting towards the first. Regardless of what you choose, however, remember that the road won't be easy. To get through either of them successfully, you'll have to surround yourself with professionals that deal with them on a daily basis. Professional that know exactly what they are doing!
​#remodelingvsmoving #homeimprovement #homebuilding

Other Useful Articles:
​Thinking of Renovating Your Home - Consider A Dream Loft Conversion
Home renovators do you know if your home contains hazardous materials?
Restrictions which could impact your home renovation plans

Author

Samantha Jonson is a writer with a strong passion for home improvements. Currently, she is closely working with Simplify Valet Storage & Moving, for whom she handles customer relations.

Want to learn more about designing, renovating and building houses?

Click on picture to view books on Amazon

Paul Netscher has written several easy to read books for owners, contractors, construction managers, construction supervisors and foremen. They cover all aspects of construction management and are filled with tips and insights.
Visit to read more.
The books are available in paper and ebook from most online stores including Amazon.