Should You Remodeling or Move

Remodeling vs. Moving: How to Decide

With the popularity of HGTV and DIY television shows about remodeling homes, your wheels might be turning. You’re probably thinking about the kitchen you’ve always wanted. Maybe you’re envisioning a master suite with a giant bathroom, including room for the oversized Jacuzzi tub you saw in a commercial.

Before you start getting quotes and taking out a loan to remodel, think it through very carefully. There are times when remodeling is the best decision, and there are times when it’s just easier and cheaper to find or even build the house you want instead.

Do you absolutely love where you live now? If you didn’t have kids in the nearby school, would you still want to live where you do now? Have you ever thought about moving to a different climate? Would you prefer different scenery, such as living on a lake, near mountains, or near the ocean? If you make all of the changes you want, will you be too close to your neighbors? Will your house be too big for the neighborhood?

These are all questions you need to ask yourself. Extensive remodeling projects can be incredibly expensive. Unexpected expenses almost always spring up. While it might seem simple to you to just add on another room or story (they make it look so easy on television), you have to take wiring, plumbing, roofing, permits, and labor into consideration. Remodeling can be a time-consuming and expensive project, and you want to be sure you’re going to live in your house long enough to enjoy it.

If you do plan on moving but still want to remodel, consider your house after the remodeling project from the point of view of a potential buyer. Will it make your house too close to the neighbors? Will your house seem like a mansion in a neighborhood full of typical suburban ranch homes? Will the larger house cost a fortune to heat and cool? It might be difficult to sell your house after a huge remodeling project. You might not get the amount of money you’ve put into the house after your improvements.

If, however, you are as sure as you can be that you love the location of your current house and want to live there for a decent period of time, remodeling is probably your best bet. If you want to make your kitchen larger, add on a master suite, or create an enclosed sunroom, the expense will probably be worth the results. If having more space in your home will make your life easier, your family happier, and increase your home’s resale value, you should seriously considering remodeling.

Feel free to email me with your questions or comments.

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