When you’re ready for a change in your home, one big question often comes up: would it be better to remodel or move? With factors like investment, functionality, lifestyle needs, and emotional ties at play, it can feel like one giant puzzle with no clear answer.
My advice? It really helps to break it down piece by piece, and today, that’s exactly what we’re doing. If you’re facing this dilemma—or think you might one day—I’m here to help you gain clarity and confidence in your decision.
You should remodel your home if…
Of course, I’m not here to tell you what to do, but if any of the points below deeply resonate, your answer should be clear:
Your Home Has Good Bones
If your home has a solid structure, your layout is mostly functional, and it only requires aesthetic updates to align with your style, a remodel could be the perfect solution to add that much needed enhancement.
You Love Your Location
Sometimes, it’s not just about the house—it’s about the neighborhood, the school district, your proximity to work, or simply being close to family and friends. These feelings can play just as big a role as the physical aspects of your home. If staying put feels good to you, then improving your current home may be preferable to moving.
You Can Handle the Disruption
We all know it… renovations are messy and time-consuming. If you feel prepared to embrace some temporary chaos for a long-term reward, a remodel can be well-worth the effort. Remember that a remodel isn’t always the “quick fix” that some people think. If there is a hard and fast deadline you hope to be enjoying a new space, plan accordingly.
Zoning & Space Allow for It
If you’re planning significant changes or additions to make your current home work for you, make sure that your lot size and local permits support your vision. If everything lines up, remodeling can turn your house into exactly what you need.
If several of these boxes are checked for you, that might be the sign that renovating is the clear path forward. For example, a recent client—a family with school-age kids—loved their neighborhood and school system. Their home had great bones, and with just one wall removed, we transformed their living space to perfectly suit their lifestyle.
If you’re still on the fence and not sure how to determine if your home has good bones and could benefit from a renovation, we have just the guide to help you.
It’s best to move or build new if…
If your current home isn’t serving you anymore, a fresh start might be the better path:
You Discover that Investing in a Remodel Isn’t Worthwhile
Consider what’s happening in your own neighborhood. Are there other houses being knocked down and rebuilt? If your renovation costs would exceed the home’s market value—or even the price of a move-in-ready home—moving might be the smarter financial choice. Do some research on your market to see if your investment will pay off.
Your Lifestyle Needs Have Outgrown the Home
Is your family growing or changing? Are you planning to age-in-place? Or maybe you are shifting to a work-from-home routine and need a dedicated space for productivity. Either way, it’s best to consider your daily needs and determine whether your current space is enough (or too much).
If a remodel would feel patchwork and can’t provide the layout your family really needs, it might be time to find or build a new home.
Structural Issues Exist
Recurring problems like foundation issues, a leaky roof, old drafty windows, or outdated systems can require a huge investment. And let’s be honest—they aren’t exactly fun or glamourous. Sometimes, a remodel can uncover more issues that mean even more time and money. If this is the case, investing in a new property could be more practical than pouring money into a problematic property.
You’re Looking for a Long-Term Solution
Renovations can only stretch your current home so far. If you’re planning for the next 10+ years and know you’ll need extra rooms or a layout that a remodel just can’t achieve, starting fresh could be your best option.
For example, we once had a client who found their house was more of a hassle than a haven—so many homes in their neighborhood were being rebuilt that moving became the obvious choice. They opted to move to better suit their lifestyle. Their new home will eventually have a remodel, but for now, a fresh start fits their lifestyle much better.
Gaining Clarity with an Expert
Still feeling uncertain? That’s completely normal—this decision isn’t one to rush. Working with a designer can help clear the fog and boost your confidence. When we team up, we create a feasibility plan, outline the full scope of your dream project, and help you prioritize every single step. Even if you’re not ready to “press play” just yet, having a solid plan in place makes the process much smoother when the time comes.
You are clearly thinking about a change, have a vision that could use some expert guidance, that’s where we come in. Reach out to us here, and let’s start the conversation.
Warmly,
Kristen
