Is it Better to Move or Remodel?

With many people spending a lot of time at home these days, the “same old” space can start to feel confining. Many homeowners long for a bigger, more functional kitchen or an updated master bathroom to meet their family’s growing needs; they wonder if moving to a new house might be the solution. But often, remodeling a current home is a smarter choice than undertaking the time and expense of a move. And with professional remodeling, even an older home can be made to feel like a brand-new space. Remodeling Versus MovingAlthough the cost of remodeling may seem daunting, there are many good reasons to consider remodeling a current home rather than moving to a new one: 

1. Cost versus value. The expense of a move can be overwhelming. One real estate website puts the average cost of a move at a hefty $15,000 to $50,000, including realtor commissions, closing costs and fees, increased property taxes, purchases for the new home, and the cost of professional movers, to name just some of the expenses.

 Conversely, choosing to remodel a home can actually pay for itself; a large portion of the remodeling expenses can be recouped over time if an existing home is kept for a few years. A recent cost vs. value report from Remodeling Magazine estimated recoup rates at 74.3% for an average major kitchen remodel and 60.3% for an upscale kitchen remodel that included features such as granite countertops. It also estimated a 69.8% recoup rate for average bathroom remodeling or 60.5% for upscale bathroom remodeling. In addition, the enhancement of the quality of life from the newly remodeled space adds untold value. 

2. Time and effort. Weeks or even months can be spent staging an existing home for sale, showing the house to prospective buyers, keeping the current space sparkling clean and ready to show to prospective buyers, and finding just the right new home to meet the family’s needs. After a new home is purchased, packing up all personal belongings and moving them to a new location is often overwhelming for working families with children.

3. Moving is stressful. The change and disruption caused by uprooting families with established ties and routines can affect everyone, especially children. Changing schools, finding alternative transportation routes to work, and finding new and dependable local resources, such as medical providers, can take a toll and be very daunting.

4. Loss of positives. A great neighborhood, a terrific backyard, or proximity to work and school may all be great reasons to stay in a current home. Moving away from friendly neighbors, playgrounds, or even a favorite neighborhood jogging path can make the prospect of a move seem like a loss rather than a gain.

5. Lack of inventory. Housing prices continue to rise nationwide, but inventory remains shockingly low, especially in highly sought-after areas. When properties do finally become available, the rush of multiple offers made within hours or days makes buying a challenge for families looking for an affordable home.

 Once a family has decided to remodel, the next step is to determine the family’s goals and priorities. Thinking about the ways that a family uses different areas of the home can help create a remodeling wish list. Kitchens and bathrooms are two of the most frequently remodeled spaces in any home, and the opportunities for customization in these high-traffic areas are practically endless. Creating a specific list of wants and needs for these areas can help direct a conversation with a kitchen remodeling professional in Livonia, who can determine how to improve functionality and style for every family. Kitchens Become Exciting AgainRemodeling a kitchen can be both exciting and challenging, with nearly endless options and styles from which to choose. 

• Replacing old countertops can provide a dramatic upgrade. A wide variety of elegant stone materials, including granite, marble, and quartz or quartzite, infuse a kitchen with color, pattern, and elegance.

• As the most prominent feature of any kitchen, cabinets are a highly-sought-after element in any kitchen remodel. Cabinets with open shelving or glass-front doors can be added to any kitchen remodeling plan to customize the look and add a unique design element.

• Pantries, pull-out shelving, islands, recessed wall storage, and even under-sink organization options can be part of a great kitchen remodeling plan. The storage needs of every family can be met with creative options that maximize the utility of small spaces.

 Kitchen countertops, cabinets, appliances, lighting, tile, and storage options can all blend seamlessly to create a livable, functional, fun kitchen for the whole family to enjoy. Customizations such as a coffee bar, hot water dispenser, smart appliances, hidden storage, bar seating, or a butler’s pantry can turn a formerly humdrum room into a welcoming, vibrant space that uses every available square foot in a unique, efficient way. Bathrooms Add PizzazzRemodeled bathrooms provide high value for the money spent, as they increase both the livability and resale value of any home. Like kitchens, bathrooms are some of the most frequently-used spaces in a home, so it makes sense to customize them as part of any remodeling plan. Considering the options for vanities, lighting, storage space, tile, and fixtures can help determine what family needs can be met by customization in these areas. 

• Master bathrooms need plenty of storage space, and a master bath vanity with two sinks and under-cabinet doors or drawers is an important part of any bathroom remodeling plan. Vanities for powder rooms and kids’ bathrooms can be uniquely tailored to the needs of each room; a powder room is typically styled with a smaller vanity or a pedestal sink, but a bathroom used by teenagers - or even toddlers - needs plenty of under-sink storage.

• Showers and tubs. Recessed tubs, soaking tubs, whirlpools, and claw foot tubs can all provide an oasis of calm in an otherwise busy day. Showers with stone tile, glass walls, or double showerheads add another touch of luxury and functionality, even in smaller bathroom areas.

• Proper lighting is a necessity in any bathroom, but older bathrooms often need a major upgrade in this area. Lighting that casts shadows can be replaced by wall sconces or softer-look fixtures that provide ambiance, while still supplying plenty of task-essential brightness.

 Remodeling is an excellent option for many homeowners seeking to avoid the time and expense of a move. A remodeling professional in Livonia can help customize a plan for kitchens, baths, and other areas that can meet family needs and create a livable, welcoming home.