Renovate or Move: What is the Best Option for You?

Many of us get to a stage when our homes don’t quite tick every box anymore. If you find yourself at a crossroads, it’s always beneficial to weigh up your options. Then think carefully about whether moving or modifying will work best for you. If you’re exploring the possibilities, here’s a guide to help you decide whether to renovate or relocate.

Modify

Have you fallen out of love with the decor of your home? Does the layout make family life more difficult? Are you short on space, or are you preparing to welcome new additions to your family? Aren’t sure if you should renovate or move?

If you still love the location of your property, and it works to a degree, there may be ways you can adapt and enhance it to eliminate compromises and create the perfect home.

Creating Space

A lack of space is a very common issue faced by homeowners. Especially those who have been in the same property for a considerable amount of time. If you’ve added furry friends, you’ve had children, you’re living with older relatives, or you’re set to become parents in the near future, you might find that you’re struggling to fit everybody in.

You might also have decided to work from home more frequently or even set up a home-based business. If space is the spanner in the works, there are solutions.

One option is to try and make the most of the redundant rooms in your home. For example, a basement or loft space. These areas are often ideally suited to renovation projects, and they can add substantial value to your home.

If you do have an attic that is large enough to convert, or you have a basement that is currently only used for storage purposes, it’s worth getting some quotes to see how much the conversion project will cost. Plus, how much value you could add. This will give you an idea of a budget.

Get Inspired

It’s also wise to have a look at work others have done to get some ideas and inspiration. Basements can be converted into spacious kitchens, living areas, games rooms and playrooms, office space, and studios, while attics make great bedrooms and guest suites, work areas and teenage dens.

DO A LITTLE DIY

If you do decide to go ahead and embark on renovation work, choose trustworthy builders. Ask friends, neighbors and colleagues for recommendations. Make sure you know exactly how much the entire project will cost before you begin.

Another option if you’re living on top of each other, and you’ve run out of room is adding an extension. If you have space available at the back or side of your property, you could consider adding a single or double story extension.

Extensions are not cheap, but they can transform a home and add significant value.

Most people tend to use ground floor extensions for larger kitchens, living rooms and work areas, while upstairs extensions are ideal for bedrooms.

Once again, if you do decide to proceed, get a number of quotes, compare prices, explore different ideas, and make sure you opt for a reputable building firm with a flawless track record.

Revamping Your Interiors

Do your interiors look dated or drab? Do you long to see Instagram or Pinterest-worthy spaces when you walk through the door? If so, why not consider revamping and refreshing your property, rather than relocating?

You don’t have to spend a fortune to create a brand new look.

One of the best ways to achieve rapid results with minimal effort is changing the colorways in your home. A lick of paint, a statement wall or some new accessories can alter the appearance of a room in a matter of hours.

Browse online galleries, take a look at interior magazines, and build a mental image of what you want each room to look like.

Choose colours that suit the purpose and style of the room, and use details and accents to add splashes of colour or carry a theme. If you have compact rooms, stick to light, neutral palettes to create the illusion of a larger, more open space.

Once you’ve chosen colors, you can use soft furnishings, lamps, vases, plant pots, and furniture to style the room. If you have old furniture, and you’re on a budget, don’t throw it away and start searching for new pieces.

Instead, embrace the concept of upcycling. Painting, sanding, varnishing and adding accessories can alter the appearance of tables, chairs, chests, and sofas.

Move

It’s no secret that moving is up there at the top of the list when it comes to stressful life events. Especially if you’re not sure if you should renovate or move. However, relocating can also open up incredible opportunities.

Particularly if you’re not happy in your current home.

If you’ve run out of space and there’s no scope to extend, you want to explore new areas, or you simply fancy a change, there’s no harm in considering upping sticks and putting down roots in pastures new.

If you are thinking of moving, perhaps the first thing to do is consider potential locations. Do you want to stay in the same neighbourhood, town, city or state? Or are you toying with the idea of a bolder move?

If you own your property, and you’re going to be selling up to finance the move, invite some agents to have a look and provide valuations. You’ll get an idea of how much you have available for a new home.

Once you have a budget and a location in mind, you will be able to start your search in earnest.

Selling Tips

Before you look for a furniture removal company and start telling all your friends that you’re moving, it’s a good idea to focus on selling your property and maximizing your chances of getting the right price as quickly as possible.

Style your home in a way that will appeal to buyers.

Mow the lawns, make sure the exterior look attractive before you take photographs for the listing. Touch up any paintwork, and remove traces of personalization.

Family photos are very special to us, but most buyers want to see a blank canvas when they look around a property. Declutter and tidy every room.

Use room spray or a diffuser to eliminate any odours and add a pleasant, fresh fragrance. Set a price that reflects the value of the property and is prepared to negotiate.

Seamless Moving

If you’ve sold your house, and you have a new home ready and waiting, the next step is to ensure the move is as seamless as possible.

Start packing early, and give yourself plenty of time to get sorted. Tie up loose ends like settling household bills, arranging broadband setup and changing your address, and get friends and family involved.

Book a removals firm as soon as you have a date in mind. Label every box to make unpacking easier. When the big day arrives, ensure you have an overnight bag with all the essentials.

This will help to save you having to trawl through boxes to find pyjamas, crockery, and toiletries. If you have children or pets, it’s also useful to arrange for relatives or friends to look after them while you transfer your belongings from one property to another.

Modify or Move?

Most of us reach a crossroads at some point in our lives when we consider moving. Moving can open doors and offer new experiences, but it’s not always the only option on the table.

Renovate or Move: What is the Best Option for You?