Should I Remodel My House or Just Move?

Should I Remodel My House or Just Move?

Most people will come to a fork in the road with their home at some point, when they realize the home is no longer meeting the needs of the household. Choosing whether to move or remodel is a complex decision, with multiple factors involved and no one-size-fits-all answer.

To help you determine whether you should remodel your existing home or being the search for something new, we've highlighted a few things to keep in mind.

Decide What's Missing

Before making any decisions, determine what you're missing in your existing home. Make a list of specific pet peeves you have with the home or areas you feel your household has outgrown it. Some examples might be:

  • Too few bedrooms or bathrooms
  • Not enough kitchen space
  • There is now a need for a home office space
  • Wishing for a home gym, playroom, workshop, or other unique dedicated space
  • Unused space, too much upkeep for unneeded square footage or bathrooms
  • Too much or not enough outdoor space
  • Walkability, good school districts, or other location-related details

Compare the Cost of Moving to the Cost of Remodeling

As with many things in life, the bottom line is the bottom line. In some cases, remodeling will be more cost effective than selling and buying, but the converse may also be true in other cases. To figure out what will cost you more, here are some things to consider.

In general, it costs sellers about 15% of the sale price of a home to sell it. This includes agent commissions, repairs, and title insurance. In some cases, capital gains tax will also apply.

Costs associated with buying a home include 3%-6% in closing costs, furnishing the new home, home appraisals, and the potential for overlapping mortgages if you end up paying on both for a month or more.

Remodeling costs will vary significantly based on the project you take on. It is typical for a home renovation to range between $18,000 and $77,000. In many cases, this project can be financed via a cash out refinance, home equity loan, or home equity line of credit.

It's also important to consider the non-financial cost of a remodel. With historic construction material and labor shortages, it is reasonable to expect delays in the remodel process. Even before the shortages were a factor in remodeling, the general consensus has been that remodeling can be a stressful or emotional process. Consider whether you will be able to, and want to, live in the home during the renovation and how much time you have to manage the projects.

Sentimental Value

Emotional attachment to a home is another factor you should take into account. This might make you more willing to put up with the challenges presented by a remodel, or it may drive you to want a fresh start in a new home. Consider how you feel about your existing home and the memories you have in it, good or bad, to help decide if it's time for some TLC or time to move on.

Location

One thing you can not remodel out of your home is its location. If you love your neighbors, your children's schools, or your short commute to work, moving to a new location is a risk you may not want to take. On the other hand, the location may be the perfect reason to look for a new home. If you are curious about how other communities might suit your household's lifestyle, explore your options and imagine how living in another neighborhood might impact your life.

When you're ready to look for a new home, contact us. We have the team of experts you need to find your ideal property in Northern California.

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79 Properties
Page 1 of 7
5
Beds
3
Baths
2,442
Sq.Ft.
1960
Year Built
1
Day on Site
323016282
MLS
Welcome to the Marinwood Community, where hiking and cycling trails throughout the Open Space connect to a neighborhood path from the end of your driveway. Plenty of open space inside this...
2
Beds
1
Baths
835
Sq.Ft.
1934
Year Built
1
Day on Site
323005686
MLS
SO CLOSE to the Healdsburg Plaza. This Jewel box bungalow is turnkey, cozy and IN town. With a great layout, plenty of light, a gorgeous fireplace you will fall in LOVE ! Backyard has three seating...
3
Beds
2F11/2
Baths
1,895
Sq.Ft.
1
Day on Site
323011823
MLS
Don't miss this opportunity to own this amazing home Located in this wonderful subdivision also known as the Muggles neighborhood. Extra on-site parking, lovely private yard and fairly recently...
4
Beds
3
Baths
2,148
Sq.Ft.
1
Day on Site
323013467
MLS
Enjoy 360 panoramic views of rolling hills and mountaintops from this stunning +/- 28-acre property with 2 manufactured homes totaling approximately 2,150 sqft. The property has a brand new 3 bedroom...
Open 3/22
8 Park Crest Court #B Novato,  CA 94947
2
Beds
1F11/2
Baths
1,252
Sq.Ft.
1976
Year Built
1
Day on Site
323014473
MLS
Fantastic townhome with a beautiful kitchen which has a gas stove, granite countertops, and stainless-steel appliances. The main level consists of a half bath, a beautiful kitchen, an open dining...
2
Beds
2
Baths
1,440
Sq.Ft.
1981
Year Built
1
Day on Site
323012993
MLS
Two bedroom, two bath single level Plan 3 model in the Creekside Village 55+ community, with an attached sunroom. The home is on a large low maintenance lot and just down the street from the...
Open 3/25
470 Geysers Road Cloverdale,  CA 95425
3
Beds
2
Baths
1,620
Sq.Ft.
1950
Year Built
1
Day on Site
323017003
MLS
Stunning remodel with a gorgeous setting! The home sits in the privacy of 2.5 acres surrounded by majestic views of the Alexander Valley! The single story 3 bedrm, 2 bath house was completely redone...
2
Beds
2
Baths
1,440
Sq.Ft.
1973
Year Built
1
Day on Site
323016081
MLS
Nicely maintained 2bd/2bath manufactured home has 1440sqft of comfortable living space, with family room, large living room/dining area, kitchen with lots of counter and cabinet space, solar light...
3
Beds
2F11/2
Baths
3,061
Sq.Ft.
1980
Year Built
1
Day on Site
323015230
MLS
Escape into nature and experience the best of Marin living. This unique property boasts unparalleled views of the bay and surrounding hills, offering you the ultimate in privacy and tranquility....
3
Beds
2
Baths
1,675
Sq.Ft.
1980
Year Built
1
Day on Site
323017052
MLS
This magnificent oasis sits on the white sandy beach of Stinson and it is unlike any other. From the moment you enter the gates of this exquisite property, you are greeted with lush greenery and a...
$2,995,000
Neighborhood: Bodega Harbour
3
Beds
2
Baths
2,413
Sq.Ft.
1988
Year Built
1
Day on Site
323000624
MLS
Stunning frontline views overlooking the 18th fairway to the waves on Doran Beach and breathtaking sunsets over Bodega Headlands. This beautiful, fully-remodeled home has easy access to nearby beach...
4
Beds
2
Baths
2,225
Sq.Ft.
1936
Year Built
1
Day on Site
323015650
MLS
Classic Healdsburg vintage bungalow in prime downtown residential neighborhood. The main floor is a charming 2 bedroom 1 bath home with open floor plan. Comes with large living room and fireplace, a...
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