Should I Remodel Or Move? How to Decide

Remodel or sell? It’s a question most homeowners ask themselves at some point, but the answer is rarely easy. If your current space isn’t meeting your needs, you’re probably wondering if  you should remodel and stay, remodel before selling, or just move and sell your house as is. In this guide, we’ll break down your options so you can find the path that makes the most sense for your family.

It’s not an easy decision, but the JBDB team is here to help you determine whether remodeling is the best choice and develop a design you love. Contact us for a free consultation on your project.

Option 1: Selling Your House As-Is

If you’re unhappy with your space, the simplest option is often to put your home on the market and look for a new place that meets all your needs. But many homeowners get stuck deciding if they should sell a house as is or remodel before listing it.

The primary concern is that skipping upgrades could negatively affect your resale value. But it’s a common misconception that selling your home as-is automatically means it’s in poor condition. It might need an upgrade, but if so, the next homeowner will likely plan a renovation of their own.

Keep in mind that addressing repairs is different from doing renovations. Fixing items that may come up on a home inspection anyway is a proactive way to keep things moving without unexpected delays. Even if you’re selling your house as-is, consider fixing issues such as:

• Foundation damage
• Roof leaks
• Broken HVAC systems
• Mold issues
• Pest problems
• Drywall holes
• Dirty or peeling paint

If your home is drastically outdated or needs serious repairs, it may be more strategic to list it as is without making any updates. This is especially true if you live in an area where house flippers or investors purchase a lot of properties. These buyers purchase homes with the specific intent to do full renovations, so you end up wasting money making repairs that will get torn out anyway.

Option 2: Remodeling Before Selling

It’s easy to assume that remodeling before you put your home on the market will automatically give you a great return on investment. While high ROI renovations can increase your resale value, it’s not always advisable to take on large or expansive updates just to put your home up for sale.

If you’re asking yourself, “Should I remodel before selling?” here are a few situations where it makes the most sense:

• You live in an upscale neighborhood, but your home is outdated compared to neighboring properties.
• You’re in a market where buyers expect move-in-ready homes and are willing to pay.
• You have the time and budget to make updates that put your home into a higher pricing tier.

Wondering what to remodel before selling? Some upgrades have a bigger impact than others. In most cases, you will want to stick to moderate and mid-range renovations rather than full remodeling projects.

• In the bathroom, consider replacing your tub, light fixtures, mirror, faucets, and shower head if these items make the space feel dated.
• In the kitchen, update drawer pulls, cabinet knobs, faucets, and lighting. Adding an island or updating an existing island can also make the space more inviting.
• For outside areas, refresh your landscaping, walkway, or patio.
• For the exterior of your home, consider updating your entrance door, garage door, outdoor lighting, or facade.

Tip: If you decide to remodel before selling, keep in mind that you don’t want to over-improve your property. Aim for aligning your home with the rest of the properties in the neighborhood rather than becoming the nicest house on the block. Making improvements that go above and beyond can actually have a negative effect, as buyers might not be willing to pay if your house is overpriced for the neighborhood.

Option 3: Remodeling and Staying In Your Home

Before making any decisions about moving, take a step back and consider why our home no longer feels like the right fit. It’s easy to fall into the mindset that if your space isn’t working for you now, it never will. But that’s not always the case. Here are a few common reasons homeowners want to move, and why renovating might make more sense:

• The space feels too small: It’s hard to envision what your home may look like with a new layout, but renovating is a great way to improve the flow and make your home feel more spacious, even if you’re not adding square footage.
• There aren’t enough bedrooms: You aren’t limited to your current space. Building an addition is a perfect solution for creating more square footage for a growing family or multi-generational living.
• You don’t have enough storage: Whether you’re lacking closets, pantry space, or shelving, a renovation contractor can create exactly what you’re looking for.
• You don’t have enough privacy in your yard: Building a three-season porch or renovating your landscaping can create the outdoor sanctuary you’re looking for.

Deciding whether to remodel or sell is complicated. It’s easy to stop seeing your home’s potential when you’ve lived there for years. If you’re on the fence about moving or renovating, reach out to our team and let us show you what’s possible for your space. Our designers at James Barton Design-Build provide 3D renderings that help you see opportunities you may have never considered. Schedule a consultation to get started!