Outgrown your home? Let's weigh your options.
If you've been living in your current home for a while, you may start to feel like it's time for a change. Before you start packing up and searching for a new home, consider remodeling instead.
Deciding whether to renovate your current home or move to a new one comes down to a few key factors. Start by asking yourself if your existing home has the potential to become your dream space. With the right remodel or addition, you might be surprised by how much you can transform your house to meet your needs. However, if your home’s location no longer works for you or expanding it isn’t practical for a growing family, moving might be the better option.
As someone with over 30 years of experience in construction and remodeling across North Texas, I’ve helped countless homeowners explore the possibilities in their current space. If you love your location, a well-thought-out remodel or extension could give you the functionality and style you’re looking for. It’s always worth having a local contractor—like me—take a look and suggest creative ways to make your home larger or more practical.
Once you’ve seen what’s possible with your existing home, you can compare those options to the cost and benefits of moving. This approach gives you the clarity to make the best decision for your family’s future.
Remodeling vs. Moving: Weighing the Costs
Deciding whether to remodel your home or move to a new one often comes down to cost, location, and personal goals. As someone with over 30 years of experience helping North Texas homeowners navigate these decisions, I know that no two situations are the same. Understanding the major expenses involved in both remodeling and moving can help you make the right choice for your family and budget.
Ultimately, the decision between remodeling and moving depends on your unique situation. Are you happy with your home’s location? Does it have the potential to be transformed into your dream space? Remodeling offers the benefit of staying where you’re comfortable while tailoring your home to your needs. On the other hand, moving allows you to start fresh but comes with higher overall costs and additional logistics.
Costs Associated with Remodeling
While remodeling can come with a higher upfront expense, it often ends up being more cost-effective overall compared to moving.
Financing
The first thing to consider with a remodel is how you would finance it. Many homeowners finance remodels through home equity loans or lines of credit. While these loans often come with closing costs and interest, they can be a practical way to fund your project. Look for reputable lenders when exploring financing options.
Materials and Labor
The cost of materials and labor will depend on the scope of the project and the finishes you choose. Researching average renovation costs in your area can help you set realistic expectations.
Permits
Structural changes or major updates often require permits, which vary depending on city and state regulations. Factor this into your budget to avoid surprises.
Unexpected Costs
It’s wise to include a contingency budget of 10% to 20% for unforeseen expenses, such as hidden structural issues or fluctuating material prices.
Despite these costs, remodeling allows you to customize your space to suit your needs and can often increase your home’s value. With trends like open-concept living spaces, energy-efficient upgrades, and expanded outdoor areas, a well-planned remodel can give your home a fresh feel without the expense of starting over elsewhere.
Costs Associated with Moving
Moving to a new home may seem like the simpler option, but it often comes with higher overall costs, especially in today’s housing market.
Agent Commissions
Typically, real estate agents take around 6% of the home’s sale price (split between buyer and seller agents), which can significantly impact your bottom line.
Cost of a New Home
Beyond the down payment, you’ll need to account for closing costs, which are generally 3% to 6% of the loan amount.
Moving Expenses
Hiring professional movers can quickly add up, especially if you’re relocating long distances. Consider getting quotes from reputable moving companies and adding moving insurance for peace of mind.
Repairs and Updates
After a home inspection, buyers may request repairs before finalizing the sale. Additionally, you might need to spend on staging or updates to make your current home more marketable.
Moving often makes sense if your current home simply doesn’t meet your needs and can’t be remodeled to fit them. For example, if your home’s location or layout is a dealbreaker, moving might be the better option.
In contrast, remodeling can often be done at a fraction of the cost of moving. According to the National Association of Realtors’ Remodeling Impact Report, kitchen renovations, bathroom remodels, and room additions remain some of the most cost-effective projects in terms of return on investment (ROI). A well-executed remodel not only saves money but also increases the value of your current home, potentially yielding up to a 60%-70% return on certain projects when you sell.
Remodeling gives you the flexibility to tailor your home to your exact needs without the stress of moving. Whether it’s updating specific rooms, expanding your living spaces with an addition, or making smaller updates like new flooring or fixtures, remodeling can transform your home while keeping costs under control. Trends like open-concept kitchens, energy-efficient upgrades, and outdoor living spaces are popular choices that improve functionality and appeal.
Should You Remodel or Move? Think About What’s Not Working
When deciding between remodeling or moving, it’s important to think about the scope of what’s needed to make your home work for you. For example, if your house feels too small, adding a major addition might not be worth the investment compared to moving into a larger home that’s already suited to your needs.
Before jumping into a remodel or planning a move, take a step back and ask yourself why your current home isn’t working. Is it a matter of space, layout, or outdated finishes? If your home has enough square footage but just needs some updates to feel fresh and functional, remodeling could be the better option. However, if the space feels cramped and would require significant structural changes or a total redesign, moving might actually save you money in the long run.
It’s also helpful to break down the specific projects your home would need. For example, would updating the kitchen or bathroom be enough, or would the entire layout need to be reimagined? Kitchens and bathrooms are typically the most expensive rooms to renovate, and each additional project—like updating bedrooms, adding storage, or creating more living space—will add to the total cost.
Ultimately, it comes down to how far your current home can be stretched to meet your needs versus the benefits of starting fresh in a new space. With my personal experience in remodeling and construction, I’ve helped many homeowners evaluate these decisions. Remodeling can be an amazing way to create a home you love without leaving a location you enjoy, but when major changes are required, sometimes moving is the more practical choice.
Remodeling vs. Moving: How Customizing Your Current Home Beats Starting Over
Remodeling gives you the chance to truly make your home your own by tailoring it to fit your specific needs and preferences.
After living in your home for a while, you probably have a clear idea of what works and what doesn’t—whether it’s a lack of storage, an outdated bathroom, or a kitchen layout that just doesn’t flow. A remodel is your opportunity to address those pain points and create a space that functions perfectly for your lifestyle.
Storage is often a key consideration. Custom-built cabinets, walk-in closets, or clever built-ins can make a huge difference in keeping your home organized and functional. And beyond practicality, remodeling allows for cosmetic upgrades to modernize spaces that may feel tired or dated.
Some popular ideas for remodeling include optimizing space with better layouts, upgrading to energy-efficient appliances and materials, and adding custom touches like built-in shelving, unique lighting, or creative design elements. For example, adding an extra bathroom can ease the morning rush, while an open-concept living area can create a brighter, more connected space for family and friends.
The possibilities are nearly endless, from Texas friendly outdoor living spaces to spa-like master bathrooms—or even turning an underutilized room into a functional home office. Working with a skilled contractor or designer can help you refine your ideas and develop a remodel plan that meets your needs and budget while adding value to your home.
A well-thought-out remodel not only improves your home’s functionality and aesthetic but also makes it a place that truly reflects who you are. With the right guidance and vision, you can transform your house into a space you’ll love for years to come.
Neighborhood and Community
Moving to a new home doesn’t just mean packing up your belongings—it often means leaving behind the neighborhood and community.
If you’re happy with your current area, remodeling your home can give you the upgrades or space you need without having to say goodbye to the people, places, and routines that make your location special.
Think about what you like about your current location and what you might miss. Maybe it’s the neighbors, the parks, or the schools your kids attend. Perhaps you’ve found a local coffee shop where they know your name or a running route that’s become part of your daily routine. Remodeling allows you to keep all those things intact while transforming your home into a space that better fits your needs and style.
Remodeling also means avoiding the uncertainties of starting over in a new neighborhood. Instead of adjusting to new surroundings and building connections from scratch, you can focus on creating a home that’s a perfect fit for your family—right where you already feel at home.
When Your Heart Is in Your Home: Remodeling May Be the Right Choice
For many of us, a home isn’t just a place to live—it’s where our memories are made.
Whether it’s the house where you raised your kids, hosted countless family gatherings, or just poured your time and energy into making it your own, emotional attachment to a home runs deep. That connection can make the thought of leaving hard to imagine. If that sounds like you, remodeling might be the perfect way to improve your home without losing the sentimental value and memories tied to it.
Remodeling allows you to breathe new life into your home while preserving everything you love about it. You can tackle the areas that need updating—like the kitchen, bathrooms, or outdoor spaces—while keeping the familiar walls that have seen birthday parties, quiet mornings, and everything in between. Instead of starting over, you’re building on a foundation of memories that make your house truly feel like home.
If your house holds more than just your things—it holds your memories—remodeling can be a way to honor that connection while creating a home that works even better for you today. Whether it’s modernizing the kitchen where you’ve made meals for years or adding features that bring fresh energy to your favorite spaces, remodeling lets you keep the heart of your home intact while making it truly your own.
We're here to help with your home project.
If you've decided that remodeling your home is the right choice for you, it's important to work with a trusted and experienced construction company to make your vision a reality.
At Bishop Builders, we have a team of skilled contractors providing contracting services to help you create the home of your dreams. From small updates to major renovations, we are committed to providing high-quality craftsmanship and exceptional customer service. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you transform your home.
We are your trusted Dallas contractor for remodels and renovations serving the greater north Texas/DFW Metroplex.
