“Should I stay or should I go” is not just a famous line from the classic song by The Clash; it’s also an age-old question of homeowners everywhere. With the pandemic, most of us are spending more time at home and more time contemplating this question. Am I in the right house for my family? Should we upgrade, downsize, move to a different location or different state with lower taxes? Do we remodel? There are so many questions right now, and many of us are choosing to stay put (like the majority of homeowners on the hit HGTV show Love It or List It) and improve our immediate surroundings.
Houzz has some great questions to ask yourself if you are trying to decide between moving or remodeling:
- “How do you feel about your neighborhood?
- Is there some intangible quality to your house?
- Does renovating make economic sense?
- Does the existing house have good bones?
- How will the latest zoning restrictions affect the project?
For most of us, we are looking for more space to spread out.
1. Doubling the space in your kitchen: Most of the older homes have smaller kitchens. See if there is a wall you can remove to open up the kitchen to the dining room or living room, which will make the kitchen feel more spacious.
2. Adding a bathroom on the first floor: Older homes that don’t have a bathroom on the main level are not just difficult to sell — they can be difficult to live in. Repurposing a small area, even a coat closet, to add a bathroom can add significantly to the comfort and value of the home.
3. Turning the master bedroom into a master suite: If your master bedroom is adjacent to another room, you can take over the space. “A lot of people do this when the kids go off to college,” said CNN Money.
4. Converting the attic: building permits and additions to a home can be costly. An ideal and less expensive place to add bedrooms, offices and more is in the space you already own; the attic.
We all ask the question at one time or another. Only you know the answer that is right for you and your family!
If you are contemplating a move, I would be honored to discuss options for selling your home and buying a new one! Call, text (562.940.5440 or 818.669.0704) or email me (john@rudyrealtor.com) today!