How can I tell if I should move or improve?
In these strange times, when we’re all still stuck at home far more than we ever expected to be, we might just be having a good (really good!) look at our surroundings. Is there enough space or could we do with a little more room? If your answer to this question is a resounding ‘YES’, your two main options are to build an extension or move house to get that extra space. But how do you make that choice?
MOVE
If you think you need a big double storey extension, or even multiple extensions, to make your life easier or achieve that ‘dream home’ status, you’re going to have to be willing to spend big money on it. And a £100k+ cost might make moving seem like a better option - especially when the housing market is moving as fast as it is right now.
Moving house gives you a fresh start in a new neighbourhood and gives you the chance to maybe move nearer to your job when things get back to normal or move into a specific school catchment area. And a new build (so many are popping up around the country) can be a popular choice as it will be a blank canvas for you to start fresh, with no issues such as old pipes or struggling heating systems that might need replacing.
If you go for an older property then you might not be able to just put your belongings in and be done with it. If it’s a bit of a fixer upper, your work’s only going to begin once you move in.
Moving also comes with a whole load of extra costs such as surveyor fees, stamp duty, solicitor fees and the cost of physically moving your belongings. Find out more about those hidden costs here.
And if you love your house and your neighbourhood, leaving can be tough.
IMPROVE
If you’d rather stay put then the best option for you might be to extend your living space by building a home extension. You can get what you want and put your own stamp on your home while adding value.
If you opt for a single storey extension under permitted development (or even with planning permission) it’s probably going to cost less than buying a new home.
Don’t forget to take a look at how you can unlock the potential of dead space in your home as well, or instead. The two biggest offenders are lofts and garages. They’re most often used for storage (for things you probably haven’t used in years) and a loft conversion or garage conversion to liveable space can give you everything an extension would - often for a lower cost. And in many cases, both would fall under permitted development.
But if you need more space, be aware the costs can build up - and it may be trickier to get your plans approved by the local authority. Large home improvement projects like double storey extensions or multiple extensions can take a long time - and that means builders are in and out of your home for months. And your neighbours might get a little ticked off.
Regardless of the size of the project, it can be difficult to secure a reputable builder to start within a couple of months as the industry is inundated with work at the moment, with many homeowners in the same boat, needing to add space to their homes quickly.
When it comes to any home renovation project, our advice is to work out your budget first - and add in a contingency. Get a good architectural designer and builder on board, and create a design that’s practical and affordable, which gives you the space you need. The process doesn’t need to be stressful - particularly if you work with the right professionals!
If you want to explore renovation ideas for your home - and you’re based in the East Midlands - then contact our Nottingham team to book a free, no obligation design consultation. We’re always happy to chat through different ideas and we always advise the best ways to maximise space, add value and get the most out of your home.
Give us a call on 0115 874 8570 - or hit the button below.
If you’re not quite ready to get started, or you’re based elsewhere in the UK, please feel free to check out the rest of our Advice Centre - and connect with us on Instagram and Facebook for tips and inspiration.
Other useful articles
Home extensions vs loft conversions: what’s right for you?
5 questions to ask yourself before extending your home
How to choose the best home extension for you
5 things you need to do when planning a home extension