Have you reached a crossroads with your home? Is it time to relocate or renovate the space you have? Many of us find ourselves in a position where we have to choose between moving house and doing some work to an existing property. If you’re considering relocating or renovating, hopefully, this guide will help you make the right decision for your family.
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Revamping your home: the benefits of renovation work
If you love your home, or you’re keen to stay in the same area, it’s worth exploring renovation ideas. Many people feel like they have to move because they’ve outgrown their home. In some cases, this may be true, but often, there are solutions, which provide an alternative option. Renovations can be beneficial for several reasons. You can stay in a property and an area you love, you can add value, you can enhance functionality and you can put your own stamp on your interiors. You can also cut out the cost and hassle of moving.
Extensions and conversions
There are several types of projects to explore if you’re short on space and you’re keen to stay put. One of the most popular options is adding an extension. Extensions enable you to expand existing spaces or create new rooms. With a ground floor extension, you could design a large, spacious family kitchen-diner or add a utility room, a study, a playroom or an extra living room. If you extend upstairs as well, you could create a bedroom, an office, a studio or a guest suite. Another option that may be tempting is to convert an attic or a basement. If you’ve got a loft that is currently packed with boxes, or you have a cellar lying empty, it may be possible to renovate and design brand new living areas. Loft rooms are ideally suited to workspaces and bedrooms, while basements make great kitchens, home gyms, games rooms and dens and playrooms for kids.
How about another room outside?
Another idea, which is becoming increasingly popular, is utilising outdoor space to free up room indoors. If you don’t have the space to extend, or your attic is too small to convert, have you thought about adding a garden room? Garden rooms are perfect for home offices and business bases, as they are separate from the main house, providing a peaceful retreat away from the hustle and bustle. You can choose from basic structures or fancy cabins that have all the bells and whistles depending on your budget and your requirements.
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Planning a renovation
Planning ahead is always beneficial when overseeing any kind of renovation job. One of the first jobs to tick off the list is figuring out your budget. Work out how much you can afford to spend and get some quotes. If you’re looking into taking out a loan for home renovations, compare different options and always read the small print. It’s critical to make sure you can afford the repayments before you apply. Renovating your home should add value. Cost out every option and get an idea of how much value you can add. Compare quotes and take your time to choose building firms and architects. It’s worth reading reviews and testimonials before agreeing to give a firm the job. It’s also advisable to look for value for money, rather than the lowest price. Ask friends, neighbours and colleagues for recommendations and look at examples of previous work.
If you’re having a lot of work done to your home, it may be a good idea to consider moving out for a period of time. If you’re going to be without a kitchen or a bathroom for a couple of weeks, for example, it might be best to arrange to stay with a friend or family member or to look for a hotel or an apartment to rent.
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The advantages of moving house
Moving house can be stressful, but it can also be an extremely exciting prospect. If you’ve fallen out of love with your home, you’re keen to explore different areas, or there is no way of improving your home to make it work for your family, relocating is likely to be the best option. For many families, there are multiple advantages of upping sticks. If you choose to move, you can look for a property that ticks all of the boxes, you can discover new areas and you can put down roots in a new home that you love.
What can you afford?
When starting a property search, make sure you have an accurate idea of how much money you can afford to spend. If you have a budget, this will enable you to filter out properties that don’t match your requirements and it will prevent you from falling in love with a house that you can’t afford. Research mortgage options, set yourself a monthly payment budget and don’t forget to factor in legal fees and moving costs.
Location, location, location
Once you’ve set your budget, choose your location. If you have a suburb or a specific postcode in mind, but you can’t find anything affordable, consider expanding your search area slightly. Property hot spots command high prices, but shifting the boundaries, even by a couple of miles or a few streets in urban areas, can make all the difference. It’s also beneficial to look for up and coming neighbourhoods. Keep an eye out for new developments, new shops and restaurants opening and regeneration projects. If you’re flexible on location, spend some time walking or driving around, get a feel for different places, compare prices and arrange viewings.
Think with your head, not just your heart!
When you’re looking around, try not to get too distracted by decor, and look for potential and the opportunity to add value and create a home that will work for you. It’s important to have that warm and fuzzy feeling, but you also want to buy a property that will enable you to live the lifestyle you want to enjoy. If you have a shortlist, view properties as many times as you need to make a decision, and avoid rushing into anything. Negotiate and take your time to think about offers.
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Are you trying to decide whether to move or improve your home? If you’re stuck between the decision to renovate or relocate, hopefully, this guide will help you decide which path to take.
This is a collaborative post.
