Are you thinking about a change of scenery? Is your family growing? Are you tired of waiting in line for the bathroom or tripping over Lego pieces when you’re trying to unwind and relax? If you’re short on room or you’re unsure whether your home is really where your heart is, you may be toying with the idea of moving on to pastures new. Before you make a decision and start erecting the ‘for sale’ signs, it’s wise to weigh up your options. Hopefully, this guide will give you some clarity and help you decide whether to renovate or relocate.

Renovating your home

Renovating may be a fantastic idea if you love where you live, but you’ve run out of space, or you’ve fallen out of love with the interior design. You can alter the aesthetics very easily, and there are some incredible ways of creating more space. If your head has been turned by stunning kitchens in glossy magazines or you long for a home worthy of hundreds of Instagram likes, you don’t have to up sticks and move away. Planning an interior makeover may seem like an overhaul, but if you tackle projects on an ongoing basis, you have clear plans, and you know what you want and how much you want to spend, there’s no reason why you can’t recreate the looks that have made you think twice about how much you love your own home. Use images and clippings to create mood boards, get some quotes from designers and decorators and don’t be afraid to do the work yourself if you’re on a budget.

If you’ve run out of space at home, there are various options worth exploring. If you’ve got room at the back or the side of the property, it may be possible to add an extension. You could create a larger kitchen or an extra reception room by adding a single-storey extension or make space for an extra bathroom and bedroom if you choose a double-storey extension. Another idea is to convert either a basement or an attic. These spaces are often redundant, but they can make brilliant living quarters. Basements lend themselves to family kitchens, home gyms, studios and games rooms, while attic rooms are ideal for bedrooms and studies. If you are interested in the possibility of a conversion project, it’s advisable to contact local building firms, get some quotes and go through some different ideas. If you have grand plans to turn a basement into a kitchen, but you’ve been greeted with pools of water or watermarks on closer inspection, address these issues as a priority before you start thinking about tiles, flooring or colorways. If you’ve got a flood, contact companies like Restoration eze and make sure the problem is dealt with before you move on. It’s always a good idea to get several quotes for any project you undertake, as there may be significant differences in price. Once you’ve got the numbers in front of you, you can then make a decision about what you want to do and who you want to employ.

Renovating gives you the option to stay put if you do love your home, but it also offers you a chance to increase the value of your home.

Relocating

Relocating may be an option you’re considering if you feel like you’ve outgrown your home, you fancy a change of scenery, or you’re keen to enjoy new experiences. Moving is notoriously stressful, but sometimes, change can be a very positive thing. Relocating offers you the chance to live in a different place, meet new people and potentially put your stamp on a property you’ll soon be calling home. There’s also the option to invest in a larger home or to downsize if your current home feels too big, and you could look for features that you’ve always wanted but don’t have at the moment, for example, a large garden or a master suite with a deluxe bathroom and a walk-in wardrobe.

If you do choose to take the plunge and start looking for a new home, it’s wise to set a budget before you start the search. There’s no point in falling head over heels in love with a property that is out of reach. Arrange some meetings, get some mortgage quotes and work out how much you can afford to spend. Once you’ve got a figure in mind and you’ve chosen a location, you can start browsing online and contacting local real estate agents. When you book viewings, take your time, have a good look around, and try and be open-minded. Consider different options, for example, a brand new home and a fixer-upper. You may think that you’re set on a particular style or type of property, but you might change your mind when you actually walk around. Projects often offer potential, and they give you the chance to create a unique space that suits your style and taste while new homes are an easy option. You can move straight in, you don’t have to think about doing work straight away, and the cost of moving is likely to be lower.

If you have a shortlist of properties, book second viewings and go back as many times as it takes to make a decision that feels right for you. Don’t rush or feel pressured to make a call at the end of a viewing. Mull over what you’ve just seen, take a look at the figures and use your heart and your head. If you are moving, plan in advance, try and get organized early and call in favors from family and friends to make the process easier and less stressful.

Are you torn between renovating and relocating? Are you running out of room or do you fancy exploring a new neighborhood? If you’re at a crossroads, it’s really useful to weigh up all the options and do some research before you make a decision. If you’re short on space, you don’t necessarily have to move, but sometimes, relocating opens up a whole host of new opportunities.