Remodel or move? Architect can help

We see it all the time. Homeowners come to us needing more space for a growing family or desiring home features that their current abode just doesn't have. The tough question they face is: Should I move to a new home or remodel the one I have?

Two examples of homeowners in this dilemma were the Barretts of the Avenues and the Bates family of the Harvard-Yale area. Both couples needed larger homes for their growing families, yet both also loved their current location, neighborhood, schools and so forth.

As we did with the Barretts and Bateses, architects can help any homeowner in this situation make an educated, wise decision. Architects can help you determine the pros, cons, and general cost of adding more space; where and how you can add on to your home so that it will conform to city zoning requirements; what your house will look like if you add on; and how to set the parameters of your project so you can control the cost before construction begins.

We recommend that homeowners faced with the moving or remodeling question also consult with real estate agents. Real estate agents can help determine the value of your current home and the value cap for the area in which your home is located, show you what is available to buy in the marketplace you're interested in, and estimate the cost of another home with your wish list of features.

It is also important to remember and compare the "hidden" costs of renovating and moving. Costs beyond the basic construction budget for remodeling include architectural and structural engineering design fees, demolition costs, permit fees, possibly needing to replace old wiring or plumbing, and the cost of additional furniture and window coverings for the new space.

The hidden expenses of moving include Realtor commissions for the sale and purchase of your homes, mortgage fees and closing costs, and the hiring of movers and rental of a moving van.

Next, compare the inconveniences of both options. Remodeling can be messy, noisy and force you to live without a certain part of your house during the process. Moving means the hassle of packing and unpacking, changing your mailing address with the post office, voter registration, credit card companies, driver's license bureau, friends and family, and so forth; and changing all your utilities.

Finally, weigh the emotional costs. Are you willing to give up your current location, neighbors, schools and local congregation in order to move? Or would you rather deal with the inconvenience of remodeling?