BackTop Reasons to Remodel

As families grow and times change, a common feeling can arise of wanting to upgrade to a larger home that fits your growing family or to a new home that fits the latest trends in the housing market. The struggle comes when you have fallen in love with your current home, especially if the home carries sentimental value such as being the first home you have purchased, or a home that has been passed down through your family for generations.

Does it make more sense to move to a new place, or remodel your current home to fit your needs? The following are statistics and considerations to take into account before making a move:

The Cost Difference

When looking to the market to purchase a home, homeowners expect to pay hundreds of thousands of dollars, plus any fees associated with updating your current home and prepping the home to put it on the market. Then there are storage unit costs during the transition period, moving truck costs and more. In addition, there are always areas of the home that are desired to have renovations. According to www.thisoldhouse.com, home renovation costs typically range from $19,500 to $88,400 for most homeowners, with an average of $52,275 for homes between 1,250 and 1,600 square feet.

Understanding renovation costs by square footage provides a standardized lens for comparing project expenses. Home renovation costs around $15–$150 per square foot.*

House Size (sq ft)	Low-End Total Cost ($15/sq ft)	Mid-Range Total Cost ($60/sq ft)	High-End Total Cost ($150/sq ft)
1,200	$18,000	$72,000	$180,000
1,500	$22,500	$90,000	$225,000
2,000	$30,000	$120,000	$300,000
2,500	$37,500	$150,000	$375,000
3,000	$45,000	$180,000	$450,000
3,500	$52,500	$210,000	$525,000
4,000	$60,000	$240,000	$600,000

*Cost figures according to Angi and NerdWallet.

Moving Disrupts

It can be difficult to find the perfect home that is on the market ready for you to purchase at the exact time you’re looking. If you do find a home you’re interested in, the next steps and decision-making process can be a quick (and stressful) turnaround. Depending on just how quick the turnaround, temporary rental situations might be necessary. Homeowners control renovations much better than moves, as projects can be planned and completed according to your wishes, on your desired schedule.

Consider this 2025 US Houzz and Home Renovation Trends guideline, which surveyed 21,889 users about their plans to renovate, their experience, their splurges, designs, areas seeking renovation, etc.

Aging-in-Place is on the Rise

One of the biggest factors to why homeowners choose to remodel instead of move is due to the ever-growing Aging-in-Place trend. Whether because of the great community they live in or because of the sentimental value the home has, homeowners are deciding more and more to remain in their home as long as possible.

A recent AARP survey found that 75% of adults aged 50 and older would prefer to stay in their homes as they age.⁴ It’s not hard to see why. Moving out of a beloved home can be emotionally challenging and expensive, and many seniors see aging in place as a way to avoid those disruptions.

Without making the modifications to the existing home, there are challenges that can be posed.

Aging in place has potential benefits for older adults, by allowing them to maintain their independence, stay connected to their communities, and potentially save money compared to moving into assisted living. But there are challenges, too. Without proper planning, the costs of modifications and caregiving could strain finances. Homes that aren’t updated properly might pose safety risks, and falls or injuries could lead to costly medical bills.