MOVE OR REMODEL? LET’S UNPACK IT.
Explore the pros, cons, and true costs behind moving versus remodeling, so your home supports the life you’re building.
Blog / Should I Move or Remodel?
Author: Chelsea Jordan
When my husband and I were buying our house, one of the million questions we asked our realtor was, “Do people usually move or remodel?” Without hesitation, she said, “People here tend to move.”
That answer stuck with me. Was it simply a realtor’s tactic, after all, moving creates repeat business, or was it really true that homeowners in Houston prefer to move rather than remodel? The more I dug into it, the more I realized the answer wasn’t as straightforward as I initially thought.
Housing Markets:
I started my architectural career in London, where real estate prices are sky-high and closing costs alone could make you cry. For most young professionals, moving into a bigger place simply wasn’t an option, so the only choice was to stay, remodel, and embrace the quirks (yes, even creaky floorboards and converted attics).
When I moved to Houston in 2020, the market felt completely different. Homes were more affordable, properties were turning over quickly, and buyers were competing for sellers’ attention. Fast-forward a few years, and with interest rates hovering above 6% for the third year in a row, the pace of sales has slowed, and remodeling has become an increasingly appealing option again.
Why People Move?
For many families, the decision to move comes down to three things:
Space: They’ve outgrown their home and need more bedrooms or living areas.
Layout: The existing floor plan no longer suits their lifestyle.
Location: They want a better school district, shorter commute, or a different neighborhood.
Sometimes, the cost of adding square footage or making major changes outweighs simply moving to a larger home. And for some people, avoiding the dust and disruption of a remodel can feel like a perk.
Why People Remodel?
On the flip side, remodeling lets you stay rooted in a neighborhood you love while creating a home that finally works for you. Adding that long-awaited primary suite, opening up a kitchen, or upgrading finishes can be more affordable than moving once you factor in all the hidden costs of selling.
At Moment Architects, we’ve helped clients navigate remodels of every scale, from small refreshes to full-home overhauls. Many clients even take the opportunity to vacation or stay with family while construction is underway, returning home to a brand-new space without ever stepping into the dust.
The Price Comparison:
Let’s put numbers to it. Say your home is worth $500,000. Selling could mean losing roughly 10% of that value once you factor in pre-sale repairs, agent fees, and closing costs, that’s around $50,000 gone before you even step into your next house. A typical move for an additional bedroom will cost an additional 10-20%, which translates into an additional $50,000-100,000, plus closing costs, you’re looking at a spending of $100,000-$150,000.
Remodeling, on the other hand, directs your money straight into improvements that add value and function to your home. We see a typical remodel ranging from $150 - $400 per square foot. A whole house remodel can add at least 5% to the future sale price of your home. Of course, not every remodel makes financial sense, which is why we guide clients through cost-benefit comparisons early in the design phase.
The Real Question:
So, should you move or remodel? The answer isn’t a simple yes or no. The real question is:
What isn’t working in your current home?
Can it be solved through design?
And if so, at what cost compared to moving?
Sometimes moving really is the right choice, especially if the issue is tied to location or site constraints that no remodel can fix. But when the house itself is the challenge, a thoughtful remodel can give you the best of both worlds: a home you love, in the neighborhood and schools you don’t want to leave.
How Moment Architects Can Help?
At Moment Architects, we help homeowners weigh both sides of this decision. Through feasibility studies, design concepts, and budget guidance, we give you the clarity to decide whether staying or moving is the smarter move for you. And if remodeling is the answer, we’re with you every step of the way, turning frustration into possibility and helping you create a house that finally feels like home.
Because at the end of the day, whether you move or remodel, the goal is the same: to live in a place that truly supports your life.
