Should You Remodel or Move?
A Veteran Builder’s Take on When to Stay and When to Start Fresh
Maybe your kitchen feels too small. Maybe you need another bedroom. Or maybe the house just isn’t working like it used to. If you’ve hit that point, you’re probably asking yourself:
“Should we remodel—or just move?”
It’s a fair question, and it doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all answer. At Veterans Builders, we’ve worked with hundreds of homeowners across Southeast New Hampshire and Southern Maine who’ve been exactly where you are now.
Here’s how we help people make the call—honestly, practically, and without any sales spin.
When Remodeling Makes Sense
1. You Love Your Location
If you’re in a good school district, close to work, or surrounded by neighbors you trust—that’s hard to replace. A remodel lets you stay put while upgrading your quality of life.
2. You Have Room to Expand
Whether it’s a garage, addition, or deck, we can often reconfigure your existing space or add square footage without changing the footprint of your lot.
3. Your Home Has Good Bones
If your foundation, structure, and roof are solid, remodeling becomes a smart investment—you’re improving on something that already works.
4. Moving Costs Would Eat You Alive
Realtor fees, inspections, closing costs, new furniture, and the stress of moving? That money might go further in a remodel than in an overpriced move.
When It Might Be Time to Move
1. You’ve Outgrown the Lot
If there’s no physical space to expand—especially in tight towns like Portsmouth or York—you might need to look elsewhere.
2. The Repairs Are Just Too Much
If your home needs foundation work, new systems, roof, and major layout changes, sometimes it’s smarter to put that money toward something newer.
3. Your Goals Have Changed
If your lifestyle has shifted—kids grown, retirement coming, home business growing—it might make sense to move to a space that’s built for that phase of life.
Remodel Costs vs. Moving Costs
Let’s say you’re considering upgrading vs. selling:
When you add it all up, remodeling can actually save you money—while increasing your home’s value at the same time.
Questions to Ask Before Deciding
1. What are the real costs of each option?
2. Can this house work with the right updates?
3. Is the market favorable for selling right now?
4. Are you emotionally ready to move—or remodel?
If you’re not sure, we’re happy to walk your home and give you honest feedback—even if it means telling you to move on.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will a remodel increase my home value?
Most major remodels offer 50–80% return at resale, depending on quality and market. More importantly, it improves how you live in the space now.
Q: What’s the ROI on an addition vs. a remodel?
Additions tend to have a slightly lower ROI than remodels but add usable square footage, which boosts value significantly in towns like Dover, Exeter, and South Berwick.
Q: Can I phase the remodel over time?
Yes—we often help homeowners tackle one space at a time to fit their budget or schedule.
Still Unsure? Let’s Talk It Out.
You don’t have to figure this out on your own. If you’re trying to decide whether to remodel or move, we’ll give you a straight answer—even if it means we don’t get the job.
Visit our Contact Page to schedule your free consultation:
