Move Or Improve? We Take A Look At The Benefits of Renovating Rather Than Moving Home.

Spring is in the air, can you feel it? The days are longer and lighter, making us want to come out of hibernation, throw open the windows and breathe some fresh air - and new life - into our homes. It’s why that age-old tradition of spring cleaning is so popular. It feels satisfying to embrace the light and make our homes feel fresh and vibrant again.

But the energising feelings that spring brings can also make you feel restless - maybe you're wondering whether you should move, rather than trying to refresh your home? The answer to that question depends entirely on your personal circumstances, but to help you decide here are some of the benefits of taking on a home improvement project rather than relocating.

1. It’s Affordable.

Upgrading or extending your home can be more affordable than you think, and more cost effective than moving. Because when you move, you need to factor in expenses such as document duty, legal fees, estate agent fees and moving costs, to name just a few. Money that could possibly be better spent extending or improving your existing home.

2. It’s An Investment.

Improving rather than moving can add value, so if you decide to move in the future your property may be worth more. Adding an extension or an en-suite now, for example, might be what you need for your growing family. When the work is done, you will have expanded and improved your home in the short term, and potentially added to the value of your property in the longer term. If the time comes when you want to downsize, that extra room could give you a good return on your investment.

3. It’s Achievable.

Sometimes you have all you need in your existing home, you just need to switch things up a bit. If space is an issue, consider extending into the attic or building an extension. Kitchen’s too small? Break thorugh into the dining room you never use. Speak to a friendly architect who can help you re-think your existing layout to get more out of the space you have. Depending on the scale of your project, it may be wise to budget for unexpected costs, so that when you do your upgrade, you do it right.

4. It’s Personal.

Renovating means you can stamp your own style on the project and make sure it meets your specific requirements. Whatever the scale of the project, from installing bedroom storage solutions to adding a whole extra floor, you get to choose the design and functionality that works best for you. With careful financial planning you can create your dream home, and with the money you’re saving by improving rather than moving, you can invest in high quality furnishings and fittings.

5. It’s Easier.

Packing up your home is no easy task. The upheaval is real, and it’s not just the physical side of the move. You may have to factor in a school move if you have children, or a new route to work - and whilst the daily commute may not seem like such a big deal in Guernsey, we've all experienced the impact of early morning traffic on certain routes into town. The admin is also significant, with a long list of people you need to notify when you move. And let’s be honest, it’s unlikely a new home would be perfect - a move usually comes with some sort of home improvement project too!

6. It’s Exciting.

Maybe it’s more about what you want, rather than what you need. If you’ve always longed for some personal space, a sanctuary set apart from the rest of the house just for you, explore the options. From a bespoke garden room to a home yoga studio it can be as grand as you like. Or maybe it's a simple case of revamping the spare room, creating a small reading nook or installing a potting shed in a quiet corner of the garden. Let your imagination run wild and explore your financing options to make it happen.

The team at Cherry Godfrey can help create your dream home with a home improvement loan and they also have expert knowledge of the mortgage market if you choose to move.

Whichever path you choose, they will be with you every step of the way.