Renovate or Relocate ---- That is the question?

The renovate or relocate question is tricky.  It happens suddenly, over a cup of coffee and the morning newspaper, your house doesn’t fit your needs anymore and you can no longer deny it. 

So perhaps it’s time to make a hard decision of which there are numerous in our lives. The first milestone can be when children arrive and you need more space, then children become teenagers and your shared accommodation feels more like an invasion of privacy.

Then in a few years the children move away and the house suddenly feels too big so maybe it’s time to downsize or convert and then there is the consideration of ageing relatives or an ill spouse and your home needs to become more accessible, yet another change!

It is important to know what you might be letting yourself in for if you decide to renovate. On the whole it is likely cheaper to stay in your own home but living through renovations is stressful and can be subject to financial blowouts.

It can be a useful exercise to list out for yourself what the pros and cons are of renovate or relocate.

I am gonna stay!

Existing mortgage has low interest rates repayment amount is low.

Fewer fees are likely to be involved in staying.

Already established life in local community, neighbours, friends, schools, clubs etc.

Good existing access infrastructure such as public transport, shops, doctors etc.

Existing improvements you have already made, heating, carpets, new kitchen, redecoration etc.

There is space upwards or outwards to extend your home without loss of amenities.

I am gonna go!

You will get more space without having to add on.

You won’t have to deal with tradesmen, architects, noise, dirt etc from renovations.

Your desire to move might be to reflect changes in family structure, older children, older parents.

The shape of you existing house has never done it for you.

Adding an extension to your existing house will more than likely spoil its character.

Renovations will over-capitalise your property given the area that you live in and the current market values.

What does your heart tell you?

Sometimes it is as simple as it’s time to leave the place you have spent many years in.  A change of view, location, can renew energy and family spirits are re-energised with new lifestyle possibilities.  Above all else your heart maybe the top motivating factor that will drive you to move on!

And hand on heart

And don’t forget hand on heart throughout the journey David Jordan Estate Agents will be with you to offer their years of expertise to guide you along the way.

www.DavidJordan.co.uk

Tel: 01323 898414

Craft Your Own Slice of Home Heaven

If you could would you build your own home? A question to ponder.  As with most things there are advantages and disadvantages to tackling such a project.

The thought of having a clear canvas and choosing and inputting to everything to do with the plans, build, look and feel is something that many of us would just daydream about. Others however take that great leap and take themselves on this journey.

The upside

One of the main advantages has to be choice. How you want the outside of your home to look and inside how many windows you want, the style, where you want each room to be located, how many bedrooms, en-suite or not! The list is endless in respect of your own personal needs and taste, a home that will suit you and your family.

It can be cheaper than buying a newly built home given you control the costs of everything that goes into your home. You can choose to build it within your budget.  If you did choose to go down the kit home route, you could end up with a new home for a modest price although this does impact of some of your design flexibility but it’s another option in the self build arena.

Although you can’t live where you like you can have much greater flexibility with the location and take account of great views and privacy, no close proximity to neighbours!

Energy efficient measures can be incorporated from the start of the build from the ground up. This will mean that you do not have to do it in the future and at the same time add value to your home.

And most of all the pure satisfaction, even though it would be naive to think that it will all be plain sailing, at the end of the journey you will be left with a wonderful new home that you played the main part in creating.

Don’t forget to consider!

Finding a plot can be tricky and local council planning restrictions can sometimes be a minefield, you have to make sure you jump though all the right hoops and processes.

If you ever want to actually live in the house you will need a team behind you such as architect, project manager, builders, plumber’s electricians to name just a few. You will need to make yourself available to spend time with these people making sure all the I’s are dotted and the T’s crossed.

Mortgages can be a little trickier to acquire if you are applying for a self-build mortgage.  Also consider where you are going to live while the build is taking place.  If you are staying in your present home you will in the short term be paying for two homes.  Last but not least never underestimate the unforeseen costs.

At the end of the rainbow

Ultimately building your own home, crafting it as you want it will give you a unique experience, together with a unique home and a great buzz.

And don’t forget throughout the journey David Jordan Estate Agents will be with you to offer their years of expertise to guide you along the way.  Call us or email us using the details on our website:

www.DavidJordan.co.uk

Tel: 01323 898414