As a parent, one of the biggest decisions you’ll face as your family grows is how you manage your space at home. You may be lucky enough to already be in a house that’s large enough to accommodate a bigger family, but most people will be more likely to be starting small, meaning you’re faced with the choice of extending where you are or moving somewhere bigger.
There’s no right or wrong answer and what you decide to do will depend on all kinds of factors, not least your budget. What we’ll do in this article though is look at some of the points you should consider before you take the plunge either way.
Assess your current situation
First things first, it’s time to take a hard look at your current home and to be honest about where you are now. Is it serving your needs, or are there limitations that can’t be overcome with a renovation? Are you hankering after a change that could be met with a simple rejig rather than uprooting everyone?
Consider aspects like room size, layout and the functionality of your current space. If your home is simply too small, an extension might not be enough to make a significant difference.
Think about budget
This is a tricky one! While you can set a budget for things like a new house purchase and stick to it fairly accurately, extensions and renovations can be harder to plan for and often end up costing more than you intended. As noted at Homebuilding, you’ll need to factor in a lot of contingency when costing any extension and be realistic about hidden costs like solicitors fees, scaffolding, anything at all that you can think of.
If you do decide that moving is the answer, what are your options there? Are you prepared to wait and perhaps get a higher offer or does the idea of a quick sale through cash property buying service appeal? If you’re on a tight timescale and like the idea of a guaranteed price, fixed fees and money in your bank within weeks then services like We Buy Any House are definitely worth investigating.
Consider the emotional impact
Moving to a new home can be an exciting adventure, but it also comes with its share of emotional challenges according to Welldoing, particularly saying goodbye to familiar surroundings and adjusting to a new environment. This is something that often gets forgotten about in the excitement of looking at new homes, but it can have a serious impact on children, especially if your current home is all they’ve ever known.
On the flip side, extending your current home might involve living through construction, which can be stressful and disruptive. Consider how each option will impact your family emotionally and what will be the least disruptive path.
Get some professional advice
If you’re still not sure, consult with professionals to get a comprehensive view of your options. Talk to architects or builders if you’re considering an extension, and get in touch with estate agents if you’re thinking about upsizing.
Their expertise can provide you with detailed information about the feasibility, costs, and potential outcomes of each option.
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