Renovate, Don't Relocate: Creating Your Dream Home Amidst a High Real Estate Market

You love your home, but it isn’t meeting your family’s needs anymore. In today’s real estate market, finding your dream home can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. With high home prices and limited availability, moving might not be the, ahem, move. What if you could transform your current home into your dream home without the hassle of relocating? Renovating offers a fantastic alternative that allows you to tailor your space to your exact needs and preferences. Peacock & Company of South Bend and Southwest Michigan is here to help you understand the benefits of remodeling, compare costs, and help you decide if renovating is the right choice for you.

South Haven, MI interior remodel of living room by Peacock & Company

South Bend and Harbor Country Housing Market

Are home prices dropping in Indiana? Unfortunately, the trend shows a steady increase rather than a decline. The housing market in South Bend and Southwest Michigan has been booming. High demand coupled with limited supply has driven up home prices, making it a challenging environment for buyers. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer or looking to upgrade, the competition can be fierce. According to recent data, the median home price in the region has increased significantly over the past year, reflecting the nationwide trend of rising property values. This makes it an opportune time to invest in your current property through remodeling, which can increase your home's value and provide a return on investment in the future.

Remodeling vs. Buying a New Home

Is it cheaper to buy a new house or remodel an old one? The cost is a significant factor when considering whether to move or remodel. The cost to remodel a whole house varies depending on the scope and scale of the project. On average, a full house remodel can range from $175,000 to well over $400,000. While this might seem steep, comparing it to the cost of buying a new home is important. In today's market, purchasing a home that meets all your needs could be significantly more expensive, especially after accounting for moving costs, closing fees, and potential renovations needed in the new place.

South Bend craftsman style kitchen remodel with island by Peacock & Company

How to Determine If You Should Remodel or Move

The decision to remodel or move is profoundly personal and hinges on several factors.

  • Personal Attachment: If you love your current neighborhood, school district, and local amenities, have strong community ties, or enjoy your home's unique features, remodeling might be the better choice.
  • Customization Needs: Remodeling allows for a high degree of customization, letting you tailor every aspect of your home to your specific needs and tastes.
  • Financial Considerations: Evaluate your financial situation, including the costs of remodeling versus moving and the potential return on investment from a remodel should you choose to move under more favorable conditions.
  • Market Conditions: In a high market, selling your home can be lucrative, but the cost of buying another may offset any gains.

Steps to Deciding Between Moving and Remodeling

To make an informed decision, follow these steps.

  1. Assess Your Current Home's Condition: Identify areas that need improvement and estimate the cost of necessary renovations.
  2. Evaluate Your Long-Term Needs: Consider how your needs might change in the future and whether your current home can accommodate these changes.
  3. Get Professional Advice: Consult with remodeling experts, like our team at Peacock & Co., to understand the potential and cost of remodeling your home.
  4. Compare Costs: Look at the overall costs of remodeling versus moving, including hidden expenses like moving costs, realtor fees, and home improvements in a new house.
  5. Consider Market Trends: Analyze current market trends to gauge whether now is a good time to buy or if investing in your current home is the smarter financial decision

Benefits of Home Remodeling

Enhanced Personalization

One of the most compelling reasons to choose remodeling over relocating is the ability to customize your home to your preferences. When you remodel, you have complete control over the design and functionality of each room. Whether creating a gourmet kitchen, a luxurious primary bathroom, or a functional home office, remodeling allows you to tailor your space to your specific needs and lifestyle. 

White kitchen remodel with shaker-style cabinets by Peacock & Company

Increased Home Value

Investing in a full home remodel can significantly boost your property’s value. Strategic remodels, such as kitchen and bathroom updates, offer a high return on investment. For example, a well-executed kitchen remodel can recoup up to 70-80% of its cost in added home value. Additionally, updating outdated systems and improving energy efficiency can make your home more attractive to future buyers. 

Avoiding the Cons of Moving

Moving to a new home can be a daunting and stressful experience. Here are some of the key disadvantages of moving.

  • Emotional and Logistical Stress: Moving involves packing up your life, leaving behind familiar surroundings, and adapting to a new environment. This can be incredibly challenging for families with children or those deeply rooted in their communities.
  • High Costs: The expenses associated with moving are substantial. These include realtor fees, closing costs, moving services, and potential renovations in the new home. These costs can quickly add up, making moving an expensive option.
  • Uncertainty and Adjustment: Settling into a new neighborhood, finding new schools, and establishing a new routine can take time and effort. There’s also the risk that the new home might not meet all your expectations.

The Remodeling Process

A successful remodel starts with meticulous planning and design. Understanding a bit about how remodeling works can make the decision to remodel rather than move less daunting. Here’s how our process works at Peacock.

  1. Initial Consultation: We begin with an in-depth consultation to understand your vision, needs, and budget.
  2. Detailed Planning: Our team spends extra time upfront to create a comprehensive plan, ensuring every detail is accounted for.
  3. Design Expertise: Our in-house designers bring creativity and expertise to the table, transforming your ideas into practical and beautiful designs.
  4. Approval and Finalization: We work closely with you to finalize the design, making sure you’re completely satisfied before we start construction.
  5. Execution: Our skilled craftsmen bring the design to life, adhering to the highest standards of quality and professionalism.
Luxury bathroom remodel with porcelain tub below window near Harbour Country, MI by Peacock and Company

Choosing the Right Contractors to Make Your Current Home Your Dream Home

Selecting the right contractors is crucial to the success of your remodeling project. When looking for full home remodel contractors, it’s important to consider their experience, reputation, and ability to deliver quality results. Here’s what we offer every client we meet.

  • Expertise: With decades of experience, we deliver comprehensive home remodels, handling every aspect of your project with precision and care.
  • Reputation: Our clients trust us for our professionalism, attention to detail, and commitment to delivering on our promises.
  • Fixed Price Quote: We provide a detailed, fixed-price quote before the build begins, giving you peace of mind and avoiding unexpected costs.

Peacock & Co. is dedicated to helping you transform your current home into your dream home. If you’re considering a remodel, we invite you to contact us for a consultation. Let us help you realize your home's full potential.

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