Moving into a new home is an extremely stressful experience. A survey by home moving service Just Move In noted that more than half of respondents consider moving incredibly stressful. Apart from dealing with various legal and official procedures and processes, moving also entails sorting your phone, insurance, sewerage, council tax, and other home utilities. With the current housing market, there is also the possibility that you won’t find a home that suits your needs. Add to that realtors’ fees, which can cut into profits or down payments, and moving is not always the best option. Without a doubt, moving can be inconvenient, bothersome, and difficult — forcing you to make compromises that you wouldn’t experience if you chose to stay in your current home. Not only that, but it is also important to consider the stress a family can endure from a move. This is especially true if children are forced to change schools with the new home.
Here are some of the things that you should consider before thinking of moving to a new home.
Fix up your home
Every home is prone to having issues. If you don’t feel satisfied with the current state of your home, why not choose to fix its issues instead of escaping to a new one? According to interior design website DecortTips.com, your home will naturally break down or become damaged through wear and tear.
If you want to avoid more difficulties down the line, it’s important that you take care of such damages promptly. To address these concerns properly, you should immediately call a specialist or a contractor.
When it comes to such matters, it’s important to employ the services of a professional and not rely on your own DIY abilities as you might further exacerbate your home’s issues. Taking on a home renovation project without having the right know-how can lead to costly accidents and mistakes. This is especially true for home renovation projects that involve plumbing systems, electrical work, and mold removal. Furthermore, unpermitted DIY work is usually not covered in homeowner’s insurance claims. If you choose to sell your house down the road, your DIY project can drastically reduce the value of your home. Because of this, always consult with a professional such as a contractor to ensure the success of your home renovation project.
Create more space
You may desire to change homes because you feel too limited and constrained in your current residence. But if you own your home, why not just expand the space? There are a number of ways to create more space in your home — from adding an extra room or two to building outdoor structures such as gazebos and sheds. You can even add another story to the house if you need more space. Before thinking about moving, try to envision how you want your current home to look. If it’s as simple as wanting extra space, talk to a contractor to see if your chosen home renovation project is doable and fits in your budget. In addition, you should also be aware of your local laws before undertaking a renovation project that can add more space to your home. In Austin, for example, there is a law in effect that limits the amount of square footage in your home as a percentage of your land space. In areas such as this, a professional remodeling contractor will be able to guide you through the design and construction process to ensure your home is up to code. This way, your contractor can check if your envisioned renovation project is allowed under existing laws and see if they need to obtain any permits.
Improve and maximize your yard
Another huge reason why people decide to change homes is that they wish to have more outdoor space. According to Forbes, around 88 percent of Americans find their outdoor spaces to be lacking in style, function, and comfort.
If you desire to have a livable outdoor space, consider landscaping your yard or thinking of other ways to maximize your outdoor space before searching for another home on Zillow or Trulia. For instance, one way to expand your outdoor living area is to opt for a full patio extension.
To upgrade your outdoor living space, you can create a focal point by having a two-sided fireplace or installing seating around a built-in firepit. You can use fences, hedges, and other landscaping elements to further define your outdoor space and heighten its privacy. Overhead structures such as a pergola, solid roof, or shade pergola can make the outdoor living space in your yard more comfortable.
Landscaping projects that don’t involve building structures can be done without the help of a professional remodeling contractor but there are many landscaping companies that can assist with outdoor landscaping designs. However, if you choose to fully revamp your yard and install outdoor structures, be sure to employ the services of a trusted builder and contractor.
Consider luxurious features
If you feel inclined to move because you want features that your current home doesn’t have, consider whether you can install these features before making the move. Luxurious and custom home renovation projects such as getting a pool or creating a spa-like bathroom can be significantly more affordable than buying a new home. A post on AskMoney.com notes the future home buyers are on the lookout for unique bonus features such as home theaters, yoga studios, and wine cellars. Aside from that, other luxurious features that can make your home more attractive and livable are high-quality appliances, luxury finishes, and extra bathrooms.
You can make your home feel more luxurious by selecting exquisite materials. For example, you can switch out your bathroom’s ceramic tiles for something more lavish such as marble, granite, or porcelain tiles. For a more seamless and elegant finish, you can use the same materials on the walls and floors. In the kitchen, you can enhance the luxurious feel by installing appliance panels over your refrigerator, adding a marble or quartzite countertop, switching to an open layout, and having smart home appliances. So, think about the luxury living experience that you aspire to have and find out if it is more affordable or convenient than moving into a new home. Aside from elevating your living experience, installing your desired luxurious features are also a good investment and can raise the value of your home.
If you’re thinking of renovating your current home in Houston or Austin to match your tastes and needs, be sure to contact Hestia Construction & Design to find out how we can turn your dreams into reality.
Things You Should Consider Before Moving to a New Home — Houston, Texas
