Moving house is usually the first solution people come to when they are unhappy with their current property. But moving house is stressful and expensive. So the question is: could extending your house be a better solution?
Let’s take a look at the pros and cons.
Extending Your Property
If you have the space, extending your property can be a good way to increase your indoor footprint. Even a small extension can make a big difference and if you angle your windows right, you can significantly increase the amount of light in a room too.
Before you start building, it’s vital that you understand what an extension will do for your space. There’s no point in building an extension when a good clear-out of your junk could achieve the same results. Equally, you need to check the viability of your plans by submitting to planning permission and using Underground Service Locating tools to double check where your utilities are before you start building.
By building an extension, you will naturally reduce your outdoor space which could be a significant downside if you don’t have a large garden. However, you can create the illusion of a continuous space by using the same flooring inside as out and floor to ceiling windows and doors.
One final option to consider doesn’t require any building outside the property. Loft conversions can be quite costly but adding a dormer window is a good way to create a new usable space without stealing from the garden. Loft conversions are also a good way to add value to a property so if you do decide to move later, you will still benefit from your decision to build.
Moving House
There are lots of hidden costs when you move house but this is often the best way to get what you want if you have fallen out of love with the area you live in, don’t have room to extend or simply don’t want to live on a building site. Moving house may be one of the most stressful things you do in life but if you choose the right property, you won’t have to do it again for a while at least!
When you move house, it’s important to think about how long you want to live there for and prepare for the next phase of life. For example, if you are a young couple hoping to start a family, it makes sense to buy a house with at least two bedrooms so that when a nipper comes along, you don’t have to move straight away. Choosing an area with good schools is also well-advised. You can use this property checklist to make sure you tick all the right boxes.
There are pros and cons to moving and extending so what you decide is really up to you. However, it is worth exploring both options fully before you decide what to do. You might find that extending now and moving later could give you even more flexibility later on, so it’s worth thinking about.
