Should I Renovate or Move? A Construction Pro’s Take on Making the Right Call

It’s a question almost every homeowner asks at some point. Do I stay and renovate—or pack up and move?:

Maybe your home no longer fits your lifestyle. Maybe the layout frustrates you, or the finishes are outdated, or you just need more space. Whatever the reason, you’re weighing two big decisions, and both come with serious costs, benefits, and emotional weight.

As a construction company that’s helped clients through both paths, renovating their current homes or prepping homes for resale, we’ve got a clear view of what goes into this decision. Here's what we tell

1. Start With What You Don’t Like About Your Current Home

Be honest: Is it the layout? The size? The neighborhood? The dated finishes?

If your main issue is cosmetic (kitchen needs updating, bathrooms are tired, floors are worn), renovation is usually the smarter move. These problems are fixable and often more affordable than starting over with a new home.

But if your frustrations are with things you can’t change like a long commute, poor school district, or limited lot size, moving may be the better long-term play.

Pro Tip: Write down your top 3 frustrations. If construction can fix all of them, renovation’s worth considering

2. Look at Your Home’s Renovation Potential

Not all houses are easy (or smart) to renovate. Older homes with poor bones, structural issues, or outdated electrical/plumbing systems can turn into bottomless money pits. On the flip side, homes with solid structures, good natural light, and flexible layouts can transform beautifully

Ask a construction professional to evaluate:
● Feasibility of removing walls or adding space
● Electrical and plumbing upgrade needs
● Load-bearing walls and structural limits
● Permit requirements and code issues

Sometimes, a $50K–$100K renovation can turn your home into your dream space. Other times, that same money barely scratches the surface.

3. Run the Real Numbers

Let’s break down some basic costs:
Renovating:
● Midrange kitchen remodel: $35K–$65K
● Bathroom refresh: $15K–$25K
● Whole-home cosmetic upgrades: $75K–$150K+
● Timeline: 2–6 months (depending on scope)

Moving:
● Realtor fees: 5–6% of sale price
● Closing costs on a new home: 2–5%
● Moving expenses: $2K–$10K+
● Potential renovation work on the new home, too
● Timeline: 3–6 months or more

Renovation may not always be cheaper but it can be more predictable, especially when you work with an experienced construction team.

4. Factor in Emotional Value

There’s also the question of heart.

Do you love your neighborhood? Have you built memories in your home? Is your commute ideal? Renovating allows you to stay rooted in the parts of your life you already value.

Moving might mean a fresh start but also the stress of the unknown.

5.Talk to a Pro Before You Decide

One of the best moves you can make? Bring in a trusted construction company before you make your final call. A good contractor will:
● Walk through your space and identify what's realistically possible
● Ballpark costs based on your goals
● Help you compare those numbers with the costs of buying new

Bottom Line:
Don’t guess. Get real input. The wrong choice can cost you time, money, and peace of mind. The right choice? It’ll feel like home.

Thinking about renovating but unsure what’s possible in your space? Burns Construction Solutions offers consultation walk-throughs to help you assess your home's potential with no pressure, just straight answers from seasoned pros.

Let us help you figure out what makes the most sense for you. Burnsconstructionsolutions.com