Everyone has different tastes and opinions when it comes to a home’s style. Some people love a cozy, old home full of history and character. Other people would rather live in a newly built house filled with the latest technology and no creaking floors or drafty windows.
But what if the problem is that your home no longer fits your needs? Maybe you need more room due to a growing family. Perhaps you’re looking for better schools or a quieter neighborhood. You might have elderly parents or relatives moving in with you. So, should you build a new house that gives you everything you want? Or modify what you already have? Should you build or remodel?
One Answer Does Not Fit All
Frankly, there’s no right or wrong answer. But before you decide, take into consideration a few of the ideas offered by Joseph Douglas Homes. They can help you determine what’s best for you and your family and whether to build or remodel.
Consider the Timing
Life sometimes surprises you, and you need to do something quickly. Building a house from the ground up can sometimes take up to nine months (depending on weather, shipping delays, etc.). So you might choose to remodel because you don’t have time to wait. An elderly parent needs immediate care. The adoption went through faster than you expected. Whatever the reason, remodeling might be the better choice if you don’t have the luxury of time. However, also be aware that, depending on the scope of the remodeling project, it still may take several months to complete.
Too Many Decisions
Not everyone looks forward to building a custom house with excitement and anticipation. There are many decisions to make, which may cause unnecessary stress instead. Narrow down the number of decisions your family has to make by staying put and remodeling what you already have.
The Cost to Build or Remodel
Meet with your mortgage lender or banker to determine your budget. Consider the costs to build or remodel and talk with a local builder to get their input. Although the upfront costs to renovate might be less expensive, think about the benefits of higher quality windows, insulation, roofing, etc., in a brand-new home.
A new home will be built in compliance with energy efficiency codes. Your appliances, HVAC, electrical, and plumbing systems will be all brand new and energy-efficient. You won’t have to worry about replacing anything for many years. These upgrades can lower your monthly utility bills to save money in the long run by building a new home.
Plus, think about how the upgrades to your current house will change the value of your home. Are you pricing yourself out of the neighborhood? Suppose you have a relatively modest home in a community of modest homes. You put $100,000+ into your current residence, for example. What will that do to your tax rates? And if you decide to sell your home in five years, will you be able to get the money out of your investment?
Potential Difficulties with Remodeling
Are there specific needs you have for your future home? Do you need a quiet home office away from the hustle and bustle of your family? Have you dreamed of a large, luxurious bathroom with double sinks and a walk-in shower? Are you in a 2-story home but prefer a ranch-style with no stairs? Do you need to accommodate someone in a wheelchair? Is your dream home a completely different architectural style from what you have?
It may be too difficult to remodel a space to create what you want or need. Are the changes you want to make in your current home even feasible? Are there zoning issues, restrictions, or HOA (Home Owners Association) rules that will restrict what you want to do?
The decision to build or remodel may get easier as you talk over all the issues.
Love Your Neighborhood
One of the strongest reasons to remodel your existing home instead of building a new home is because you love your neighborhood.
- Are you happy in the area where you live?
- Is the commute to school, church, shopping, or work convenient?
- Do you love your view?
- Do you have mature trees and landscaping?
- Will your kids miss their friends?
- Do the memories in this home outweigh the idea of moving?
Built to Your Taste, Lifestyle, Needs, and Specifications
Owning a home is a great investment. You’ll never regret investing long-term in a beautiful residence that your immediate and extended family can enjoy for many years. Whether you build it from the foundation up or remodel what you currently have, that’s a fact.
You can’t put a dollar value on living in a home you love and will make happy memories in. But there is one more consideration to think about. If you decide to build a new home with features and amenities to match your family’s lifestyle and make everyone comfortable, you’ll never be sorry.
Then, when it comes time to sell your house, there is a much greater possibility that you’ll find another family who wants the same features and details in a home you did. They will recognize the high quality and craftsmanship of Joseph Douglas Homes you love so much.
Joseph Douglas Homes
For nearly 25 years, the professionals at Joseph Douglas Homes have been building and remodeling homes throughout southeastern Wisconsin. They use only high-quality craftsmanship, energy-efficient products, superior designs constructed to Energy Star standards, and offer competitive prices.
Whether you build or remodel, the award-winning Joseph Douglas Homes is the one to call. Enjoy your home to the fullest and make it work for you and your family for many years to come.
Are you deciding between remodeling your current residence and building a new custom home? Talk to the experts who will help you choose the best energy-rated windows, HVAC systems, appliances, direct-vent fireplaces, and more to save on energy bills. Joseph Douglas Homes’ focus on energy efficiency reflects how much they care about lowering their clients’ utility costs, impacting our community, and saving the environment.
Equally as important, Joseph Douglas Homes can offer their customers various options on their house plans. Clients can design a one-of-a-kind home; Joseph Douglas will build using floor plans the clients give them, or clients can choose an already-designed floor plan. When remodeling, the designers will work with the customers until everyone is satisfied with the changes.
The professionals at Joseph Douglas Homes are proud to bring their client’s visions and ideas to life. Contact Wisconsin’s best home builder today!
