If you're like many homeowners, deciding on whether to remodel or move isn’t just about numbers; it’s about your family, lifestyle, comfort, and long-term investment. Here in New Jersey, the decision is even more complicated. With a competitive housing market and a shortage of available land, you want to weigh the pros and cons of both options, including the emotional components.
If you’re debating whether to move or remodel, here’s what you need to know.
The first step in remodeling vs. moving is deciding which option makes the most sense for you. We won't just list the pros and cons; instead, we will give you ideas to consider and mull over. The GTG Builders team is here to guide you and educate you every step of the way. Sometimes, both options look great initially, but you can see how one option makes more sense after doing some digging. Let's start digging.
Not every home is worth remodeling, but there are a few ways to assess whether your home is a good candidate for renovation. Moving versus renovating is a big decision you should not take lightly. We've listed some methods below for you to read and learn about.
If your home's bones are in good shape and you have the space on your property, a remodel or home addition can be an excellent choice. If your main issue is that you want more space, adding to your home likely makes the most sense. This also allows you to stay in the home you love, just with more room.
Remodeling can make more sense than moving if your home is in a great location with good schools, safe streets, and strong community ties. It can be challenging to find good neighbors, so don't discount the ones you have if you love your neighborhood.
Adding square footage through a home addition like an ADU or a detached garage can be a game-changer, but local zoning laws will determine what’s possible. Your remodeler will be able to help you find the solution that works best in your specific township.
If your home could benefit from an open-concept kitchen, a bigger primary (master) suite, or a better flow, renovating may be the smarter move. Remodeling allows you to build your ideal layout, giving you flexibility that moving never could. Talk with your team to see what is possible with your current layout.
Not all renovations and home additions are the same. We help homeowners like you determine which investments will add long-term value. Our New Jersey homeowner resource can give you even more information. We're also here to discuss it with you, helping you decide what plan makes sense for your home.
Deciding to move is just as important as deciding to remodel. Sometimes, it is the right choice. Moving is a big commitment, so weighing all factors before deciding on it is equally important. You don't want to rush into a move and then regret it. Before making the leap, consider the ideas listed below.
Moving may be better if your home lacks essential space, functionality, or features that a renovation or addition cannot fix. It can also be the perfect solution if you own a two-story home and are looking for a single-story one. When considering these options, make sure to consider your long-term goals.
If your commute, school district, or neighborhood no longer fits your lifestyle, a new home in a different area might be worth considering. Just like good neighbors are hard to find, a neighborhood you don't love can be fixed by moving away. It can be difficult to find the perfect neighborhood twice in a row.
The housing market in NJ is competitive, with low inventory and high prices. If you don't want to risk looking for the ideal home and not finding it, remodeling is a wiser investment. However, moving may be easier if your main concern is location versus customization.
A home is more than just a structure—it holds memories and sentimental value. Before deciding to move, make sure you're ready for the change. If these factors point toward staying put, remodeling with GTG Builders can help you reimagine your home to fit your needs and lifestyle.
The housing market in NJ is challenging for everyone involved. Our team focuses on being an expert guide to all our clients, which means we provide multiple options and detailed responses. Just like our process allows us to help you reach your goals, we provide information to help you weigh your options. Here are some major housing market trends we're seeing in Central New Jersey right now.
Look at these housing market trends and think about what action makes the most sense for you. These trends might sound negative, but you can work through any disruptions with the right team. We're showing you what we're seeing so that you can make the best decision for your family and lifestyle.
Interest rates continue to be a factor causing homeowners like you to evaluate their building, remodeling, or moving plans carefully. If you have an interest rate you love, it may make sense to stay in your home and remodel rather than buy an entirely new home. Many people are choosing to remodel based on this fluctuating but major factor.
Changing tariffs can be a discussion point when you're deciding whether to move or remodel. While you might immediately think that moving is the safest option, our recent YouTube video breaks it down more in-depth, giving you an idea of your available options.
There aren’t enough homes to meet the demand, driving up competition. Considering all factors, building a custom home may make more sense than moving. It's difficult enough to find a home, particularly the perfect home. If you end up buying a less-than-perfect home, you often also invest in renovations.
Our beautiful state does not have much open land left. The land shortage in New Jersey means you have to work hard to find the right piece of property. You are a few steps ahead of the curve if you own property. If you do choose to move and build a custom home, our team is ready to help you find land. We'll even provide you with the secrets to buying land in New Jersey.
With fewer homes, more homeowners like you are choosing to remodel and continue investing in their communities. This also means that once you decide you want to remodel, you should reach out to a custom remodeler to get on the schedule sooner rather than later.
Focusing on high-value areas is key if you decide to remodel your home. Remember that there are two types of value: financial and emotional. Here are the projects that have the most financial and emotional value.
A modern kitchen is one of the most sought-after home features. There are so many upgrades and ways to add to your kitchen. Everyone uses a kitchen, so, understandably, kitchen remodels are more popular than ever. In today's world, there are incredible ways of upgrading a kitchen. It doesn't just have to be a cooking space; you can design it to be the perfect gathering space for friends and family.
Adding extra living space, such as a primary (master) suite, family room, or multiple bedrooms, can completely change your home. Extra useful square footage that can be listed clearly (think: bedrooms) adds incredible value to your home. You can also remodel your primary suite to suit your needs as you age.
A second-story addition, an ADU, or a detached garage can add incredible value to your original home and property. This gives you more options for multi-generational living, aging in place, and hosting family and friends. It also gives you a place for your hobbies, making your home even more of a haven. In fact, a home addition is probably one of the most popular types of renovations in New Jersey right now.
When you move, you look for a real estate agent and proceed from there. When you remodel, you want to look for a remodeler with experience in New Jersey, a gorgeous portfolio, and proven customer service.
Look for a team with expertise in project management, clear communication, and excellent customer service. You want to find a remodeler experienced in New Jersey's climate, working with high-quality materials and combining them to create the perfect project.
At GTG Builders, we don’t just renovate homes; we help you make the best decisions for your future. Our expertise in home additions, ADUs, and whole home remodeling means we can tailor a plan to fit your needs. You can also take a peek and see if now is the time to build a custom home rather than remodeling or moving.
Instead of navigating the unpredictable New Jersey housing market, let’s explore how your home can evolve with you. Whether it’s reworking your layout, expanding your space, or building an ADU, we’ll guide you every step of the way. Remodeling allows you to keep the home (and interest rate) you love while making your space cater to your needs and lifestyle.
If you’re considering a home remodel, contact us today for a consultation. We’ll help you weigh the pros and cons, explore design possibilities, and create a space you love.