Q. Is my house worth remodeling or should I buy a different house?
A. Many people think of the question in terms of monetary value, but that’s only part of the equation. Besides the cost of the renovation, consider the value of intangibles like living in a great neighborhood, privacy, mature landscaping, and character. What do you love about your house that you’d hate to give up? What do you hate about it that no remodel could help you love? Do your research; decide if the financial investment makes sense, but also look at what you’re gaining (or losing) in terms of those intangibles. As residential architects, we often help our clients work through these issues by looking at their priorities and the feasibility of renovating vs. moving. Even if you use an architect for just the basic planning and budgeting work, a well thought-out home is a more pleasant and valuable home.
—Petra Schwartze
TEA2 Architects
