Renovate or Build New?
Betty is 75 years old. She has lived in the same street her whole life, and has come to know that street as home, Betty loves the neighbours, the corner store she can walk to, the smell of the Jacaranda tree out the front, in fact, all the sights and sounds around her just make this home.
But, some of the fittings and the home is designed is getting just a bit much for Betty who isn’t quite as agile as she used to be. She saw a new home consultant who showed her a display home with all the bells and whistles that can make Betty’s life so much easier, but she just can’t see herself leaving this area which is so precious to her…
Matt and Cindy live right next to the park which they are at nearly every day with 5 year old Zac. Just down the road, one of the best schools in town is where Zac has just started prep, and he has made some great friends. They have met some great friends in the street, James and Sally, who now come over every couple of weeks for a bbq and a night of cards.
But, the small three bedroom home they are living in won’t be quite big enough next year - when the twins arrive!
Cindy is concerned they will have to move to another suburb to get a home big enough…
Living on an elevated slope near the Coast, Alan and Joy love going for walks along the beach, and slipping down to their favourite restaurant ‘Idle Joe’s’ for a nice steak and glass of red on a Friday night. Being a part of the local Surf Life Saving Club keeps Alan busy, and Joy volunteers at the local Meals on Wheels as well.
Being a low set house though, they just can’t get the glimpses of the ocean that they would love, and those magic sea breezes. And, Joy just can’t help reminding Alan how much she would love to have that new bathroom where she could lie in the bath and see the ocean. And now that the kids are gone, Joy is sure they could update the kitchen, the living room, maybe let some more light in…
Although the above scenarios are fictional, they give a snapshot of instances where people are choosing to remain in their current location and renovate, rather than to build a new home.
The reasons for wanting to renovate can vary from needing more room for a growing family, gaining better views, letting more light into a home, removing walls for a more open feel, adding a granny flat or just a desire for a more modern and functional home. Changing seasons of life, such as new children on the way, or, children leaving home, or, finally starting your home based business can also be triggers to change the layout of your home in some way. Again - it is not always necessity which is the reason for renovating - sometimes it is just time to improve your lifestyle and giving your home a revamp in the process is part of that process.
One of the main reasons for remaining in a particular location and renovating is the fact that with a dwindling land supply, especially in many coastal areas, building a new home usually means moving to the outer suburbs. This usually adds up to longer travel times to things such as work, schools and social activities. With fuel costs on the increase and not looking to slow down, this is a harsh reality. Also, in a world that moves faster and faster each day, every second counts and having those seconds tick by as you sit in traffic and inhale toxic fumes is a frustrating and emotionally draining experience. Not too good for your health either!
Renovating your current home really gives you the best of both worlds - the convenience and functionality of a modern home with all the trimmings, and to be able to stay in the same place offering you the pleasure of staying close to work, schools, friends, family and more.