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Should I renovate or move?

If your home no longer works, the choice is not simply renovation cost versus a new house. Location, disruption, financing and what you can realistically change all matter.

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List the problem before the solution

Separate problems you can renovate away from problems you cannot: location, commute, neighbours, plot size and fundamental layout constraints.

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Estimate the full renovation budget, contingency and temporary disruption. For moving, include transaction costs, mortgage changes, moving costs and the cost of the home you would actually buy.

Test the irreversible parts

If you can get reliable quotes or view realistic alternatives, use those facts before deciding. Avoid making a large decision from rough assumptions.

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