Do I Renovate... or Do I Move?
A love story, a Zillow spiral, and the ultimate design dilemma.
You know the feeling. You’re scrolling Zillow late at night, sipping something cold, the kids finally asleep, your kitchen quietly judging you for still not replacing the light fixture you swore you'd change three years ago. Then it happens.
Your dream house appears.
It’s in your neighborhood. It’s already renovated. It has built-ins. The good kind. And suddenly the house you thought was your dream home starts to feel like it’s giving... “project fatigue.”
This just happened to me. I’ve loved our home for years. It has charm, warmth, good bones, and that “we made this ours” energy. But also: it has a growing list of pending updates, aging tile, and the lingering memory of living through one too many rounds of renovation dust.
So naturally, when that fully finished beauty popped up just a few blocks away, I thought:
What if we just... moved?
No contractors. No tile delays. No dust creeping into places dust should not be. Just a fresh start, fully renovated and wrapped in real estate perfection.
But of course—it’s not that simple.
The Renovation Route: Pros & Cons
Pros
You get exactly what you want. From custom cabinetry to that one shade of white paint, every detail is tailored to your taste.
You’ve already built emotional equity. Memories, neighbors, the tree you planted—it’s hard to replicate that in a new place.
Location stays the same. School zones, commutes, the dog’s favorite walking route—all remain intact.
Cons
Dust. Always dust. Even with the best crews, renovation gets messy.
It takes time. Design, permits, timelines, backorders... patience is part of the package.
Costs can creep. Even the best-planned projects can uncover surprises once walls come down.
The Moving Option: Pros & Cons
Pros
Instant gratification. Move-in ready is very appealing when you're tired of living among paint samples and tile swatches.
No project management stress. Skip the scheduling headaches, supply delays, and daily construction updates.
Fresh start. A new space often inspires fresh routines, better flow, and renewed creativity.
Cons
Compromises are real. The new house may be lovely—but is the layout perfect? Does it have the light you love? The nooks your family naturally gathers in?
Costs stack up. Closing costs, movers, upgrades to make it really yours—it adds up quickly.
You might miss your home. Nostalgia hits differently once you're gone.
So... What Did I Decide?
I’m still deciding.
Sometimes I stand in my hallway, squint past the wear and tear, and dream about the potential. Other days, I refresh the Zillow listing for that dream house like it’s a favorite playlist.
And I think that’s the most honest answer: it’s okay to feel torn.
Whether you're team stay and transform or team fresh start, what matters is feeling connected to your space—however you get there.
Thinking about your own “move or renovate” moment?
I help clients navigate both paths—from dreaming up a renovation that reflects your style, to helping you visualize how a new space could become your own.
Let’s talk—Zillow tabs open and all.
Warmly,
Kelsey
Style and Space Interiors
