Why move, when you can improve?

You love the house you own. It has character, charm, a history, warmth, quirky features, and it carries your mark — but…

Yesterday's needs have changed. Your family and life have evolved: more children (or grandchildren) are on the way, or they are flying the nest. Perhaps you need a home office, more space, or simply to change the layout.

Your house is showing signs of age and you are ready for a change. As exciting as moving sounds, it is a costly exercise and more of a hassle than anyone imagines — the ever-rising Stamp Duty, the estate agent's commission, solicitor's fees, the valuation, the mortgage, the move, new appliances, decoration, curtains, furniture, landscaping.

Moving is disruptive. You need to find a new house, a buyer for your existing home, and to organise your finances. Think utilities, broadband and TV; the time spent on change-of-address notifications, banks, insurance and admin. Will the children change school? Think of the “fun” of boxing and un-boxing all your belongings — and leaving neighbours to get acquainted with new ones.

More often than not, a simpler solution is to modify your existing house to meet your evolving lifestyle. It can sound overwhelming: “What should we do — renovate, remodel, extend?”, “How do we do it?”, “Where do we start?”, “Who should we contact to help?”