As life changes, so do our needs at home. Whether you’re thinking about downsizing, welcoming family members to live with you, or simply wanting to make your home easier to live in as you age, one big question often comes up:
Should I remodel the home I have — or move to something new?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. What’s right for one homeowner might not be right for another. But exploring both options carefully can help you make a confident, informed choice about your next step.
Option 1: Remodeling the Home You Have
For many homeowners, remodeling offers the comfort of familiarity — your neighborhood, your community, and the memories you’ve built. With the right design and thoughtful planning, your current home can evolve beautifully with your lifestyle.
What Remodeling Makes Possible
- Adapt your home for comfort and accessibility — wider doorways, zero-threshold showers, main-floor bedrooms, and better lighting.
- Customize every feature to fit your preferences — cabinetry height, fixture placement, and materials that make daily life easier.
- Stay connected to your community, friends, and local routines.
- Increase long-term value with improvements that enhance both form and function.
What to Consider
- Budget: Remodeling is often more cost-effective than buying and moving, though scope and structure affect costs.
- Timing: A remodel can take several months; choosing a design-build team keeps the process organized and predictable.
- Feasibility: Some homes may have structural limits that affect how much can be changed.
If your current home has the right “bones” and location, remodeling can be the perfect way to stay where your heart already is — just with a refreshed, more livable design.
Option 2: Buying a New Home
For some homeowners, a new home offers the appeal of a fresh start. Maybe your current house has too many stairs, too much maintenance, or simply no room for the updates you’d like.
What Moving Offers
- A home that’s already designed for accessibility and easy living.
- New locations — closer to family, healthcare, or more walkable amenities.
- Modern systems, energy efficiency, and smart-home technology that lower upkeep and costs.
What to Consider
- Market Conditions: In parts of New Jersey, finding the right home can take time and patience.
- Hidden Costs: Realtor fees, moving expenses, and updates to the new home can add up.
- Emotional Attachment: Leaving a long-time home can be a tough emotional decision.
How to Decide What’s Right for You
At Bryhn Design/Build, we start with a conversation — not just about your home, but about your life. We’ll help you think through what really matters:
- What do you love most about where you live now?
- What challenges or frustrations do you face in your current home?
- What does “comfortable living” look like for the next 10–20 years?
- What’s your ideal budget range to make that happen?
Sometimes, after walking through your home, we can show you how a few strategic design changes could make it perfectly livable for years to come. Other times, we’ll help you see that a move may make more sense. Either way, the goal is clarity and confidence — not pressure.
The Bryhn Design/Build Approach
If remodeling is the right choice, our team manages the entire process — from design through construction — to make it seamless and stress-minimized. We consider:
- Main-floor living options and reconfiguring layouts for accessibility.
- Barrier-free showers, handrails, and safe bathroom designs.
- Kitchen modifications for ease of use and comfort.
- Lighting and visibility improvements.
- Exterior access and entryway updates.
- Accommodations for family or future caregiving needs.
Every remodel begins with a consultation where we explore your goals, priorities, and long-term plans. We’ll help you visualize what’s possible, review costs, and create a realistic roadmap — so you can move forward with confidence.
Aging in Place Isn’t About “Staying Put” — It’s About Living Well
The goal isn’t just to remain in your home — it’s to ensure your home truly supports the way you want to live. Whether that means modifying your current home or finding a new one, the right plan will help you live comfortably, safely, and beautifully for years to come.
If you’re wondering, “Should I remodel or move?” we’d be happy to help you explore the possibilities.
Give us a call at (908) 806-2961 to schedule a consultation.
Serving Hunterdon, Mercer, Morris, Somerset, and Union Counties, New Jersey.