Would you stay or would you go? It's a question many homeowners are faced with at some point, and one the MAC Reno Design Build team makes a point of exploring with potential clients.
Why? If something about your home isn’t working – too small, not enough bathrooms, outdated, etc. – you can choose to renovate or sell and move somewhere new. Both options have associated costs and their own pros and cons, explains Spencer Dunstan-Adams, a project leader with MAC Reno Design Build in Saanich.
"My first question when I sit down with a new client is 'Why do you want to renovate – what's driving that?'" Dunstan-Adams says.
Depending on the homeowners’ answers, along with the home and property in question, he might then ask, "Have you considered moving?" It might seem an odd question for a renovation company to ask, but the goal is to get as much information as possible to best serve the client.
For many families, the answer is tied to their connection to the home, property and neighbourhood.
"If you grew up in the neighbourhood, or your kids have school and friends nearby, you may not want to disrupt them. And if you can walk to work or the rec centre, or your favourite grocery store, you might hate the idea of moving to another community," Dunstan-Adams says.
Conversely, if the kids are grown and you don't have that same connection to your home or community, maybe something new in a different area of town would give you what you're looking for, bearing in mind that moving brings its own costs and challenges ... including the possibility you might need to renovate to make it your own!
You've decided to stay; what next?
Once families settle on the renovation, it's time to dig a little deeper, exploring the "pain points" of the home and how a renovation could alleviate them.
Space needs might be accommodated with an addition or development of the basement or attic, for example. Or, with more families looking at multi-generational living, the property could be right for a garden suite or laneway home for an adult child or parent, Dunstan-Adams suggests.
Older couples may want to stay where they've raised their children and welcomed grandchildren, but need help to gracefully age in place, perhaps adding a main-floor primary suite with accessible bathroom and wider hallways, and leaving the upstairs for guests.
With the goals in mind, MAC's comprehensive pre-construction process will then explore the property itself, bringing in design and trades teams to look for any potential challenges, to limit the likelihood of unforeseen issues cropping up once construction begins.
Lastly, how much disruption are you willing to tolerate? The temporary disruption of a renovation might feel better than the potential stress of selling, moving and settling into a new home.
"Going through a renovation is a significant, sometimes emotional experience, so we just want to make sure we're all on the same page so we can create exactly the home you’re dreaming of," Dunstan-Adams says.
To learn how MAC Reno Design Build can help create the home you love coming home to, visit macreno.com or call 250-384-6091.