Move Or Remodel?

[Epistaxis]

We would be moving to an area where the schools would not change.

Our location is great, but there are other areas nearby that are great too.

The kitchen would be tough for an add-on, as we have an English style basement below it, which would put it essentially on the second level. Don't know about the complexities of that, but in my mind it would result in the house having a big ol' tumor coming off it's ass end.

[Scrumtrilescent]

Are those the only windows in the basement or that room in the basement?

[Epistaxis]

Yeah, the English style above-ground windows are directly below the kitchen.

The window well types are on another side of the house.

[Scrumtrilescent]

So it would be a major undertaking and not economically feasible to pull that wall out as well, if you don't want to just wall over them.

[MadHatter]

I think 60% is a little low dude.

Everything Ive seen puts kitchens in the 80-90% range. The bigger the remodel the lower on that scale you land but its way better than 60%.

The average used to be about 75%-80% return. However, today's RE market has driven that down. Everyone knows/believe the market is crap, so people are lowballing and not giving the return. Last I heard in today's market was 60%-70%.

[Mrs Pantherfan]

The average used to be about 75%-80% return. However, today's RE market has driven that down. Everyone knows/believe the market is crap, so people are lowballing and not giving the return. Last I heard in today's market was 60%-70%.

aaaaaaand that's why we're not moving any time soon...that and we couldn't get near what I want for it since we've put in a lot of money into it...so we're stuck...for awhile...

[Epistaxis]

So it would be a major undertaking and not economically feasible to pull that wall out as well, if you don't want to just wall over them.

Yep, you nailed it.

It is a long skinny kitchen, so expanding length wise would be feasible but would not solve the issue, as my wife sees it anyway.

As to MH's above post, in this area, kitchen and bath remodels are returning almost zero ROI.

Srsly

[Scrumtrilescent]

Turn one of the kid's rooms into a second kitchen.

[Epistaxis]

lol

Yeah, but then they get to fight with each other even more.

[g5jamz]

We added a garage, bonus room w/dining, and opened up our kitchen 2 years ago. Love it.

New houses aren't perfect either, but it is about location, friend support (picking up kids etc). Post your floor plan and site plot with setbacks. I'm sure someone could put something together for you.

[g5jamz]

But I will tell you this...an addition or building from scratch will test your marriage. ;)

If you want to avoid lots of anxiety...go buy a house that's done and been lived in a while and most of the issues resolved.

[Niner National]

Buy your wife a new truck. Put her stuff on the lawn. Change the locks.

[pstall]

i wouldn't over think the market epi. i mean it could all fall apart next week and Hunger Games replaces The Voice for all we know.

Remodeling you are basically putting the final touches on your investment that has no payments. Sure you may have to pay for the upgrade but if you do need to move, you are covered either way.

Can you talk to your realtor neighbor about some possible 1031 exchanges if the right place presents itself.

[pantherclaw]

My parents remodeled the kitch and upstairs bathroom when us kids were small. You'd be amazed all the things ya can prepare in the microwave and grill.

Paper plates rule.

Is there an inside wall you can take out?

That does a lot for opening up the kitchen. My parents had yo move the stove, but it was worth it as they took out a wall, creating a bar/countertop where the old wall that seperated the kitchen from the dinning room.