If you're a homeowner in East Tennessee, you may be asking yourself a big question: Should I move or remodel? With rising home prices, low housing inventory, and growing regional demand, it's no surprise that people are moving to and remodeling in Knoxville, TN. Deciding between remodeling or moving (and all that entails) comes down to your goals, your budget, and how you want to live. If you're considering a major home improvement in Knoxville, TN, this guide will walk you through different options and note what makes the most sense in the current market.
This is one of the most common questions home builders and remodelers hear. The truth is that the answer depends on your current home and future plans. If your home is in a location you love and the structure is in good condition, remodeling can be more affordable and less stressful than buying or building new. In changing economic times, remodeling lets you stay in your home and invest less while customizing your home to you. Our team specializes in home remodeling in Knoxville, TN, and is considered one of the best custom home builders in the area. We can help you explore each option.
You may wonder if it is cheaper to remodel or build. For many homeowners, remodeling is more cost-effective, especially if you already have equity in your current home. Renovating specific rooms and curating your home to your lifestyle can keep you in your house longer.
Still, your total costs depend on the size of your project, equity, and whether you're moving into a home that needs to be remodeled. You'll also have to factor in the literal costs of moving into your calculations.
Moving doesn't just have to mean heading into a pre-built house. Moving can also mean building a new custom home. When you're trying to decide between remodeling, moving, or building new, ask yourself:
If you answered yes to the first few questions, remodeling is likely the right path. If you’re craving something completely new, moving and building lets you change your location, home, neighbors, and schools. Renovating updates your home, not your location, and building new solves that issue. However, if the timeline for a new construction is too long and you don't mind your location, a remodel can make your home feel like new.
If you're set on Knoxville, moving or improving are both good choices, but remodeling might just be a better investment. This area is continuing to grow, and you'll be able to benefit from investing in real estate for years to come. There are so many reasons to move to, remodel in, or build a home in Knoxville. Here are a few of the pros and cons of moving and improving.
If you’re still stuck between options and debating moving or remodeling, take a step back and assess your situation:
Knowing how to decide to move involves evaluating your lifestyle and how your home supports it now and in the future. It's a big decision, so take as long as you need to decide before jumping on the moving train. You'll also have to weigh the benefits of the new neighborhood and house.
If you’d rather stay in your current home and improve what’s already there, you’re making a smart move. Home improvement in Knoxville, TN, is popular for good reason. Renovating allows you to customize your space without giving up your location. In a competitive market, remodeling often delivers more value and less stress than searching for a new home and lets you keep your equity and neighbors. Remodeling your home is one of the best financial decisions you can make right now, especially if you're locked into a low interest rate.
If you're considering upgrading your current home or buying a property that needs work, you may be wondering how to tell if a house is worth renovating. Making the right call depends on more than just aesthetics. It's about structure, location, return on investment, and your long-term goals.
Home remodeling in Knoxville, TN, often makes the most sense and is worth it when a few key factors align. If you're in a strong, growing neighborhood, your renovation dollars are more likely to increase your home's long-term value. Homes in desirable areas tend to hold or grow in value, making upgrades a smart investment. If the bones of your home are solid, remodeling versus building new becomes a much more cost-effective choice. It also makes sense to remodel when you want specific aging-in-place or multigenerational living amenities.
If you’re considering buying a home to renovate, location should be one of your first considerations. A home in a desirable area is more likely to retain or increase in value over time, making it a safer investment. Next, think about the layout. While cosmetic issues, a dated kitchen, or a closed-off floor plan can be addressed through renovation, challenges like poor natural light, low ceilings, or significant structural flaws can be much more difficult and expensive to fix.
It’s also important to assess the potential return on your updates. Will your renovations align the home with other properties in the area, or even help it outperform them? These are key factors when deciding whether a renovation is truly worth the investment.
Some home remodeling projects in Knoxville deliver more value than others, especially when you want to increase both comfort and resale potential. Kitchen and bathroom remodels consistently rank among the top investments, offering strong returns and high appeal to future buyers.
Creating open-concept living spaces is another popular improvement that modernizes the feel of a home and improves functionality. Energy-efficient upgrades, like new windows and roofing, lower utility costs and boost your home’s marketability. If you’re not sure where to begin, a thoughtful plan based on your home's current condition and long-term goals will help you prioritize the updates that make the biggest impact.
Whether you're remodeling or examining your options, choosing the right team is key. When you're searching for contractors, look for experience, a set process, and a broad portfolio. Remodeling in Knoxville, TN, is a smart move, but you still have to choose the right contractor.
Choosing between moving or remodeling in Knoxville doesn’t have to be overwhelming. You need the right information and the right team. Our cost guide can help walk you through the initial number of remodeling projects and give you an idea of your project's cost. No matter what sort of project you're leaning towards, we’ll help you compare costs, understand timelines, and make a confident decision.
Contact us today for a consultation or to learn more. This might just be your year.