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Renovate, Add On, Or Move? A Guide For OPRF Homeowners

Before spending six figures on more space, compare the real cost of building with the possibility of moving.

This post was contributed by a community member.
A home addition under construction in Oak Park, Illinois. Homeowners should consider costs, resale value, and whether renovating or moving makes more sense. (Image Credit Laurie Christofano, RE/MAX In The Village | OPRFhomesforsale.com)

If you've been staring at your house thinking, "Maybe we should just add on instead of move," you're not alone.

It's one of the biggest questions I hear from homeowners in Oak Park, River Forest, Elmwood Park, Berwyn, and across the Chicago area. And before you spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on a renovation, there are some important questions worth asking.

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How much will the project really cost once permits, change orders, and surprises are factored in? Will the addition add value in your neighborhood? Or would buying a different home actually be the better long-term investment?

In my latest blog post, I break down the questions I'd ask before signing with a contractor and explain why comparing the cost of building versus moving can save you money, stress, and regret.

Read the full guide here: Home Addition Or Moving? What Oak Park And River Forest Homeowners Should Ask First

Whether you're planning your forever home or wondering if it's time for your next chapter, making an informed decision now can pay off for years to come.


About the Author

Laurie Christofano has been helping buyers and sellers navigate the Oak Park, River Forest, Chicago, and near west suburban real estate markets since 2007. A longtime local Realtor with RE/MAX In The Village, Laurie specializes in helping people through life's next chapter, whether that means renovating, downsizing, relocating, buying a first home, or deciding if it's time to move in the first place.

If you're wondering whether investing in your current home makes sense or you'd like an honest opinion on your options before committing to a major renovation, Laurie is happy to help.

Laurie Christofano
RE/MAX In The Village
📞 (630) 248-1976
📧 laurie@oprfhomesforsale.com
🌐 www.OPRFHomesForSale.com

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch? Register for a user account.
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