Growing your family is an exciting time and ensuring that you have enough space for everyone is a top priority. This quickly becomes one of the biggest points of concern when you do the math and realize your current living quarters are just not going to work.
When you don’t have room for the baby, you need to figure out if you should build an addition onto your existing California home in order to create more space, or if you should simply sell your home and move into a new one. Both options have benefits and drawbacks, so it can be tough to decide which is right for you!
You must decide: build addition or buy new house? So, what’s it going to be? In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at each of these options and help you weigh the pros and cons. We will also explain a little about who Osborne Homes is and what solutions we have for you. By the time you’ve reached the end of this article, it is our hope that you will have a good idea of what’s best for your family. Thanks for reading!
Factors to Consider When Making This Vital Decision
When things are about to get really cramped you need to make a decision – and fast. Here are some key things to consider when deciding whether you should find a new home or expand your current one:
Is this where you want to raise your child?
So congratulations! You’re pregnant! Now the big question is, where are you going to raise your child? Maybe you’ve already decided that you want to stay in your current California home and neighborhood but is that really the best decision for your growing family? Only you can answer this one.
What is the zoning for your area?
If you really would like to stay in your current home but will definitely be needing to add on – STOP right there! Before you go out and buy a bunch of lumber, you first need to find out if you can legally add an addition to your house without getting into trouble with the city planners/building inspectors. It may just be that you need to obtain a permit for addition to house. Or it could be that this is not even an option for you at all, so be sure and find out right away.
How much more space do you need/want for the baby?
Once you have confirmed that you can legally add on, next you’ll want to think about how much space you’re going to need, both now and in the future. A nursery may just be a few square feet, but as your child grows, you’ll likely want a larger bedroom and perhaps even a playroom. It’s also important to consider your family’s lifestyle. If you entertain often or have out-of-town guests regularly, you may want to include an extra bedroom or bathroom in your plans. And don’t forget about home safety for children. How much are you going to need to do on baby proofing house?
Do you have the money to build a new addition?
At this point you may be wondering if you can even afford to add on an extra room, and how much is a house addition cost? While the price of adding an addition onto your home will vary depending on various factors, such as the size of the room and the materials you use, you can expect to spend anywhere from $10,000 to $50,000 on the project. However, if you’re able to do some of the work yourself, you can save a significant amount of money.
How much time do you have?
The answer to this one depends on a few things, firstly, how far along you are. Then just compare that to how long it will take to do the construction, which depends entirely upon the size and complexity of the project, the climate, and the availability of workers. In general, however, most home additions can be completed within three to six months. Of course, it is always best to consult with a professional contractor to get a more accurate estimate. In any event, if you just found out you’re pregnant, you are likely around 7 months out from delivering. With a home addition taking upwards of 6 months, it’s really close. Plus, is that how you want to spend your entire pregnancy, listening to the hustle of builders and the banging of hammers? All good things to think about.
Build addition or buy a new house: what makes the most sense?
In general, we feel it makes more financial sense to buy a new home rather than build an addition. Not only will you avoid the hassle and expense of a major renovation, but you’ll also have the opportunity to start fresh in a new home that better meets your needs. If you’re not sure what you want in a new home, take some time to browse listings online or visit open houses in your desired neighborhood. You may be surprised at what you find!
What’s the Fastest Way to Sell a Home in California?
Selling a home the traditional way will likely take just as long or even longer than a home renovation so IS there a much faster way to get your home sold so you can get into the new home and start nesting? You can bet on it! Osborne Homes buys homes for cash and we close FAST. No need to make any repairs to your existing home, no need to wait for a buyer to come along. We handle everything and work with you to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Are You in a Hurry to Sell Your Home?
We’ll buy your home FAST! If you need to sell your home due to a baby on the way, we can help. Contact us today to get started! And enjoy every single moment with your precious new little one.