Expand your house in Quebec or move, which option should you choose?
- coraliefortin076
- Jul 1
- 7 min read
Updated: Jul 21
When the need for additional space arises, many people find themselves facing a significant dilemma: should they expand their current house in Quebec or move to a new property? This choice, while deeply personal, depends on several financial, emotional, and practical factors.
At Plan Maison Québec, we know that the decision to expand or move is no small matter. Whether you're thinking about how to optimize your space or planning a whole new adventure, this article will help you weigh the pros and cons of each option to make the best choice for your situation.
The advantages of extending your house
1 ) Stay in your familiar environment
One of the main advantages of expanding is being able to stay in the same environment you've invested in over the years. For many, proximity to family, friends, or even neighborhood amenities is a deciding factor. Moving can mean leaving a neighborhood you love, where you've built strong social and professional ties, and finding yourself in a completely unfamiliar place. You may have to change schools for your children, readjust to a new neighborhood, or face a longer commute. By opting for an expansion, you avoid all these hassles and maintain the familiarity that makes your daily life enjoyable.
Additionally, if your home is located in a particularly desirable area or an area where real estate values are rising, moving may not be an attractive option. You risk losing that strategic location, and in some cases, buying a new home in a similar location could be much more expensive than expanding your current property.
2 ) Personalization according to your needs
One of the greatest advantages of adding on is the ability to create a space entirely tailored to your specific needs. Unlike buying a new home, which would require you to compromise on certain aspects, adding on allows you to customize each room according to your preferences. You can choose to:
add a new bedroom
create a home office to accommodate the rise of remote working
expand the kitchen to make it a true living space for your family.
This flexibility is a luxury few new homeowners can afford. Adding on allows you to maintain the charm and style of your home while adapting it to your changing lifestyle.
3 ) Valuation of real estate assets
It's often said that adding an extension to your home can be an excellent way to increase the value of your property. While this initial investment may seem high, it can quickly pay off if you plan your project well. For example, adding an extra floor or finishing a basement can significantly increase the living space and, consequently, the market value of your home.
If you receive good advice and choose the right options for your addition, you could even realize a significant capital gain when you resell your property. At Plan Maison Québec, we specialize in creating custom plans to ensure your addition is not only functional but also an excellent long-term investment.
4 ) Cost control
Moving can be very expensive. Between notary fees, real estate agency commissions, the welcome tax, moving costs, and many other expenses related to purchasing a new property, the bill can quickly become steep. These unexpected costs can weigh heavily on your budget, especially if you have to move to a new region or area to find a suitable home.
Conversely, adding to your home allows you to better control your budget. By working with professionals like those at Plan Maison Québec, you'll be able to design a project that fits your budget. Furthermore, the costs of the addition can be spread over several months or years, depending on your planning and the phasing of the work.
The disadvantages of enlargement
1 ) High initial cost
A home addition, while potentially profitable, requires a fairly significant initial investment. Depending on the scope of the project, you may need to budget between $60,000 and $200,000, or even more in some cases. These costs include materials, labor, building permits, as well as potential electrical, plumbing, or insulation upgrades.
It is therefore essential to establish a realistic budget before embarking on such a project, taking into account unforeseen circumstances that may arise during the project. Furthermore, the work can take several months to complete, which can also result in additional expenses if you need to rent temporary accommodations during the project.
2 ) Temporary disruptions
While home extension work can transform your living space, it can also disrupt your daily life for a while. Machine noise, dust, construction traffic, and the temporary reduction in living space can affect the comfort of the entire family. It's important to properly prepare for this transition period and be prepared to deal with these inconveniences. Some homeowners choose to complete the work during the holidays or relocate during peak periods.
3 ) Technical and regulatory constraints
Before beginning any home addition work, it's crucial to fully understand the technical limitations and regulations in force. A home extension often depends on factors such as:
the structure of the house
the lot size
zoning regulations
municipal requirements
Not all lots are suitable for an addition, and some projects may require complex permits or lengthy and costly administrative procedures. It's therefore essential to consult experts, such as those at Plan Maison Québec, to ensure your project is technically and legally viable.
The new house option: a solution to consider
In addition to expanding or relocating, another option could be building a new home. Opting for a new build can be an excellent alternative if you're looking for a custom-built space, perfectly suited to your needs, without the compromises associated with buying an existing property.
A new home allows you to design every detail based on:
your tastes
the latest energy efficiency standards
the latest materials, thus providing optimal comfort.
Furthermore, unlike an extension, which can require major renovations and modifications, building a new home gives you the freedom to create a completely personalized space, without any constraints related to the existing structure.
However, this option comes with higher costs and a longer construction time, which should be factored into your decision. Additionally, a new home can offer greater peace of mind with guarantees on construction quality and modern amenities. At Plan Maison Québec, we can also assist you in designing plans for a new build, ensuring every detail meets your expectations and requirements.
The advantages of moving
1 ) Access to new spaces
Moving has an undeniable appeal: access to new, often larger, spaces that may meet your exact needs. If your current home can't be expanded or if the cost of an addition is too high, moving may be a simpler and faster option. Sometimes, a new or larger home can be more functional and offer features you don't have in your current home, such as a spacious garage, a deck, or a pool.
2 ) Less hassle with work
By choosing to move, you avoid all the complexity of construction work. There's no noise, dust, or disruption to your daily life. All you have to do is move in and enjoy your new space. Additionally, a new or recently renovated home can be more modern and offer newer features, such as improved energy efficiency, state-of-the-art appliances, and more sustainable building materials.
3 ) Investment opportunities
The real estate market can offer interesting opportunities, especially for those looking to sell their current home and purchase a new one. If the market is favorable, you may find a home that better suits your current and future needs at a reasonable price. However, these opportunities vary by region, and it can be difficult to find a property that combines all the features you're looking for while staying within your budget.
The disadvantages of moving
1 ) High costs
Moving, especially long distances or to a more expensive area, can be costly. Between notary fees, agency commissions, welcome taxes, moving costs, and any necessary renovations to your new home, expenses can quickly add up. Add to this unexpected costs, such as temporary maintenance expenses for both properties if you have to take on two mortgages while waiting to sell your old house.
2 ) Loss of bearings
Moving often involves leaving a familiar environment, which can be difficult, especially for children. The process of adjusting to a new neighborhood, a new school, new neighbors, and a new life in general can take time. This change can be a source of stress and uncertainty, especially if you have built strong relationships in your previous environment.
3 ) Market uncertainty
The real estate market is never guaranteed, and you may not be as lucky as you'd hope. Finding a home that meets your criteria and fits your budget can be difficult, especially in a tight market. Additionally, selling your current property may take longer than expected, which can lead to additional costs if you have to manage two mortgages or pay storage fees during the transition period.
Conclusion: expand your house in Quebec or move, which option to choose?
The choice between expanding your home, moving, or even building a new home depends primarily on your personal needs and financial situation. If you're attached to your neighborhood, your current home can be adapted to your needs, and you want to avoid the costs and stress of moving, an addition may be the ideal solution.
On the other hand, if your home has major structural limitations or if the real estate market offers attractive opportunities, moving could be an option worth considering. Finally, if you're looking for a completely personalized space without constraints, building a new home could offer the flexibility you need.
At Plan Maison Québec, we're here to assist you in designing plans for expansions or new construction tailored to your needs. Our experts will guide you every step of the way, from evaluating technical possibilities to creating personalized plans.
We will be delighted to help you transform your living space according to your dreams.
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