Should I Remodel, Build New, or Move in 2025?
There comes a time when we all want to make a place a home, but this conversation often leads us to many questions. In Ontario, Canada, some of the most popular questions people ask are: Is it better to buy or remodel in 2025? Should I remodel or sell my house in 2025, and is it a better idea to move or remodel a home in Ontario? These are all valid questions and ones you might need answering, and if that's the case, you've come to the right blog.
Today, our team at Ever After Homes has done our best to answer whether you should remodel, build new, or move into a new home in 2025. We've shared pricing comparison insights, the pros and cons of remodelling versus buying new, and the neighbourhoods to consider based on your intentions.
Who Should Remodel, Build New, or Move Into a New Development in 2025?
In 2025, many of us need to make big decisions like determining once and for all if we should remodel, build new, or move into a new residential development.
To help you with this conundrum, we've shared some friendly advice below about which option best suits which individual based on our industry knowledge as custom home builders and remodelers:
- Remodel: In the debate of 'remodel vs build new in Ontario, Canada,' a remodel is usually best for those who love the area they live in. It is also best for those who want to remain in their home but just need a little more space or a fresh aesthetic that better matches their new stylistic preferences.
- Build New: Individuals looking for a truly custom home should look into building a new home in 2025. Those who also want to live in one place for a long time should look into a new build. At Ever After Homes, when it comes to whether you should build a new home or buy one, we'll always recommend building instead because we specialize in one-of-a-kind design-build projects. We can tailor your new build to your exact needs.
- Move-In: Moving into an existing home or new development could be best for those who want to be closer to work or family. It is also worth considering for individuals who wish to move to a better area or different neighbourhood while they decide whether to buy and remodel or build new.
Cost Comparison Remodeling vs. Moving vs. Building New
When asking, 'Should I remodel or move or build new?' It's a good idea to look at the cost differences. Knowing the costs can help steer you in the right direction based on your current budgeting situation or goals.
Below, we've shared an estimation of the cost of building new vs. remodelling and the cost of remodelling vs. moving in 2025. This should help you establish which best suits your needs:
- Remodelling or Adding On: A remodel or addition project to a current home is usually cheaper than building a custom home from scratch. For example, building a 3000 sq ft house could cost $1,500,000, whereas an addition or remodel to make a 2000 sq ft into a 3000 sq ft could cost $950,000.
- Building New: Although building is more expensive, it allows you to customize your home with very few limitations. How much a new build costs will depend on several factors, including where you choose to build, the size of your home, and the types of features you want. For example, a mid-range custom home costs between $800,000 and $1.2 million or more, while a high-end custom home costs between $1.5 million and $3 million or more.
- Moving In: As of October 2024, the average home price in Ontario, Canada, is approximately $878,620. However, prices can fluctuate based on location, size, and features, like building and remodelling. You also need to account for the possibility that you might have to remodel certain parts or add to an already-built home, which could cost even more.
If you love your current neighbourhood or location, building new, remodelling, or adding an addition to your home is often a better choice than moving.
The Pros and Cons of Remodeling vs. Building New In Ontario
If you're still scratching your head asking yourself: 'Should I move or renovate or build new?' you might want to read a few of the pros and cons of home building vs remodelling in Ontario.
We've put together the below brief list to help you gain more clarity when it comes to your choices if you're leaning away from moving and are more interested in remodelling or building new:
Pros of Remodeling
- Preserve What You Love: You can keep your current home's character, charm, and location while updating it to meet your needs.
- Faster Timeline: Depending on the project's scale, renovations can typically be completed quicker than starting from scratch.
- Cost-Effective: Remodeling is often less expensive than building a new home, especially when working with an existing structure.
Cons of Remodeling
- Limited Flexibility: Renovations must work within the constraints of your current home's layout and structure.
- Temporary Disruption: Remodelling can disrupt your daily life, especially for large-scale projects.
- ROI Considerations: If your home's value doesn't align with neighbourhood trends, extensive remodelling may not yield high returns.
Pros of Building New
- Complete Customization: Start with a blank slate and design a home that perfectly matches your dream vision.
- Long-Term Investment: A new home may require fewer repairs and updates in the coming years – especially if you choose a builder like Ever After Homes.
- No Surprises: Unlike renovations, there are fewer hidden issues since everything is brand new.
Cons of Building New
- Longer Timeline: From planning to construction, building new takes significantly more time.
- Decision Overload: Designing a home from scratch can feel overwhelming and exasperating due to the sheer number of choices.
- Higher Costs: Building a new home is often more expensive than renovating an existing one.
Are Any Ontario Neighborhoods Worth Considering For Remodeling, Additions, and New Builds?
If you're looking to remodel or add to your home, older neighbourhoods with homes 50+ years old are prime candidates. Areas like South Burlington, South Mississauga, South Oakville, Waterdown, and Hamilton offer classic charm with plenty of potential for updates and expansions.
Neighborhoods with more available land or newer developments, such as Milton, Cambridge, Kitchener, Guelph, and Brantford, are ideal for new builds. These areas often have opportunities to create fully customized homes with modern layouts and amenities.
What Are The Top Three Reasons Ever After Homes Is The Best Choice For A Home Build Or Renovation Project?
Whether you're considering remodelling or new construction, you must choose a reliable, respected, and highly skilled design-build company that can deliver what you want.
Choosing Ever After Homes for your home build or renovation project offers several distinct advantages:
- Client-Centric Approach: At Ever After Homes, we prioritize your comfort and satisfaction throughout the entire building or remodelling process. Our team ensures you're well-informed and confident in every decision, fostering a genuinely friendly, collaborative, and transparent environment.
- Environmental Consideration: We design with a deep respect for your property's natural elements, such as existing trees and landscapes. Our commitment to environmental stewardship means we create homes that are compatible with their surroundings, preserving the beauty of your property.
- Comprehensive Design-Build Services: As a design-build company, we offer a concierge-style turn-key approach to construction, guiding you through your home's journey from concept to completion. Our vision is to design and build one-of-a-kind homes while nurturing you through the entire process to ensure you're happy.
Contact Ever After Homes Today To Discuss Your Remodel Or New Build Needs
So now you know the answer to: 'Should I remodel or build new in Ontario?' and when moving might be a good idea. You should also know that the answer to: 'Is 2025 a good year to build a house?' is yes – as long as you choose the right design-build company.
At Ever After Homes, we're an Ontario-based remodelling and building company that can work with you to help you determine your dream home. We'll guide you through the remodelling or home-building process from beginning to end, ensuring you know what is happening with your project every step of the way. Simply contact us here and let us steer you in a direction you won't regret.
