To stay or to go

[Ireolu]

We live Z4 London. Bought our 3 bed semi for 2019 as FTBs. It's a big enough house(about 1300 sq ft)for 3 -2 adults and a child - unable to have anymore children. It however has a few issues that could be better.

Our main bug bears are
no bathroom downstairs/1 bathroom
Small garden
Family are abroad and we will typically have parents around for 4-6 weeks. House becomes difficult with extra people for extended periods especially with the bathroom situation.

There are positives too
Very quiet peaceful road
Close to school
We regularly get messages through the door asking if we want to sell. The school is oversubscribed.

Looking at the area which we r happy with the next price bracket up doesn't necessarily give us massive amounts more space but will give us a maybe better layout and that extra bedroom/bathroom. DH isn't convinced that the additional square footage on another semi or detached on a small plot is worthwhile moving for. The dream large plot detached house in this area is not financially attainable.

Do we continue to consider another house or do we pour all those resources into this house extending to make it what we want? we would need to extend the kitchen into the back and into the second reception room to make a kitchen diner, put a toilet downstairs and do the loft too, so lots to do. We wouldn't be able to do it all at the same time. what would people suggest we did first if we were to extend? We have a shortlist of 3 local builders that we have got from friends to get a firmer idea on costs which we know can spiral.

Prices of materials are up and not sure would want to live on a work site but our house could be working so much better for us than it is tight now...any thoughts appreciated!

I think by the time you add up all the costs associated with extending your house to provide all the things you have on your list such as kitchen diner, extra bedroom, extra bathroom it may well be cheaper just to move house. Plus without all the upheaval.

I guess the first step is to get the 3 quotes and see what the builders say. Though costs often seem to spiral, as you say.

Personally, I would be expecting relatives visiting for weeks every year to book their own accommodation if my house couldn’t comfortably accommodate them. Which would mean you could stay put without an expensive extension. But that’s me and I appreciate everyone is different.

Yes this is my worry about paying for work.

We don't see our families much as they live abroad and are happy to have them here but our goal would be that our home would be more comfortable for everyone.

Fair enough I appreciate everyone is different as I said and for you, hosting family is important.

So really it comes down to a strait forward cost/benefit analysis of moving home or doing a big extension. Which you can only make once you have all the facts re the 3 builder quotes. My only warning would be to take a look at some of the Mumsnet threads about extensions before committing to one. It sounds massively stressful and costs always seem to rocket. Though on the plus side, people generally seem happy with the end result so if the figures do make sense and you can afford a contingency fund, it could be a good option.