“Should I Renovate or Move?”: A Guide for Triangle Homeowners

How to Decide Whether to Stay and Remodel—or Start Fresh Somewhere New

If your home no longer fits your life, you’re not alone. Maybe it feels too small, too dark, too dated—or all three. Maybe you’re craving a better layout, more space, or just a change. At that point, the big question usually comes up:

Should we remodel, or should we move?

At David Pollard Architect, we help homeowners in Cary, Raleigh, Apex and throughout the Triangle navigate this decision every day. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer—but there are key factors to help you make the right choice for your family.

1. What’s Your Emotional Connection to the Home?

This matters more than most people expect. Do you love your neighborhood? Your yard? The way the light comes in through the windows in the morning?

Remodeling lets you preserve the things you love about your current home—while fixing what isn’t working. If your house has sentimental value or you’re deeply connected to your community, remodeling can be the best of both worlds.

2. Can You Buy What You Want for the Same Cost?

The real estate market in the Triangle has remained strong, but so have home prices. Many families explore moving—only to realize that finding something better (and close to where they already live) is just as expensive as renovating.

Renovation costs can feel high, but so can:

• Realtor fees and moving costs

• Closing costs on a new home

• Repairs and updates needed after you buy

• The premium for a house in the right school district or neighborhood

We help clients evaluate all-in renovation costs so they can make a fair, side-by-side comparison.

3. What Are the Zoning and Structural Opportunities at Your Current Home?

Some homes have excellent “bones”—a good foundation, structure, and layout that can be reworked or added onto. Others may have limitations: small lots, height restrictions, or aging infrastructure that make large renovations tricky.

As architects, we can assess your home’s potential and feasibility before you commit. Sometimes just a simple addition or layout rework makes all the difference. Other times, it makes more sense to start over elsewhere.

4. How Long Do You Plan to Stay?

If you’re planning to move again in a few years, it might make more sense to sell and buy what you need now. But if you plan to stay 5–10 years or more, investing in the right remodel can completely change how you feel in your home—and pay off over time.

We design with future flexibility in mind, so your home can grow and adapt as your life changes.

5. What’s Your Appetite for Disruption?

Remodeling is exciting—but it can be disruptive. Depending on the scope, you may need to move out temporarily or live through construction. On the flip side, moving means house hunting, bidding wars, paperwork, and packing.

There’s no easy path—just different types of effort. The right decision depends on your timeline, patience, and personality.

Need Help Deciding? Start with a Design Consultation.

If you’re stuck between staying and going, a professional design consultation can give you clarity.

At David Pollard Architect, we offer Feasibility Studies and early-stage design planning to help you understand what’s possible with your current home—before you make a major decision.

Let’s talk about your home, your goals, and your options.
Schedule a free 30-minute virtual consult and take the first step toward clarity.

What to Expect from an Architectural Design Process

Your Roadmap to a Thoughtful, Low-Stress Remodel

Starting a major renovation or addition to your home is exciting—but it can also feel overwhelming. What comes first? Who do you call? How do you know if you’re doing it “right”?

At David Pollard Architect, we believe the best projects begin with clarity, collaboration, and a strong design process. Here’s what you can expect when you work with an architect on your home—from first conversation to final construction drawings.

1. The Intro Call: Let’s Talk First

Everything starts with a conversation. We offer a complimentary 30-minute virtual consultation to hear about your home, your goals, and your questions.
We’ll help you understand:

• Whether your project is a good fit for architectural design

• What services you may need (design only, full-service, or phased)

• What kind of budget might be realistic for your scope

This is also your chance to ask us anything—about timelines, permitting, costs, or past projects. We’re here to listen first.

2. Site Visit or Feasibility Consultation

For most projects, the next step is an in-person visit to walk the property and better understand your home’s layout, structure, and constraints.
Depending on your location and project complexity, this may be a standalone Feasibility Study or folded into full-service design.

We’ll:

• Take field measurements and photos

• Review zoning and code constraints

• Talk through early ideas and priorities

• Begin to outline potential scope and strategy

This step helps define what’s possible—and what’s worth exploring.

3. Schematic Design: Shaping the Vision

This is where the creative work begins. Based on everything we’ve learned, we develop initial design concepts that capture the big ideas and overall direction.

You’ll receive:

• 3D massing models and visualization

• Multiple options or layout variations

• Early discussions about materials and aesthetics

• Early discussions about anticipated budget

We walk through the pros and cons of each, refine ideas, and collaborate with you to shape a clear direction for your project.

4. Design Development: Getting into the Details

Once a concept is selected, we begin adding detail. We refine layouts, develop elevations, and coordinate with consultants (like structural engineers or interior designers).

This phase includes:

• Detailed floor plans, elevations, and 3D views

• Coordination with specialists as needed

• Preliminary selections and materials discussion

• A working project budget aligned with scope

We keep you involved throughout to ensure decisions reflect your goals and lifestyle.

5. Construction Documents: Ready to Build

Once everything is dialed in, we prepare a full drawing set for permitting and construction. This includes all technical details, notes, and specs that your builder will need.

Depending on your builder and delivery method, we can:

• Help you interview or select contractors

• Support permitting and submission

• Stay involved during construction to answer questions and help resolve issues

We can be as involved as you want us to be—from design-only through full project support and even the construction itself.

Why a Thoughtful Design Process Matters

Great architecture doesn’t come from rushing to the finish line. It’s the result of a thoughtful, collaborative process that blends creativity, problem-solving, and attention to detail.

Our process is designed to reduce stress, eliminate surprises, and give you confidence that your project is on the right track—from the start.

Let’s Start with a Conversation

If you're thinking about a remodel, addition, or custom home, and want a clear, supportive process—let’s talk.

Schedule a complimentary 30-minute consult and let’s see what’s possible together.