There are lots of reasons to renovate your home. While some, like cracked paint or broken tiles, are easy to spot, others may be more subtle or hiding under the surface. Sometimes your home just doesn’t feel like the sanctuary it once was and you can’t exactly figure out why. Adding to the challenge, the real estate market in many areas isn’t ideal, making moving an unrealistic option for many. In these cases, renovating might be the better choice—and it’s a good idea to consider both your own comfort in your home and the potential desires of future buyers.
But how do you know when it’s time to make a change? We asked the experts what they think. Here are eight signs it might be time to renovate your home.
You Don’t Remember the Last Time Your Home Was Re-Wired
Not all renovations are aesthetic. If you can’t use a hairdryer while microwaving a bowl of popcorn, it’s probably time to have your home rewired. According to Tina Guiler, fire lieutenant and creator of Triple F Female Firefighter Plush Dolls, you should change the wiring in your home if your wires get damaged, or when electrical codes change.
Old wiring can be very dangerous. “There is a possibility of a fire hazard and you should try to bring it up to code as soon as possible,” Guiler says. “Some insurance companies won’t even insure the house if they have old wiring.”
But those living in newer structures should be fine. “If your home was built in the last 20 years your electrical wiring should be up to code,” explains Guiler.
Your Utility Bills Are Through the Roof
Sure, the cost of living is high these days, but if your utility bills are climbing and your home’s temperature feels inconsistent—like one room getting overly hot while another stays cold—interior designer Amy Switzer suggests it might be time to consider some renovations. “These aren’t just annoyances—they can signal aging insulation, outdated windows, or an inefficient HVAC system,” Switzer says. “Similarly, higher-than-expected utility bills or frequent repairs on appliances and fixtures can be a quiet nudge toward updating with more modern, energy-efficient solutions.”
Your Lifestyle or Circumstances Have Changed
Life rarely stays the same. If your lifestyle has had a major change, such as having a new baby or an elderly parent moving in, HGTV star and interior designer Shay Holland says that’s also a sign it might be time to consider a renovation. “You have to ask yourself whether your home fits your needs now,” she says. “Or would renovating make your life easier? If so, it may be time to knock out walls to create a new layout for space to accommodate larger family gatherings.”
Your Home Feels Cluttered and Cramped
“Sometimes, the signs your home needs a renovation aren’t as glaring as peeling wallpaper or broken fixtures,” Switzer says. “One subtle indicator is when your space feels cluttered or cramped, even when it’s perfectly clean and organized. This can point to a layout that’s no longer functional or lacks sufficient storage for your lifestyle.”
There are many ways to approach this. It might mean something major, like a kitchen renovation or having your closets re-done. If you are simply growing out of your home and you have enough land and a budget, it may be worth expanding your current space with an addition.
You Have More Space Than You’re Using
While you might have moved into your home thinking you’d use every room (like that finished basement or home theatre), perhaps your lifestyle has changed and there’s a lot of unused space left behind. “Maybe you’ve become an empty-nester and the only things occupying the kids’ bedrooms are broken instruments and sports trophies,” says Holland. “Or, you only serve dinner in your formal dining room once a year at Thanksgiving. If you have spaces that go largely unused, it’s time to explore how to make them serve your new season of life.”
This can mean a lot of things from turning the formal dining room into a home office or den or perhaps changing out that home office you never use into a functional guest room for visitors.
You’re Emotionally Attached to Your Home And Location
The inside of your home can always be changed (to a certain extent), but you can’t change external factors like an ideal location, affordability, or a good school district. So, if there are lots of things you like about your home, but perhaps your galley kitchen isn’t functional for your family of five—renovating can be a much better option than moving. “Maybe you inherited your house from your grandparents, or you have neighbors who’ve helped raise your kids,” Holland says. “If your home holds memories and significance that you’re not ready to leave behind, then it’s time to talk to experts about making changes that can improve your home’s function and livability.”
Your Home No Longer Feels Like “You”
Everyone’s style and tastes evolve over the years. And while you might have loved a sleek modern look when you moved into your home a decade ago, you might be more into a more traditional look these days. “As our tastes and needs evolve, a home that once felt perfect can start to feel outdated or mismatched with your current style or family dynamics,” says Switzer. “Also, it’s less about what’s broken and more about how you feel in your space. If there are rooms you avoid because they’re dark, awkward, or just plain uninviting, that’s a clue they need a refresh.”
You’re Considering Moving
If you’re thinking about selling your home, Switzer advises checking to see whether your home has kept up with trends or amenities seen in comparable homes in your area. “A tired, outdated look can bring down your home’s overall value and enjoyment,” she explains. “If you’ve felt any of these, it might be time to dust off your Pinterest boards and call your favorite designer.”
This might not mean you need a gut renovation, so much as an interior or exterior painting, replacing of broken or very old appliances, or updating old flooring.
