Is it cheaper to move or extend my home?

No matter how often you punch the numbers into your calculator or trawl the internet looking for expert advice, making the decision to move house is an expensive business indeed.

Despite financial gloom and ‘will-it-won’t-it?’ speculation about the economy tipping into a recession, house prices are still just about holding their own and demand to either rent or buy is strong.

However, there is the ever-present worry over interest rates and the danger of taking on a mortgage that may be do-able today, but almost unaffordable in a few months’ time. Noticeably, there has been a steep decline in mortgage approvals, which could indicate hesitancy about moving now or staying put for the foreseeable future.

That caution is understandable in the context of the moment. However, it doesn’t mean you should put off planning for the future – and if you’re not in a financial position to move, why not consider extending?

Stay put and maximize the available space

Over the years, architects and builders have become adept at maximising space inside and outside existing homes, helping occupants to enjoy the benefits of an extra bedroom, study room, conservatory or shower room without a multitude of moving-home hassles. True, you will be living with a bit of mess and noise for a while, but that can also be the case when you’re moving home, unless you’ve just got the keys to a new build.  

Is extending your home a good investment?

Naturally, cost is one of the biggest reasons for extending as opposed to moving. And at Droylsden Glass we have a wide range of glazed extensions and garden structures available that will add sought-after space to your existing home, making it more practical and comfortable to live in and also increasing its desirability and value at the same time. So it’s an investment as well as a way of staying put – and if you love your home, that’s as good a reason as any to stay!  

By way of example let’s look at our own range of conservatories. Droylsden Glass produces an interesting and flexible variety of conservatories made to customers’ particular requirements and tastes. We build in both aluminium and uPVC options, each of which uses Smart Glass energy-efficient glass for maximum insulation. This uses the industry’s first self-tinting glass technology that darkens gradually when heated by direct sunlight, ensuring the space does not overheat during the summer and prevents heat loss to remain warm in the winter.  

Both aluminium and uPVC conservatories are sturdily constructed. uPVC is robust and easily cleanable, while aluminium will not corrode and, via slimmer frames, offers more glazed space. Both designs come in a variety of styles and colours, according to taste, and our layouts can be adapted to complement almost any property.   

Are structural insulated panels any good for an extension?

Droylsden Glass also offers Structural Insulated Panel extensions. Essentially this is an extension built in a modular way, using panels that have already been made, measured and cut before the start of the build. This allows for a much faster installation – typically taking just four weeks rather than the 12 weeks a traditional brick-and-block extension would take. In turn, that means a lot less disruption, less on-site deliveries, and less mess for you to contend with during the installation too. It also helps lower the carbon footprint of the installation and produces less waste to dispose of too, which is good for the environment. 

Our panels are extremely energy-efficient too, comprising an insulating Polyisocyanurate core sandwiched between two structural facings and are compact. Our SIPs are capable of achieving ultra-low U-values 0.18W/m2K at a thickness of just 147mm. A brick-and-block wall would need to be over twice as thick at 350mm to achieve similar U-values, which means even greater internal floor space is available for a building of the same size. Our SIPs offer consistent levels of insulation throughout, resulting in reduced heating costs and a more comfortable space to use all year round. 

SIPs are incredibly strong, too. They’re three times stronger than brick and-block extensions, and as much as seven times stronger than timber-framed buildings. That means they’ll last, and that makes them a great investment for your home. 

Finally, our SIPs can be clad in a wide range of colours and styles. And the finish can be changed at a later date without affecting the structure of the extension. So, if you fancy a change in the future, you can simply swap the external cladding for a completely different look. 

So, should you move or extend?

Considering a move is always exciting and nerve-wracking, even at the best of times. But let’s face it – these aren’t the best of times. By holding back on the move and spending on an extension you will save money in the long run and undoubtedly add value to your home for when the brighter days arrive.  

For more information about Droylsden Glass and the products we can offer for your home, contact us or give us a call on 0161 292 1122.