Should We Remodel or Move? A Guide for Kansas Families Feeling Stuck
You love your neighborhood. The kids are thriving at school. But lately… your home just doesn’t work like it used to.
Whether it's the lack of space, an outdated layout, or the kitchen that hasn't been touched since 1992, you’ve hit a wall; literally and emotionally.
If you’re living in Manhattan, St. George, or anywhere in the Flint Hills region, you’re not alone. Many Kansas families are wrestling with this very decision: Should we remodel or move? Rising home values, shifting lifestyles, and limited local housing options are making the question even harder, and the stakes even higher.
In this guide, we’ll walk through the emotional, financial, and practical questions that matter most. Whether your family is expanding, downsizing, or simply dreaming of a space that finally fits your life, we’re here to help you untangle your options. Because when you’re clear on what you want—and what’s possible—everything gets easier.
What’s Driving Your Desire for Change? (Start Here)
Emotional Factors to Consider
Deciding whether to remodel or move isn’t just a financial decision, it’s deeply emotional. I know this firsthand. My wife and I have had many late-night conversations about how frustrated we feel in our current home. The flow of the house just doesn’t work for us, and we often feel like we’re stepping over each other. But at the same time, we love our yard. We’re close to nature. The neighborhood is peaceful. That emotional tie is real.
Ask yourself:
Are you emotionally attached to your neighborhood?
Do you feel safe, happy, and rooted in your current home?
Are the frustrations you’re feeling fixable—like adding more storage or reconfiguring the kitchen—or are they fundamental, like being in the wrong school district?
Lifestyle and Family Changes
Change often sneaks up on us. One day, you’re newlyweds in a cozy two-bedroom. The next, you’re juggling remote work, a new baby, and dreams of hosting family holidays and suddenly, the house feels like it’s closing in on you.
David Adkins, our owner at Abode, is in that exact boat. His family has grown, and the layout of their home just isn’t keeping up. Some days remodeling seems like the answer. Other days, the thought of moving with toddlers in tow feels impossible. And that’s the tension so many Kansas families feel.
💡 Pro Tip: Start a “frustration journal” for two weeks. Each day, jot down what’s not working in your home. You may uncover patterns—and solutions—you hadn’t seen before.
The Financial Realities: Remodel vs. Move in Kansas
What Does It Cost to Remodel in Manhattan, KS?
In our market, a modest kitchen remodel can range from $25,000 to $65,000+. Bathrooms typically fall between $15,000 and $40,000+. Larger additions? Think $100,000 and up. Costs can rise with design upgrades, material inflation, and code compliance. But here’s the good news: a solid plan helps you control surprises.
At Abode, we create clear visual plans and realistic budgets up front, so you don’t end up in the middle of a dusty construction zone wondering what went wrong.
What Does It Cost to Move?
Selling a home brings its own set of expenses: realtor commissions, pre-listing repairs, inspections, and staging. Then there’s the moving truck, time off work, and the stress of finding a new place, if one even exists that fits your needs.
With median home prices climbing in Kansas, especially around Manhattan, your new home could cost significantly more. Add in rising mortgage rates and property taxes, and moving can become more expensive than remodeling without giving you everything you want.
ROI vs. Peace of Mind
When considering a remodel versus a move, it's important to weigh both the Return on Investment (ROI) and your long-term peace of mind. Remodeling can significantly enhance the function, comfort, and resale value of your home offering tangible ROI, especially when upgrades are thoughtfully aligned with market trends. However, a remodel can’t solve every challenge—such as layout limitations, location issues, or deeper dissatisfaction with the home itself.
What Kansas Families Often Overlook (That You Shouldn’t)
Timing and Disruption
Remodeling allows you to stay in your home, often in phases to reduce disruption. We’ve helped families live comfortably through smartly staged renovations. But yes, it takes planning and patience.
Moving, on the other hand, can be emotionally and logistically disruptive. Uprooting kids, changing school districts, and starting over can take its toll—especially if the move doesn’t quite solve the underlying problems.
Inventory and Options
Right now, housing inventory in Kansas is tight. Especially in Manhattan and nearby areas, most new construction is either large luxury homes or developments on the outskirts of town, not ideal for every family or budget.
Remodeling gives you more control, but it requires vision. That’s where our team comes in. We’ll help you see the possibilities, evaluate what’s feasible, and create a roadmap you feel confident in.
How to Make the Decision Together (Without Fighting)
Couples’ Tips for Aligned Decision-Making
I’ve seen it happen with countless clients and I’ve felt it at home, too. One partner is ready to knock down walls. The other’s halfway to calling a realtor. Here’s how we help couples find common ground:
Make separate “needs vs. wants” lists, then compare.
Discuss what a day in the life looks like in your ideal space.
Don’t just talk fixtures, talk feelings. Are you craving peace? Privacy? Togetherness?
What Makes Abode Different (and How We Can Help Either Way)
At Abode, we’re not just builders. We’re guides through life transitions.
We believe that construction isn’t about square footage, it’s about quality of life. That’s why we start every relationship with real questions: What’s not working? What are you dreaming of? What’s holding you back?
Whether you decide to remodel or move, we’ll walk with you like family.
Thinking About Remodeling? Let’s Explore What’s Possible
Book a complimentary consultation with our team. We’ll listen first, then help you explore options through visual design tools, phased budgeting, and trusted advice.
Still Not Sure? That’s Okay.
We’re not here to push. We’re here to partner. Check out our blog on estimating to learn how we help Kansas families make smart decisions, not just beautiful spaces.
Final Thoughts: Change Is Hard—But It Doesn’t Have to Be Confusing
If you’re standing in your kitchen right now wondering, “Should we remodel or move?”—you’re not alone. I’ve been there. David’s been there. Most families we serve have been there, too.
The good news? You don’t have to make this decision in a vacuum.
💬 Let’s talk through your options—no pressure, just clarity.
