Should I Renovate or Move? A Homeowner's Guide in West Chester

Lapstone Editorial
Apr 3
2 min read

In a hot housing market like West Chester, PA, many homeowners find themselves at a crossroads: should you stay and renovate, or sell and move? At Lapstone, we work with families every week who are weighing this very decision — and the answer depends on several key factors.

Pros of Renovating Your Home in West Chester

1.  Personalization Want a larger kitchen? Better layout? An aging-in-place bathroom? Renovating allows you to tailor your home to your exact needs, often for less than the cost of buying new.

2.  Location, Location, LocationIf you love your school district, commute, or neighborhood (like Marshall Square or West Goshen), staying put could offer better lifestyle continuity than starting fresh somewhere new.

3.  Lower Transaction CostsMoving incurs realtor fees, closing costs, and moving expenses — typically 8–10% of the home price. A renovation may yield better value, especially if you’ve built equity over time.

4.  Increased Property ValueSmart renovations — like kitchen or bath remodels — can boost your resale value significantly in Chester County’s competitive market.

When Moving Might Make Sense

Your home’s layout or square footage no longer fits your needs — and can’t be changed affordably.
Local zoning laws or HOA restrictions limit how much you can renovate.
You want a turnkey solution rather than managing a construction process.

Lapstone can evaluate your current home and provide a renovation feasibility plan, helping you compare actual renovation costs to current sale values in your area.

What’s Happening in the West Chester Market?

According to recent Zillow and Redfin trends, inventory remains tight in West Chester while home prices have risen steadily year-over-year. That puts pressure on buyers — and makes renovating an attractive alternative for existing homeowners. Homes with updated kitchens and modern layouts are commanding premium offers, especially in neighborhoods like East Bradford and West Goshen.