Should You Buy a New House or Remodel Your Current Cincinnati Home?

It’s one of the biggest questions homeowners face: Should we stay and remodel, or sell and buy something new? We meet Cincinnati homeowners asking this very question every week. Sometimes they’re feeling squeezed by a layout that no longer fits their needs. Other times, it’s about finally getting the kitchen they’ve always dreamed of or turning their master’s suite into a true retreat.

But as the housing market shifts, more families are realizing that remodeling their current home might not just be the easier option, it could be the smarter one. Legacy Builders Group has helped many clients make the decision to stay and invest in the home they already love. However, the equation isn’t the same for everyone and the details are worth discussing. Let’s explore the remodel vs. move debate together.

The Cincinnati Housing Market Reality

Right now, the Cincinnati housing market is competitive and tight. Inventory remains low, meaning fewer available homes to choose from, especially in the most desirable neighborhoods. The homes that do hit the market? Often they’ve had a few cosmetic updates, but still come with floorplans that don’t flow, outdated systems, or compromises that would require remodeling anyway.

As of mid-2025, the median home price in Cincinnati sits around $250,000, with popular neighborhoods often pushing well above that. Combine that with rising interest rates, bidding wars, and limited availability, and it’s no surprise more homeowners are pausing the house hunt and asking: What if we stayed and made this one everything we need?

With remodeling, you’re not competing with a dozen buyers. You’re collaborating with a trusted partner. And instead of overpaying for someone else’s style or settling for a layout that doesn’t serve your family, you get to shape your space around how you actually live.

The Case for Remodeling Your Home

Bloom Where You’re Planted

For many Cincinnati families, the decision to remodel comes down to one thing: Why leave a location you love when you can make your home work better for you? You’ve already put down roots. Maybe it’s the school district, the tree-lined streets, your commute, or even just the neighbors you trust. Whatever the reason, staying put offers emotional and logistical benefits that no new house can match.

Make it Completely Yours

But beyond comfort, there’s customization. Remodeling gives you the freedom to tailor your space to your lifestyle, not the other way around. You choose the layout. You select the finishes. You create a home that functions for the way your family lives today, and where you’re headed tomorrow.

And when you partner with a design-build remodeler like Legacy Builders Group, you get the added benefit of a streamlined process. From design through construction, we help you make confident, informed decisions at every stage.

What Remodeling Can Accomplish

Remodeling unlocks your home’s full potential. And the truth is, most homes have more to give than you might think. Here are just a few of the transformation possibilities our clients explore.

Reconfigure Your Layout

Knock down walls to open your kitchen. Combine small rooms to create a larger, brighter space. Rethink traffic flow to make every square foot feel purposeful. 

Build an Addition

Add a mudroom, expand your living area, or create that home office or guest suite you've been needing. A well-designed addition gives you space to grow without changing your address.

Make Targeted Upgrades

Remodel the primary bathroom. Refresh a dated fireplace. Replace old flooring or upgrade lighting. These smaller projects can have a big impact on how your home lives and feels.

Add Value for the Future

Beyond the day-to-day improvements, smart renovations often increase your home's market value. So even if you do decide to move someday, you're investing in a more competitive, desirable property.

Remodeling with the Future in Mind

Your needs today might not look the same five, ten, or twenty years from now, and that’s exactly why remodeling can be such a powerful choice. With smart planning and thoughtful design, your current home can become your forever home.

Design That Grows With You

Our extensive design process invites you to  consider how your family’s needs might change over time. Whether it’s making room for grandkids, simplifying daily routines, or creating a more accessible living space, your remodel can evolve with you.

Subtle Aging-in-Place Upgrades

We believe great design doesn’t have to look clinical to be functional. These thoughtful enhancements make the home more comfortable and safer for everyone, from toddlers to guests. That’s why we integrate subtle, future-forward features that blend into your aesthetic, while offering peace of mind:

• Zero-threshold or curbless showers for easier access
• Wider doorways to accommodate mobility needs
• Lever-style hardware and fixtures that are easier to use
• First-floor bedrooms or bathrooms to reduce reliance on stairs
• Improved lighting and reduced transitions to minimize fall risk

Costs: Moving vs. Remodeling

When you're standing at the crossroads of remodeling or buying new, cost is usually a big factor, but it’s not just about dollars. It’s about value, disruption, and long-term benefit.

The Hidden Costs of Moving

Buying a new house comes with more than just a price tag. There are a number of financial and logistical hurdles to consider:

• Down payment and closing costs
• Agent fees and inspections
• Moving expenses and utility transfers
• New furnishings or appliances
• Potential renovations in the new home
• Time spent house hunting and negotiating

The Value of Remodeling

Even if the home is move-in ready, it may not reflect your style or support your day-to-day life, meaning you could still face a remodel after the move. Remodeling focuses your investment on what matters most to you. You’re not spending money on someone else’s vision. You’re shaping your home around the way you actually live.

• Use existing equity to fund renovations
• Choose materials, layouts, and features that reflect your style
• Work within a controlled budget and timeline
• Avoid the emotional and physical toll of moving

Wondering what your remodel might cost in Cincinnati this year? Check out our complimentary cost guide.

Timeline & Disruption: What to Expect

Every major change comes with some level of disruption, but the type of disruption you choose can make all the difference. Here's what to expect:

Moving: The Long Unknown

Buying a home often comes with a cascade of unpredictability. You’re faced with:

• Endless weekends spent touring homes
• Bidding wars or lost offers
• Tight timelines to sell your current home and move
• Coordinating closings, packing, storage, and possibly temporary housing
• Getting settled—and likely remodeling anyway

It’s not just a financial investment. It’s an emotional one, too. And for many homeowners, the process stretches out longer and becomes more stressful than expected.

Remodeling: Structured with Support

Remodeling with Legacy Builders Group, on the other hand, offers a clear, collaborative process from start to finish. Because we’re a design-build firm, we handle everything in-house, planning, design, permits, scheduling, and construction.

Here’s what you can expect:

• A guided discovery and design phase tailored to your needs
• Clear expectations and timelines before construction begins
• Thoughtful coordination to minimize disruption to your daily life
• Trusted professionals working in your home with care and respect

When Moving Might Be the Right Call

We believe in giving honest guidance, so while remodeling is often the right move, it’s not always the best fit for everyone. In some cases, a fresh start is the better move. And when that’s true, we’ll be the first to say so, because trust is more important than a sale. Consider moving if:

• Your home’s structure or layout can’t support the changes you want
• Your lot can’t accommodate the addition you need
• You’re ready for a completely different location or lifestyle
• The cost to remodel would significantly outweigh your home's long-term value

Let’s Talk About What’s Right for Your Cincinnati Home

Choosing between buying a new house or remodeling your current home is a deeply personal decision. At Legacy Builders Group, we’re here to help you explore your options with clarity, confidence, and care. Whether you’re ready to remodel or just want to talk through possibilities, we’re ready to listen.

Let’s create a home that works for your life, now and for years to come. Contact Legacy Builders Group to schedule a consultation and start the conversation.