Which should you do, an extension or move home?

3 August 2023

If the time has come and you need more living space, it’s a toss-up between moving house or renovating. Deciding between building an extension so your property best meets your needs and selling up is tough. Both options involve money and a degree of disruption, so it’s essential to carefully consider your specific circumstances, your long-term goals and what you intend to achieve.

With the current quality housing shortages and high interest rates on mortgages, taking on additional debt to upsize is not an attractive proposition, and so the dilemma of renovation vs. moving suddenly gets simpler.


Can your properties shortcomings be overcome?

Once you’ve identified you need more living space, the question is how to you find a solution to the property’s shortcomings. If your home has outside space or is one level, adding an extension or another storey is a possibility. Or the solution can be to reconfigure and alter the current layout to transform your home into a more functional space.


Altering or extending the layout of your home enables you to obtain the living space you desire without having to move home. After all, if you are settled in your community and love where you live, it makes sense to make adjustments to the property to meet your needs.


Christchurch home with renovated lounge area

Will a house extension or renovation add value?

There are two sides to the value coin: financial value and the quality-of-life value. The quality-of-life value includes:


  • Enhanced comfort, enjoyment and style of your home
  • Design flexibility to meet your specific requirements
  • Make your home more energy efficient and environmentally friendly


Calculating the financial gains the building work will achieve is an important consideration. Extending the ground floor level even by just a couple of metres to create a larger kitchen and dining space delivers a greater return on investment than adding another separate toilet. A home refurbishment or extension is an investment but as property prices increase over time, the profit made on the investment increases year on year. Plus, you will have enjoyed the extra space, comfort and enhanced lifestyle.


However, it must be noted, while extensions and renovations have the potential to add great value to a property, an inappropriate or poorly executed extension can reduce the value of your home. (Quality is the key, rather than quantity).


How can high end residential builders Shaun Bradley Builders help you?

With years of experience completing extensions and house renovations in Christchurch, Shaun Bradley Builders are highly respected as luxury home builders Canterbury wide. With extensive local property knowledge, time-honed skills, and close working relationships with a variety of expert project managers, architects, and engineers, we collaborate with clients to create a space that reflects their vision and enhances their home.


If you are considering an extension or renovating your home, contact us by clicking here or calling 027 284 5363 to arrange an initial consultation. Our fierce commitment to excellence ensures you receive a bespoke, high-quality living space that meets your needs and exceeds your expectations. 

A large white house is surrounded by bushes and flowers.

Restoring the Past, Building for the Future: Your Guide to Period Restorations & Historic Home Renovations in Christchurch

by Shaun Bradley • 4 June 2025
There’s something undeniably special about owning a historic home in Christchurch. From the intricate woodwork and high ceilings to the stories etched into every brick, period homes are a unique part of our city’s character. But maintaining or restoring these beautiful homes requires care, expertise, and a deep respect for their heritage. At Shaun Bradley Builders, we understand the importance of preserving the past while ensuring your home meets the needs of modern living. Whether it’s a full-scale period restoration or a sensitive renovation of a heritage property, our team has the experience, craftsmanship, and passion to help Christchurch homeowners breathe new life into their historic homes. In this blog, we’ll explore the unique challenges and opportunities of restoring period homes, what you should consider before starting your project, and how our team can help you protect your investment while honouring your home’s history. Why Period Restorations Matter in Christchurch Christchurch is home to a wide range of architectural styles, from Edwardian villas and bungalows to character homes from the 1920s and 30s. These homes are more than just bricks and mortar—they’re a part of the fabric of our local communities. But after years of wear and tear, earthquakes, and the demands of modern life, many period homes need thoughtful restoration to bring them up to today’s living standards while retaining their original charm. That’s where we come in. Shaun Bradley Builders specialises in sensitive, high-quality renovations that respect a home’s history while making it fit for the future.

Simple and functional: Designing a home for minimalist living

1 December 2023
When you first read the term ‘minimalist living’ what image came into your mind? Contrary to misconceptions, minimalist living as a design aesthetic is not tantamount to residing in a harsh, stark characterless 2d world. Rather, minimalist living is using every inch of space with intention by keeping simplicity, functionality, and purpose in mind. It is not exclusively an aesthetic choice; it is a profound lifestyle philosophy. Are you ready to rethink your home ? The core features of minimalist home design Understanding minimalist home design involves delving into its key features, all rooted in the principle of reducing elements down to the essentials. The core features of minimalist design include: · Simplicity: clean lines, uncomplicated finishes, restricted palette Minimalism places significant emphasis on clean lines, uncomplicated wall finishes, and a restricted colour palette. Neutral tones, such as whites, greys, and beiges, dominate the minimalist colour scheme, creating an atmosphere of calm and simplicity . This is the ideal backdrop for statement art, luxurious textures and warming tones of natural materials and fabrics; pops of colour for contrast which contribute to a gentle and inviting atmosphere. · Functionality: every item serves a purpose In a minimalist living space, every item has a purpose and a designated place. The design rejects unnecessary clutter or decorations, fostering efficiency and organisation. This emphasis on functionality enhances the usability and aesthetic appeal of the space. · Uncomplicated cladding and detailing: smooth textures, neutral tones Minimalist design favours simple and clear details over complex patterns. Cladding styles often showcase smooth textures and neutral colours, contributing to the overall sense of simplicity and purpose. Do not confuse uncomplicated with basic. Luxury home builders in Canterbury , Shaun Bradley Builders affirm this quiet luxury is about the subtleties, refined details and elevated materials, where the emphasis is on allowing superior quality to be the defining element of the room.
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