Remodel or update?

10 years ago

Hello all,

Background first as it's integral to the question at hand:

My father in law passed away unexpectedly recently and that leaves my mother in law alone in a 2,000+ sqft home on a little more than 3 acres at near 70 years old. My husband and I have almost all of a kitchen remodel sitting in our garage ready to go in during his off time from school (which is now) and now we're sitting on the choice of selling our home to move down there with MIL or not.

We are leaning towards selling and moving since the home is also my husband's childhood home and we both know that's what his father would want but then the next choice is to either update the kitchen (paint, hardware, etc) or finish the remodel for selling. The in-laws house definitely needs updating and while larger, I can order more cabinets to fit the space to match what we've already bought.

My current house is only 10 years old so nothing is in disrepair, just outdated in my opinion. So the question for the more experienced is should I go ahead with the remodel or just update the kitchen as it is? Also, I don't know if this will make a difference in opinions, but my house is paid off as well. Thanks so much.

Featured Answer

cherrylime
Original Author

10 years ago

@Lily'smom

You're right, there are so many things to think of! But yes, we have thought about those things to the point of eyes crossing lately. It's fairly overwhelming sometimes.

Their house is only 30 minutes away, so no job considerations to consider on that front.

MIL does not want to move and I understand why (has lived there for over 40 years, spent the majority of her 50 year marriage there, knows everyone, etc).

We all live in the same general area so family/friends isn't too much of an issue on our end.

Living there isn't a big deal to me personally, but I do suspect Mr. Lime doesn't want to sell off his childhood home and I can't blame him for that sentimentality, I would probably be that way too.

There is a guest house on the property that MIL says she would want to live in if we move down there so we wouldn't be sharing living space. We did offer to update the guest house to her desires and likes if she was sure she wanted to live in it and she insists she is.

The deed would go in Mr. Lime's name since we don't pay property tax due to his Veteran status and we would be paying for maintenance and it would have gone to him anyhow. MIL's home is also paid for so financially we would be in the same situation we are now just with more land to care for.

We don't really have any desire to become landlords so renting it out never crossed our minds to be honest.

Thanks for your reply, there are a lot of considerations!

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Comments (9)

greg_2015
10 years ago
Outdated after 10 years?!?

I'd say don't touch it at all! (But pictures may change my mind.)
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duvetcover
10 years ago
I would strongly suggest that before you do anything, that you consult with your accountant and/or a real estate attorney. There could be some legal and tax ramifications that you aren't thinking about which could complicate things in the future. Putting the deed in your name might not be the best thing to do from a tax standpoint (independent of property tax issues). Also, there may be financial consequences to your MIL that you aren't thinking of if she no longer owns the home. You should consult with professionals before acting . Better to explore all the potential issues now before making any final plans.

Also, if "Mr. Lime" has any siblings, and you do go through with this plan, then your mother-in-law would need to update her will/trust to make sure that any inheritance for the siblings takes into account that "Mr. Lime" has already received a good portion of his inheritance (i.e., the house and land). In any case, the will/trust should be reviewed and updated to make sure it adequately reflects your mother-in-law's present situation and wishes.
cherrylime
Original Author
10 years ago
Yes, the guest house is a huge problem solver! I have lived with her before while house hunting and it wasn't bad, but, we were staying there as temporary guests. We do get along though, so that's always a good thing.

I can't lie, the idea of not having to remodel right now then remodel again would be a huge weight lifted. It could be spruced up and made pretty, which is a lot easier than fighting the urge to throw something when (inevitably) something goes wrong not once but twice.

That was my original plan anyhow, but then cabinets were on sale and I found this tile and there was this stove I just *needed* and it snowballed on me until my garage was full of stuff, hah!
cherrylime
Original Author
10 years ago
@duvetcover

Thanks for your reply! Those things will be explored of course, but since that wasn't what I was wondering about on the basis of what's best for the kitchen in the possibility of selling the house I live in now, I didn't feel it prudent to add to my post.
duvetcover
10 years ago
Of course, and apologies for going off topic. Just wanted to make sure that you (and anyone else who might be in a similar situation) are aware that sometimes there are tax and legal consequences in combining households even if it is "family."
artemis_ma
10 years ago
A ten year old house is not out-dated. You may be tired of it, but remodeling it won't get you enough money back to pay for your expenses; and your prospective buyers may have their own ideas for their own changes.

Since it looks likely that you'll be moving to your mother-in-law's place, use the purchased material there.

Best of wishes, and my sympathy to your family.