When pursuing an upsized home, many seasoned and new homeowners fall into 5 common pitfalls.
Explore these tales of homeowners who encountered challenges when building bigger homes. It serves as a guide to avoid the missteps that can arise during upsizing, ensuring a more informed approach for those considering an upgrade to a larger living space.
Tip #1:
Prioritize What You Need Now—And Add the Extras Over Time
When Frankie and Sam moved into their upsized home, they were excited to make it feel complete right away. Eager to fill the extra space, they jumped into buying new furniture and décor. But soon, they realized their home was starting to feel cluttered and disjointed—filled with mismatched pieces that didn’t quite serve a purpose or reflect their vision.
That’s when they decided to slow down and create a thoughtful plan. They asked themselves: What do we truly need right now? With that new perspective, they focused on essentials—like appliances that complemented their kitchen’s style and a carved coffee table that echoed the living room’s trim.
By taking their time, Frankie and Sam gave themselves the freedom to make intentional choices. Now, as they add to their home gradually, each piece brings both function and harmony—turning their house into a space that truly feels like home.
Tip #2:
Plan for Your Family’s Needs—Now and in the Future
Dean and Jamie’s excitement for an upsized home overshadowed a critical consideration. They didn’t anticipate just how quickly life can change—and how those changes might reshape their space needs.
Dean’s brother, a temporary resident, moved overseas after graduation, leaving behind an empty room. Dean and Jamie soon realized that all of their children would one day move out for college. And so, they devised a new plan for their upsized home once it becomes an empty nest.
Eleven years later, Dean and Jamie’s children have grown up and moved out. But the couple planned ahead. The bedrooms once used by their two married children have been transformed into a guest room and a peaceful yoga space. The third room—belonging to their bachelor son—remains just as he left it, ready to welcome him home whenever he visits.
Looking back, Dean and Jamie recognized the value of planning for life’s natural transitions. Their experience is a helpful reminder: when choosing a home, it’s worth considering how it might serve your family not just today, but 10–15 years down the road. At HiLine Homes, we help families build homes that are flexible, thoughtful, and ready for whatever comes next.
Tip #3:
Take Your Time—The Right Home Is Worth the Wait
Tom and Leo were thrilled at the idea of upsizing their living space and dove into the homebuying process with enthusiasm. While their decision came quickly, it gave them valuable insight into the importance of timing, planning, and aligning a home with their long-term goals.
Though they found a bigger house, they soon realized it wasn’t quite the right fit—certain aspects like the neighborhood and long-term suitability didn’t match their lifestyle as well as they had hoped. Looking back, they saw how a little more time and research might have made a big difference.
Their journey was a powerful reminder: finding the right home means more than upgrading square footage—it’s about finding a home and location that truly work together. That’s exactly why, at HiLine Homes, we build on your lot—so you can choose the perfect location and pair it with a customizable home that fits your life today and tomorrow.
Tom and Leo’s experience reinforces that when you take the time to plan and build thoughtfully, you’re more likely to land in a home you’ll love for years to come.
Tip #4:
Give Your Current Home the Care It Deserves
Retiree Casey had noticed the signs that it was time to upsize into a bigger home. In the excitement of planning for the future, routine upkeep on her current home slipped down the priority list—a common and completely understandable occurrence during times of transition.
With a little ongoing attention, homeowners can ensure their property remains market-ready, helping it shine when it’s time to sell. Keeping your current home in great shape not only protects its value but also smooths the path to your dream home when the time is right.
Tip #5:
Explore All Your Financial Options First
After considering whether to upsize or downsize their home, Jo, Donald, and Pat decided to build a bigger house. However, when they set out to purchase a plan to build, they leaned on what they knew—traditional bank loans. While their approach got them through the door, they later learned there were other financing paths that could have made their journey even smoother.
Had they connected with a financial consultant or mortgage broker early on, they would have discovered helpful local programs—like up to 100% financing options—that aligned better with their goals. With the right guidance, they might have chosen a loan structure that offered more flexibility and long-term peace of mind.
Their story is a great reminder: the more you know about your financing options, the more empowered your decisions will be.
At HiLine Homes, we’re here to help you explore every opportunity, so you can move forward with clarity, confidence, and a financing plan that truly fits your future.
Armed with a comprehensive understanding of the five crucial mistakes to avoid when upsizing your home, take the next step by exploring The Four Major Factors to Consider When Upsizing Your Home. Here, you’ll discover various meticulously crafted floor plans that cater to diverse needs.
