Bi-level shore homes hold a special charm. Elevated living, proximity to the water, and that quintessential East Coast vibe make them a staple along the shore. But if you're living in one—or thinking about it—you might be at a crossroads: do you renovate, or is it time to sell?
That decision isn’t always easy. It depends on money, timing, personal goals, and market realities. So let’s walk through the factors that really matter—costs, return on investment, market trends, and lifestyle choices—to help you figure out your next step.
Before we dive in, it helps to understand what exactly a bi-level house is. These homes typically feature two levels of living space split between a lower ground floor and an upper main level, connected by a short staircase. They became especially popular in the mid-20th century and are known for making efficient use of compact lots—a perfect match for shore towns.
Let’s talk numbers. According to the 2025 Remodeling Impact Report by the National Association of REALTORS® and NARI, U.S. homeowners spent around $603 billion on remodeling in 2024. That’s no small sum.
Typical project costs:
The good news? Many of these projects yield excellent cost recovery:
Add to that a sky-high homeowner satisfaction rating of 9.8/10 (called the “Joy Score”), and the emotional payoff is clear. When tackling these kinds of upgrades, many homeowners work with a home remodeling contractor from New Jersey, preferably Magnolia, to ensure the improvements are done efficiently and to code. A professional can also help prioritize projects that balance personal enjoyment with strong resale potential.
When it comes to resale value, not all renovations are created equal. The 2025 Home Improvement ROI Guide breaks down which projects offer the best bang for your buck:
Smaller, more focused updates beat out full-scale renovations—especially in shore areas where style and curb appeal carry extra weight.
You might lean toward renovating if:
Plus, aligning your renovations with Parsonson’s collaborative‑creative‑sustainable ethos can ensure the updates blend with the surrounding community and respect the local coastal character.
On the flip side, selling might make more sense if:
According to the 2024 U.S. Houzz & Home Study, the median spend on renovations in 2023 rose to $24,000. That’s a 9.1% increase. But here’s the twist: The Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies expects remodeling spend to fall 5.9% by mid-2025 due to high interest rates and shifting housing prices.
That suggests more homeowners may opt to sell rather than invest in upgrades.
Sometimes, the best way forward isn’t to renovate at all—it’s to sell the home exactly as it stands. No repairs. No upgrades. No extra costs.
Selling as-is can be a smart choice for homeowners who want to avoid the stress of contractors and timelines. It’s fast and straightforward, and it appeals to a certain type of buyer—often cash-ready investors who don’t mind taking on a project.
Curious how that works in a competitive market? This guide on selling as-is in Orlando Florida dives into the details, showing how sellers can:
For some, it’s the cleanest exit strategy. No paint fumes. No waiting. Just list it, sell it, and move on.
Shore homes are a category of their own. Weather, demand from second-home buyers, and zoning regulations all impact property values.
Here’s what’s trending:
Let’s not forget the human side of the equation.
Renovating means dealing with dust, delays, and decisions. You’ll need to manage contractors, permits, and maybe even temporary housing. Are you up for that?
Selling, meanwhile, means staging, showings, and moving—stressful in its own right. But it can also open the door to a fresh start somewhere new (or even a turnkey property in the same neighborhood).
So ask yourself:
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer.
If your bi-level shore home has solid bones and you’re in love with the location, renovation might be the smart play—especially with high-ROI projects that boost both comfort and value. On the other hand, if you're eyeing a hot seller’s market and would rather skip the headaches of construction, selling might make more sense.
Either way, weigh the numbers, understand the market, and make the choice that aligns with your life today—and tomorrow.
