Most remodeling decisions feel urgent. Which backsplash? What color for the walls? Do we splurge on the shower tile? But here’s the thing: the decisions you make today will still be affecting your daily life a decade from now. Some choices age gracefully. Others… not so much.
At HOMEfix, we’ve been around long enough in Colorado Springs to see which remodel decisions people are still happy about ten years later—and which ones they regret. If you’re planning a remodel now, here are the upgrades and choices that stand the test of time.
1. Prioritizing Flow Over Finishes
Ten years from now, you won’t care as much about the exact shade of your quartz. You will care about whether your kitchen island is too close to the fridge, or if the hallway bottlenecks every time guests come over.
Why it lasts: A home that’s easy to move through will always feel good to live in. Layout is harder (and more expensive) to change later, so get it right now.
2. Storage, Storage, Storage
Cabinets to the ceiling. Pantry shelves you can actually reach. A mudroom bench that catches the clutter before it invades your living room. Ten years from now, you’ll still be grateful you thought about storage.
In Colorado Springs, we live active lives—hiking gear, snow gear, sports gear. Built-in storage isn’t just a luxury; it’s survival.
3. Quality Windows
Windows aren’t glamorous, but a decade from now you’ll notice whether your home is comfortable through all four Colorado seasons. Quality, energy-efficient windows mean less draft, lower bills, and a quieter home.
Why it lasts: Good windows can last 20+ years, while cheap ones fail early and leave you frustrated every winter.
4. A Functional Mudroom or Entry
If you’ve lived in Colorado Springs for more than five minutes, you know mud, snow, and slush come with the territory. An organized entry with hooks, cubbies, and durable flooring is something you’ll appreciate every single day.
Why it lasts: It protects the rest of your house and makes comings-and-goings less chaotic.
5. Timeless Kitchen Materials
Trendy finishes fade fast. But durable, timeless choices—like quartz or granite countertops, tile backsplashes, and solid cabinet construction—age gracefully. Ten years from now, you won’t be apologizing for avocado-green laminate.
Why it lasts: Quality kitchens not only hold up under daily use, they also help with resale value.
6. Double Vanity in the Bathroom
It might feel like a splurge now, but trust us—sharing a single sink gets old fast. A double vanity is one of those “everyday luxury” features that makes mornings smoother for years.
Why it lasts: It’s both a lifestyle improvement and a feature buyers love if you ever sell.
7. Lighting That Layers
The difference between a remodel that feels high-end and one that feels flat? Lighting. Ten years from now, you’ll still be glad you chose layered lighting—ambient, task, and accent.
Why it lasts: Good lighting adapts with you. It makes a room functional when you’re cooking, cozy when you’re relaxing, and inviting when you’re entertaining.
8. The Right HVAC System for the Home
When you upgrade insulation or windows, pairing that with the right HVAC system is key. You’ll always be thankful for even temperatures, quiet operation, and lower utility bills.
9. Durable Flooring
Floors take a beating—kids, pets, boots, spills. Investing in durable flooring like hardwood, tile, or high-quality LVP pays off over a decade.
Why it lasts: Cheap floors show their age fast. Durable ones build character, not regret.
10. Roofing That Handles Colorado Weather
Our hailstorms aren’t gentle. Choosing roofing materials that can handle Colorado’s climate means less worry and fewer replacements down the line.
Why it lasts: Peace of mind every time the summer storms roll in.
11. Flexible Spaces
A playroom today might be a home office tomorrow. A finished basement can host guests, hobbies, or movie nights. Ten years from now, you’ll appreciate spaces that flex with your life.
Why it lasts: Life changes. Flexible rooms change with you.
12. Neutral Walls, Bold Accents
Paint colors come and go, but keeping walls neutral gives you flexibility. Add personality with art, rugs, or an accent wall you can easily repaint.
Why it lasts: Your home evolves without the hassle of constant repainting.
Final Thoughts
The best remodels don’t just look good on reveal day—they make life better for the long haul. When you plan your remodel, focus less on the Pinterest board and more on the decisions that carry forward.
At HOMEfix, we bring all the trades under one roof—plumbing, electrical, HVAC, custom cabinets, painting, roofing, windows, and more—so your remodel is built to last. Ten years from now, we want you to still be glad you chose the upgrades you did.
