When most people start thinking about a remodel, they picture the fun stuff: the tile patterns, the countertop colors, the cabinet hardware. And don’t get us wrong—those design details matter. They’re the finishing touches that make a home feel like yours.
But ask anyone who’s lived through a remodel before, and they’ll tell you: the upgrades that make the biggest impact are usually the practical ones. The choices you don’t always notice at first glance, but that you appreciate every single day when you live in the space.
In Colorado Springs, where the climate, altitude, and lifestyle are all a little unique, those practical upgrades become even more important. Let’s break down the smartest upgrades to consider if you’re remodeling here in the Springs.
1. Smarter Lighting Layouts
Lighting is one of the most underrated elements of a remodel. It changes how big a space feels, how inviting it looks, and even how functional it is for everyday life.
In older Colorado Springs homes—especially those built before the 1990s—you’ll often find one lonely ceiling fixture trying to do the work of an entire lighting plan. That doesn’t cut it anymore.
Practical upgrades to consider:
- Recessed can lights (great for kitchens and basements).
- Layered lighting: a mix of task, ambient, and accent lighting.
- Dimmers and smart switches that adjust to your needs.
Good lighting layouts aren’t just about brightness; they’re about control. In a place like Colorado Springs, where we get 300+ days of sun, being able to manage light levels indoors keeps things comfortable year-round.
2. Energy-Efficient Windows
Colorado Springs has wild swings in weather—snow one day, sunburns the next. Old, drafty windows make it harder to regulate temperature and can drive up utility bills.
When you remodel, upgrading windows is one of the most practical moves you can make.
Why it matters here:
- Our altitude puts more strain on materials—quality matters.
- Energy-efficient glass helps reduce both heating and cooling costs.
- Natural light is a big deal in the Springs; larger windows or better-placed windows can completely change a room’s feel.
Pro tip: Consider UV-protective coatings to keep that strong mountain sun from fading your furniture and flooring.
3. Durable Flooring
Colorado Springs life is active. Hiking boots, snow from ski trips, kids and dogs tracking in red dirt from Garden of the Gods—it all ends up on your floors.
The practical move? Invest in flooring that holds up.
Best bets we recommend to clients:
- Luxury vinyl plank (LVP): waterproof, scratch-resistant, and comes in styles that actually look like real wood.
- Engineered hardwood: better than solid hardwood for our dry climate.
- Tile: especially for entryways, mudrooms, and bathrooms.
While carpet has its place, especially in basements, most homeowners are moving toward low-maintenance, easy-to-clean surfaces that don’t show every bit of Colorado dust.
4. Smarter Storage Solutions
Square footage in a Colorado Springs home goes fast. Practical storage upgrades help keep things organized without cluttering your living space.
Practical storage upgrades help keep things organized without cluttering your living space.
Ideas worth considering:
- Custom cabinets (we build these in-house at HOMEfix, which means we can tailor every inch to your space).
- Built-in mudroom benches with hidden storage—huge win for Colorado’s four-season lifestyle.
- Closet systems that actually maximize vertical space.
A remodel is the perfect time to rethink how you use space—and storage upgrades are one of those things you’ll thank yourself for every single day.
5. Energy-Efficient Heating & Cooling
Between snowy winters and hot, dry summers, HVAC systems in Colorado Springs put in serious work. If you’re already remodeling, it’s the perfect chance to update your systems or at least plan for upgrades that improve efficiency.
Practical upgrades to explore:
- Mini-splits for bonus rooms or basements that never quite stay the right temperature.
- Smart thermostats for better control (and lower bills).
- Boiler or furnace upgrades, especially if yours is more than 15 years old.
It’s not the glamorous part of remodeling—but it’s the kind of investment that makes your home more comfortable for decades.
6. Kitchen Layout Adjustments (Not Just New Cabinets)
Most people think “kitchen remodel” and picture shiny new cabinets and countertops. But the most practical upgrade isn’t surface-level—it’s the layout.
In Colorado Springs, we see a lot of kitchens with awkward U-shapes or small galley layouts that just don’t work for today’s lifestyle. Changing the layout—even modestly—can dramatically improve how you use the space.
Examples of practical layout changes:
- Opening a wall to connect kitchen and living areas.
- Adding an island for prep space and storage.
- Rethinking appliance placement so the “kitchen triangle” actually makes sense.
7. Better Bathroom Functionality
A bathroom remodel is the perfect time to think beyond pretty tile.
Practical upgrades to consider:
- Double vanities (if space allows).
- Walk-in showers with low thresholds (future-proofing against mobility issues).
- Heated floors—Colorado winters make this more than just a luxury.
- Proper ventilation fans to prevent mold and moisture issues.
Bathrooms are high-use, high-value spaces. The right functional upgrades will outlast any tile trend.
8. Outdoor Access & Livability
Colorado Springs homeowners love blending indoor and outdoor living. Practical upgrades that improve this connection add a ton of daily value.
Options that work well here:
- Sliding or folding patio doors.
- Covered patios for year-round use.
- Outdoor kitchens or fire pits designed for our climate.
The outdoors is one of the biggest reasons people live here—remodeling with outdoor access in mind keeps your home aligned with how you actually want to live.
9. Insulation & Soundproofing
Not glamorous, but incredibly practical. If you’re opening up walls anyway, it’s the perfect time to add insulation or soundproofing.
Why it matters in Colorado Springs:
- Keeps heating/cooling costs down in our climate.
- Quieter homes feel more peaceful (especially if you’ve got a busy household).
- Future-proofs your home for resale—buyers love energy-efficient upgrades.
Final Thoughts
When we remodel homes in Colorado Springs, we always remind clients that practical upgrades set the foundation. The design flourishes on top are what make your home personal—but it’s the smart, behind-the-scenes choices that make it a joy to live in for years to come.
At HOMEfix, we think of it like this: the best remodels make your home not just look better, but work better. That’s the real difference between “contractors” and remodelers who bring design intelligence to the table.
So if you’re planning a remodel, don’t just dream about the backsplash tile. Ask yourself: what upgrades will I actually notice and appreciate every day?
Chances are, those practical choices will become your favorite part of the remodel.
