We get asked all the time whether we splurge or save on different parts of a house, and the honest answer is: it depends. Sometimes we’ll splurge on a single item because it’s uniquely perfect, and other times we’ll save and improvise. To make this useful, here’s a clearer breakdown of what we’ve chosen to invest in and where we’ve chosen to DIY or keep things affordable—plus the thinking that goes into those decisions.
“Splurge” and “save” mean different things to different people. For some, a splurge might be a $50,000 renovation; for others, it could be hiring a professional to install built-ins. We define splurges as purchases or work we expect to live with long-term or that significantly affect daily life. Saves are inexpensive cosmetic fixes, things we can do ourselves, or items that won’t be missed if replaced later.
Where we’ve splurged
- Hardwood floors throughout the second floor
- Upgraded slate-like roof
- Extensive sunroom renovation including tile and ceiling work
- Hiring a professional to level the yard
- Upgraded doorknobs instead of refinishing the old hardware
- Installing two Nest thermostats for better control and efficiency
- Higher-end furnishings and a few investment pieces like a table and dressers
- Extra-thick crown molding in select rooms
- Upgraded light fixtures in key areas
- Adding a quality runner on the stairs
- Planting large privacy trees in the backyard
- Upgraded laundry appliances with features we’ll actually use
Some of these choices were hybrids: we splurged for a well-made stair runner but installed it ourselves, or bought a high-end table on sale. Those gray areas are common when balancing budget and goals.
Where we’ve saved
- Painting walls, ceilings, trim, and doors ourselves
- Refreshing grout in the foyer—one of the cheapest, biggest-impact fixes
- Rejuvenating existing wood floors with refinishing techniques
- Scoring thrift-store kitchen chairs and secondhand finds
- Removing wallpaper ourselves across multiple rooms
- Stripping, resealing, and staining our deck
- Phase-one, low-cost updates in small areas like a bedroom sink nook, the kitchen, and the downstairs powder room
- DIY closet and storage organization projects
- Playful, inexpensive kid-room accents that are easy to change later
We use a longevity and use-based approach: if a change is temporary and we plan to renovate later, we prefer inexpensive interim updates—paint, new hardware, or a fresh mirror—rather than sinking serious money into something we’ll redo. On the other hand, for rooms we intend to keep long-term, like our sunroom or a full floor of hardwoods, we invest more to “do it once and do it right.”
Possible future splurges
- New kitchen appliances and a future gas range
- Adding a gas insert to the fireplace
- More exterior privacy plantings and landscaping enhancements
- Higher-end furnishings, light fixtures, and window treatments over time
- Thoughtful, long-term kitchen and bathroom renovations
- Built-ins and custom cabinetry for the office and hallway niches
- Converting kitchen windows to doors that open onto the deck
- Finishing an unfinished storage room as a bunk or media room
Possible future saves (DIY-friendly)
- Removing non-load-bearing walls ourselves
- Taking on major installs like heated tile if feasible
- Building custom cabinetry or repurposing old cabinets for workshop storage
- Large-scale DIY landscaping: transplanting, mulching, and planting
- Cosmetic painting throughout the rest of the house
- Energy-efficiency upgrades we can manage: LEDs, insulation, and small systems tweaks
How we decide: four guiding questions
#1. How long will we live with it?
Match your spending to expected lifespan. Flooring, roofs, and things that will last decades are worth investing in. Temporary fixes for spaces you’ll renovate soon should be inexpensive and reversible.
#2. How much will it affect daily life?
Prioritize upgrades that improve comfort or convenience. For us, a smart thermostat was a worthwhile splurge because it saves energy and makes daily life easier by letting us adjust temperatures remotely.
#3. How much wear and tear will it face?
High-use items deserve durable choices. A well-built dining table, a dependable oven, or a quality toilet can be worth the extra cost. Do research, test options, and choose materials that stand up to daily life.
#4. Does this choice define the look?
If one element makes or breaks the design—like curtains and rods or a key furniture piece—splurge on that and save in less critical areas. Invest where the visual payoff is greatest.
In short, we balance long-term investments with smart DIYs and inexpensive fixes. We avoid splurging on every detail but spend deliberately where it matters most. What patterns do you follow when deciding to splurge or save? Have you ever balanced a big splurge in one room with thrifty finds in another? We find that mixing both approaches keeps our home functional, beautiful, and affordable over time.