That’s the way to do it—contractors love to upsell with “future proofing” but honestly, most folks end up paying for stuff they never actually use. I’m with you, I’d rather put money into things I see and feel every day than gamble on some maybe-project down the line. Storm windows are a game changer, too... way more satisfying than oversized pipes buried in the yard.
Couldn’t agree more—future proofing can be such a money pit. I always tell people:
- Spend on what you’ll actually enjoy or use daily. That’s where the value is.
- Storm windows? Total upgrade. You see and feel the difference every day.
- Oversized pipes in the yard... unless you’re planning a water park, probably not worth it.
I’ve seen folks pour cash into “someday” features and then regret not splurging on things like better lighting or built-ins. Trust your gut—if it makes your space feel good now, that’s usually the right call.
Honestly, I think you nailed it—people get caught up in “future proofing” and forget about what actually matters day-to-day. I’ve seen folks drop serious cash on fancy wiring for tech they never use, but then skimp on stuff like insulation or lighting. Your approach makes way more sense. Spend where you’ll notice it every single day.
Spend where you’ll notice it every single day.
That’s exactly it. I learned the hard way with my old place—spent a chunk on “smart” switches and barely touch them, but I notice the drafty windows every winter. For a backyard guest house, I’d say focus on solid insulation and good windows first. The tech stuff can wait or be added later. It’s wild how much comfort comes from basics like that, not the flashy upgrades.
I notice the drafty windows every winter.
That hits home. Years back, I worked on a guest cottage where the owner wanted fancy lighting and built-in speakers everywhere. Looked cool, but every winter, she’d call about cold spots and high heating bills. We ended up going back in to re-do the insulation and upgrade the windows. After that? She barely mentioned the tech, just raved about how cozy it finally felt. Basics first really does pay off.
