A Long-Term Vision for Your Home
At KBF Design Gallery, we believe that the most effective way to plan a remodel project transcends budget considerations. Instead, it should focus on designing a space that you will love for the next 15, 30, or however many years you plan on staying in your home. This forward-thinking approach offers several key benefits that enhance both the process and the end result. Think about how much time we spend in spaces like our kitchens and primary bathrooms.
If we spend an average of 35 minutes per day in our primary bathroom and 45 minutes per day in our kitchen, let’s take a look at what that equates to over the years we’re in our home.
Time Spent in Primary Bathroom
- 35 minutes per day:
- Over 10 years: 2,129 hours (88.7 days)
- Over 15 years: 3,193 hours (133.1 days)
- Over 30 years: 6,388 hours (266.1 days)
Time Spent in Kitchen
- 45 minutes per day:
- Over 10 years: 2,737 hours (114.1 days)
- Over 15 years: 4,106 hours (171.1 days)
- Over 30 years: 8,213 hours (342.2 days)
These numbers highlight how integral these spaces are to your daily life. They aren’t just functional areas; they’re environments where you begin and end your day, prepare meals, and spend quality time with family. Therefore, it’s crucial to plan your remodel with a long-term vision, focusing on creating spaces that will enhance your quality of life for many years to come. This blog post explores why investing in a thoughtful, comprehensive design upfront can lead to a more satisfying and enduring home environment.
Know Your Options and Prioritize Your Budget
One of the biggest advantages of this approach is gaining a comprehensive understanding of what’s possible for your space upfront. When you work with a professional designer, they can show you a range of options you might not have considered. This initial exploration is crucial, as changes made after an agreement with your contractor or design-build firm can often be more expensive when added ad-hoc. By seeing the full scope of possibilities from the start, you can make informed decisions about what elements are most important to you and allocate your budget accordingly.
Often, clients don’t fully know what they want until they see it. A well-designed space can reveal opportunities and inspire choices that might not have been considered otherwise. If budget constraints arise, you can then scale back on less important aspects without compromising the overall vision. This ensures that the most critical elements of your dream space are prioritized and preserved.
Think Long-Term: Quality of Life Over Return on Investment
When planning your remodel, it’s essential to think about your long-term happiness and quality of life, especially if this is your forever home. While the immediate costs might seem significant, the value of living in a space that meets all your desires cannot be overstated. Consider this: if an additional $100,000 can transform your primary bathroom into a personal oasis with every amenity you want, the cost, when spread over 30 years, equates to roughly $277.79 per month. This is a relatively small amount when you consider the daily joy and comfort it can bring.
Of course, it’s important to stay within your financial means. However, for those who can afford it, viewing this investment as a commitment to your long-term happiness and comfort can change your perspective. The focus shifts from simply calculating a return on investment, especially if you don’t plan to sell your home within the next five years, to enhancing your daily life and creating a space that truly feels like home.
Embrace a Future-Focused Approach
In summary, the best way to plan a remodel is to envision how you want to live in your space for years to come. By exploring all your options upfront, you can make informed decisions that align with your long-term vision and prioritize what matters most. This approach not only helps you manage your budget effectively but also ensures that your home becomes a place of lasting comfort and joy.
At KBF Design Gallery, we are here to help you every step of the way, from initial design concepts to the final touches. Let’s work together to create a space that not only meets your needs today but continues to bring you happiness for years to come. Call us at (407)830-7703 to get started on making your dream for your home a reality.
Adam Vellequette
Adam is a co-principal of KBF Design Gallery, leading the production team that brings our design teams' vision for our clients' homes to life.