When a Home Upgrade Becomes a Lifestyle Creep Trap
Do you know how much that new backyard will actually end up costing you each month?
Most of our day-to-day lives are spent in our homes, so of course we want to properly invest in them, making them as comfortable and beautiful as possible. But a trendy home upgrade might not just change your living situation; it can have a long-term impact on your financial situation as well — and not only because of the upfront costs that go into a house addition. Factors like insurance, utility bills and weatherproofing can all lead to a lifestyle creep trap that irreparably damages your current financial state.
Still, that doesn't mean you shouldn't splurge on the hot tub or that you need to halt construction on your new wing. The benefits of an upgrade can outweigh major costs. Here's how to determine if your dream housing changes are really worth it for you, as well as tips to keep your finances in check.
What are home upgrades with hidden financial downsides?
Unfortunately, most luxurious upgrades to your home require ongoing fees.
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One of the most popular additions to a house is a pool or a hot tub, which makes sense: It's visually appealing, a place to relax, a workout spot and fun for the whole family in one. But water can be dangerous, so getting one will inevitably lead to a spike in your insurance costs.
Plus, pools require a lot of maintenance. They need to be cleaned often, and the water needs to be treated with chemicals regularly to keep them safe for swimming. Many people will pay to outsource these tasks rather than deal with the weekly upkeep of their pool — and even if they don't, they still have to regularly buy the necessary equipment. We haven't even gotten to the increase in your water and electricity bill, especially if you're heating a hot tub.
Another way people choose to fix up their home is by building a new part of the home altogether: An extra bathroom, a new wing to the house, even a separate guest home altogether on the property. Designing and constructing these additions obviously costs a pretty penny, but again, the cost of your utilities will absolutely go up if there is more space in your home to heat, air condition or run water through. Plus, by expanding the square footage of your home, you risk expanding the size of your property taxes, too.
But even subtle home upgrades can be problematic for your finances. Skylights might make your space airier and more natural, but you'll also have to account for weather — it might take more energy to heat your space, and storm insurance will become steeper. Fireplaces are a cozy and chic way to transform a room, but chimneys require maintenance to run safely, and again, insurance comes into play.
Adding a smart home system may make your day-to-day easier (plus, it can feel so fun and futuristic to have tasks as varied as making your daily pot of coffee or turning on your lights become automated), but again, there are fees (and often subscriptions!) involved in keeping these operations running.
Simply put, in almost all cases, enhancing your home won't just be a one-time investment. You will need to spend more consistently to maintain your new lifestyle.
How to determine if your home upgrades are worth it
Ultimately, a home upgrade can change your life for the better, even if there are more costs to consider with it. What's most important is to determine if it's really worth it for you.
For example, if you have children and grandkids clamoring for a pool, or you personally love to swim, then it does add real value to your life. Similarly, if you hate your current bathroom, a luxury remodel may drastically change your day-to-day happiness.
Of course, it's not just about figuring out if you really want it. You'll want to carefully comb through your finances and consider every angle. It's not just about whether you can afford the construction or the installment — look at how service fees, utility bill changes and increases in insurance alter your monthly budget. That can help you really understand if your home upgrade is worth it.
That said, even if home upgrades are costly, they can also enhance your finances. Those changes can boost your home's property value, especially if you're doing something like transforming a bathroom or kitchen, or adding extra space. (This is particularly smart to consider if you plan to move eventually.) Remember to keep records of your invoices for capital improvements so you can account for them when you sell the house.
Plus, outdated areas in your home can lead to future costs. By adding in a nice HVAC system or rewiring your plumbing, for example, you may be avoiding costly repairs — and getting a nicer living experience at the same time.
In addition, it's worth considering the ways updating your home can actually generate income for you. A guest house or new addition can become a rental property. Adding a hot tub can make your home an attractive option on Airbnb. There are ways to actually reverse the sting of lifestyle creep if you're entrepreneurial about how you're using your home.
Tips to avoid lifestyle creep with home upgrades
It's not always easy to accurately picture what your finances will look like after a big change, like adding onto your home. If you're worried about an upgrade leading to lifestyle creep, it's best to consult with a financial adviser. They can walk you through associated costs and discuss your new budget with you, helping you avoid any major monetary setbacks you weren't anticipating.
You should also set guardrails each time you plot a big project. Determine how much of your income you're comfortable devoting to these home upgrades — which includes the potential price leaps — and then ensure you don't go over that.
And before you make your move, do your research. Is there a cheaper alternative that'll bring you similar joy? Maybe you don't need to build a whole new fireplace, you just need some new lamps for your living room. Or maybe heated floors aren't necessary when you can splurge on a gorgeous new rug instead. You can also talk to people who have the home features you're lusting after to see if they actually have a tangible effect on people's happiness, or if they regretted spending the money.
Ultimately, it's undeniable that a home upgrade will impact your financial situation. Yes, it can enhance your property values or even generate income for you, and it can also lead to spikes in your taxes, utility bills and insurance costs. But if you can swing the money, adding the features that make your house your dream home can definitely be worth it – after all, if you can have margaritas at your very own backyard pool and tiki bar, spending on vacations may be less tempting anyway.
Turning a home into your dream space often comes down to how you finance it. The tool below, powered by Bankrate, can help you weigh your options before you commit.
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