In this snack-sized episode of Home: The Second Story, we dive into what it really means to “spend wisely” when renovating or building a home. As always, the three of us—Sheri Scott, Marilyn Moedinger, and Taylor Davis—bring our own experiences as architects into the conversation. While “wise” spending is inherently subjective, we agree that aligning financial decisions with individual priorities and long-term goals is key.

We begin by discussing the concept of a master plan. Sheri shares a real-life client example where the dream design exceeded the budget. Instead of scaling back arbitrarily, we advised investing in infrastructure now—framing, structural systems, and utilities—so future phases could happen with less disruption and cost. Taylor echoes this with a personal anecdote about living with an empty room for years, now affectionately dubbed the "pinata room," showing that delay doesn’t mean failure—it’s part of the plan.

Marilyn emphasizes that anything hidden inside walls—like plumbing, electrical, and insulation—should be done right the first time. She recalls regretting a $1,700 savings on a hand shower she ended up not installing, a mistake she wouldn’t allow a client to make today. We also talk about not skimping on features like proper windows, cast iron waste pipes, solid core doors, and HVAC systems, because these impact long-term comfort and resale.

Accessibility is another area we explore. Taylor urges including wide doorways, grab bar backing, and thoughtful bathroom layouts during initial construction. These aren’t just for older homeowners—they’re useful for carrying groceries, recovering from surgery, or accommodating guests. And they can also help with resale value. Sheri adds a personal story about having to renovate her mother’s home under duress after a sudden disability, highlighting why proactive planning matters.

We circle back to the importance of hiring architects and planning thoroughly from the start. Design fees can seem intangible at first, but we show how early investment pays off in avoiding costly errors, enabling better decisions, and reducing frustration. Planning with professionals ensures functionality and beauty are balanced, so you're not left wondering, “Why did we do it this way?”

Finally, we acknowledge that spending wisely doesn’t mean spending endlessly. We aim to help clients make decisions that serve both their lifestyles and budgets, regionally and personally. Whether it's the feel of a kitchen faucet, the quiet of a cast iron pipe, or the satisfaction of a living room that fits your family traditions, smart spending is about prioritizing what matters to you.

Have questions? Want to be on our show? Email us! admin@htsspodcast.com

Learn about our hosts:

Taylor: TPD Architecture and Design: https://tpdarchitect.com

Marilyn: Runcible Studios: https://runciblestudios.com

SherI: Springhouse Architects: https://springhousearchitects.com

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