Some home improvement sites are encouraging consumers to do their projects in stages – bits and pieces to make things more affordable. While that may stave off a big hit on the pocketbook, it also may lead to issues later. So, plan ahead keeping the following advice in mind:
Styles Change Constantly
Colors and styles change for all home products – from windows to cabinets – quicker than the average consumer may realize. This year’s white may not be the same as next year’s white. Next year’s white may lean more towards cream and that means the six windows you replaced with white vinyl trim this year may make the next set of windows with “white” trim look like they are a bit yellow.
If you replace your exterior door today and plan on replacing other household glass next year, what happens if that glass style gets discontinued? You put up a new deck this year and plan on doing the railings, stairs and posts next year – depending on the materials and the weather, they may not look the same color even though you order the same thing.
Cabinet colors and styles change from one year to the next and sometimes as quickly in six months. Part of the reason is a business decision. Sure, that medium oak may be selling like hot cakes in the Midwest, but if the East and West Coasts want natural or a cider tint – say good-bye to medium oak. Door styles are also vulnerable to change.
Wood Color Fades After Years
And remember, as wood ages, it develops a patina. That stunning cherry kitchen will be just a little bit darker next year or even in six months. So deciding to put off adding upper cabinets or those two or three cabinets to transition to the next room may mean a different color or even architectural style. There will always be white cabinets and there will always be wood cabinets. But shades are going to vary and so will styles.
If you are going to do improvements in stages – we recommend picking a whole room or all the windows on one side of the house or the entire exterior door set-up to save yourself the aggravation of a mismatched project.