You love your neighborhood and you've spent years making memories in your home. You know which kitchen cabinet door hangs, where the afternoon sunlight hits just right, and exactly which neighbors will stop by for a conversation when you're outside working in the yard.
But there's one problem… Your home isn't quite keeping up with your life anymore.
Maybe the kitchen that worked perfectly when your kids were little feels cramped now that you're hosting bigger family gatherings. Maybe your primary bathroom lacks the “spa oasis” quality that you’ve always wanted, or perhaps the stairs you never thought twice about are starting to make you wonder what life will look like 15 or 20 years down the road.
Here's the good news: You don't have to move to get the home you need for the next chapter of your life.
At Maverick Home Remodeling, Inc., we've spent more than 20 years helping homeowners throughout Littleton, Ken Caryl, Highlands Ranch, Arvada, Golden, Morrison, Evergreen, Centennial, Lakewood, Greenwood Village, and the Southwest Denver Metro area transform the homes they already love into spaces that better fit their lives.
And when it comes to remodeling a forever home, we believe the best renovations aren't just designed for how you live today. They're designed for how you will live tomorrow, next year, and even 20 years from now.
But before you start picking out countertops and cabinet colors, let's talk about what it really means to remodel for the long haul.
What Makes a Home a Forever Home?
First things first. What exactly is a forever home?
Simply put, a forever home is a place you plan to stay for the foreseeable future, potentially through retirement and beyond. It's a home that accommodates your lifestyle today while remaining comfortable, functional, and adaptable as your needs change.
But here's where things get interesting.
A forever home doesn't necessarily need to be bigger, newer, or more expensive. In fact, some of the best forever homes are the ones homeowners have already lived in for decades.
Think about it. You might have the perfect location in Littleton, a beautiful property in Evergreen, or a neighborhood in Highlands Ranch where you've built lifelong friendships. Those aren't things you can easily recreate by purchasing a different house.
The goal of a forever-home remodel isn't simply to make everything look brand new. It's to create a home that continues working for you through every stage of life.
That means thinking beyond the latest design trends and considering the bigger picture: functionality, accessibility, durability, comfort, and long-term value.
As we've discussed in our previous blog, Don't Move – Renew!, sometimes the smartest investment isn't finding another house… it's renewing the one you already have.
Think 20 Years Ahead, Not Just Two
When most homeowners begin planning a renovation, they naturally focus on what's bothering them right now.
The kitchen doesn't have enough storage. The bathroom feels outdated. The laundry room is too small. The basement has become the unofficial storage unit for everything nobody wants to throw away.
Sound familiar?
While solving today's problems is important, remodeling your forever home requires asking a few bigger questions.
What will your daily routine look like in 10 years? Will you still need four bedrooms, or could one become a dedicated home office? Will your adult children return home for extended visits? Could an aging parent eventually move in? And will your home's layout still be comfortable and easy to navigate as you get older?
These questions don't mean you need to predict every detail of your future. Nobody has a crystal ball. But thinking through a few realistic possibilities can help you make smarter design decisions now.
For homeowners in Golden, Morrison, and Evergreen, that might mean reconsidering how stairs, entrances, and outdoor access function throughout the year. In Centennial, Greenwood Village, or Arvada, it could mean reconfiguring an older floor plan to create more flexible living spaces.
The point is to create a home that can evolve without requiring another major renovation every few years.
A great forever-home remodel should solve today's problems without creating new problems for tomorrow.
1. Start With the Rooms You'll Use Every Single Day
If you've followed our blogs for a while, you already know that we believe some remodeling investments make more sense than others.
And when it comes to long-term value, we often recommend starting with the rooms that have running water.
Why? Because kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms are among the most frequently used spaces in a home. They're also some of the most complicated and expensive rooms to renovate because of the plumbing, electrical, cabinetry, ventilation, and waterproofing involved.
If you're planning to spend another 20 years in your home, these are areas where thoughtful investments can make a significant difference in your daily life.
Kitchen Remodeling: Design for Cooking, Entertaining, and Everything in Between
Your kitchen is more than a place to prepare meals. It's where people gather, conversations happen, and everyday life unfolds.
When remodeling a kitchen for long-term use, think about how the space functions beyond the appearance of the cabinets.
A larger island might create additional prep space and comfortable seating. Deep drawers can make pots, pans, and everyday essentials easier to access. Improved lighting can make cooking safer and more enjoyable, while a better layout can eliminate the constant back-and-forth between the refrigerator, sink, and stove.
And let's talk about storage.
Nobody wants to spend the next 20 years digging through the back of a cabinet looking for that one baking dish.
Thoughtful kitchen design might include pull-out shelves, dedicated appliance storage, accessible pantry solutions, and cabinetry that keeps frequently used items within comfortable reach.
For homeowners planning a kitchen remodel in Littleton, Ken Caryl, Highlands Ranch, or Centennial, we recommend prioritizing a layout that will remain practical as your household and entertaining needs evolve.
You might not need every feature today, but planning for future flexibility can save you from having to tear apart a beautiful kitchen later.
Bathroom Remodeling: Comfort Today, Accessibility Tomorrow
Your primary bathroom should feel like a retreat. But it should also be designed with practicality in mind.
One of the smartest things you can do when remodeling a forever home is consider how your bathroom will function as you get older. That doesn't mean turning your beautiful primary bathroom into something that looks like a medical facility. Quite the opposite.
Today's accessible bathroom features can be seamlessly integrated into sophisticated, modern designs. Consider a spacious walk-in shower with a low or seamless entry, slip-resistant flooring, strategically placed lighting, and a shower bench. Reinforcing walls during construction can also make it easier to install grab bars later without requiring another major renovation.
Comfort-height toilets, easy-to-operate fixtures, and vanities designed around your specific needs can make every day routines more convenient.
According to the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI), planning aging-in-place improvements before they become necessary can help homeowners create safer, more comfortable spaces while protecting their long-term investment.
And here's the best part: Many of these improvements make bathrooms more enjoyable for people of all ages.
Whether you're remodeling a primary suite in Highlands Ranch or updating an older bathroom in Lakewood, a well-designed bathroom should combine comfort, functionality, and lasting style.
2. Future-Proof Your Home Without Sacrificing Style
Let's address something we hear from others in our industry when discussing long-term remodeling.
Nobody wants their house to feel like it was designed around getting older.
We get it.
But future-proofing your home isn't about preparing for limitations, it's about creating a space that offers flexibility, convenience, and comfort, regardless of what life brings.
This approach is often called universal design, and the concept is pretty straightforward: Design spaces that work well for as many people as possible, regardless of age or physical ability.
For example, wider doorways can make moving furniture easier today while providing better accessibility down the road. A main-floor bedroom might serve as a guest suite now and become a primary bedroom later. Lever-style door handles are stylish, easy to operate, and practical for just about everyone.
Even small design decisions, like reducing unnecessary floor transitions or adding better lighting to hallways and staircases, can make a home more comfortable over time.
The important thing is to incorporate these considerations during the initial remodeling process rather than waiting until changes become necessary.
NARI's guidance on aging-in-place remodeling reinforces the value of making these improvements proactively, rather than responding to an urgent need later.
For homeowners in Arvada, Golden, and Greenwood Village considering a whole house remodel, this is an opportunity to think strategically about how each space connects to the next.
You don't have to compromise the design you love to create a home that works for the next 20 years, you just have to plan ahead.
3. Create Flexible Spaces That Can Change With Your Life
Here's something we've learned after more than two decades in the remodeling business: Life changes, and your home should be able to change with it.
That formal dining room you use twice a year? Maybe it would function better as a flexible entertaining space.
The extra bedroom that's become a collection point for holiday decorations? It might make a fantastic home office.
And that unfinished basement you've been meaning to tackle for the last decade? Well, let's talk about that.
Your Basement Might Be Your Home's Biggest Opportunity
In Colorado, basements offer incredible potential for creating additional functional living space without expanding your home's footprint.
For homeowners in Littleton, Ken Caryl, Lakewood, and Highlands Ranch, finishing or remodeling a basement can open the door to possibilities that extend far beyond a traditional recreation room.
A basement could become a home theater, guest suite, exercise room, entertainment space, or even a comfortable retreat for visiting family members.
And because we're thinking long-term, flexibility matters.
A playroom today might become a home gym in five years. A guest bedroom could eventually accommodate an adult child returning home. A basement living area might become a place where multiple generations of family can spend time together while maintaining some privacy.
Of course, if your long-term plans involve someone with limited mobility, you'll want to carefully consider stair access and whether essential living spaces should be located on the main floor instead.
The best basement remodel is one that makes sense for your lifestyle now while offering options for the future.
We've explored this topic in more detail in our blog, The Perfect Colorado Basement.
4. Invest in Quality Materials That Can Go the Distance
Let's be clear about something. If you're remodeling a home you plan to enjoy for the next 20 years, the cheapest materials aren't always the most economical choice.
Sure, you might save some money upfront by choosing lower-cost flooring, cabinetry, or fixtures, but what happens when those materials start showing significant wear five or seven years later?
Suddenly, that bargain doesn't look quite as attractive.
When designing a forever home, we encourage homeowners to think about the total cost of ownership, not just the initial price tag.
For example, quality cabinetry with durable hardware can withstand years of daily use. Well-selected countertops can offer the appearance you want without demanding constant maintenance. Properly installed tile and waterproofing systems can help protect bathrooms from moisture-related problems.
Flooring is another important consideration, particularly in Colorado homes where snow, mud, pets, and everyday foot traffic can take a toll.
The right flooring should complement your home's design while holding up to your lifestyle. Depending on the space, that might mean engineered hardwood, durable tile, or a quality luxury vinyl product.
And don't forget about the elements you can't see.
Plumbing, electrical systems, ventilation, insulation, and proper construction techniques all play an important role in the longevity of your remodel.
A beautiful renovation is only as good as the work behind the walls.
For homeowners in Evergreen and Morrison, where foothills conditions can influence home performance, or in older homes throughout Golden and Lakewood, evaluating existing systems during a major renovation can be especially important.
Our advice? Spend wisely on the things that are difficult or expensive to replace later. Decorative finishes can change. Structural work, plumbing locations, and major infrastructure are much more complicated to redo.
For additional insight, check out our previous blog, Where to Invest First in a Home Remodel & Where You Can Save.
5. Don't Overlook Energy Efficiency and Home Technology
Twenty years is a long time. Think about how much home technology has changed over the last two decades.
Now imagine what the next two decades might bring.
When planning a forever-home remodel, it's worth considering improvements that make your home more efficient, comfortable, and adaptable to future technology.
For Colorado homeowners, energy efficiency is particularly important. Our weather can be unpredictable, with freezing winter temperatures, hot summer afternoons, and plenty of temperature swings in between.
During a major home renovation, you may have opportunities to improve insulation, address drafty areas, upgrade windows, improve ventilation, or evaluate heating and cooling systems.
These improvements aren't always as exciting as choosing a beautiful new kitchen backsplash, but they can make a significant difference in how your home performs.
And while we're talking about the future, let's not forget smart-home technology.
Smart thermostats, automated lighting, security systems, and water-leak detection can add convenience while helping homeowners monitor and manage their properties.
In fact, we've previously discussed how a renovation creates an opportunity to improve home security in our blog, When Your Home Remodel Meets Security: From Wired to Wireless in Colorado.
Our advice? Focus on technology that improves your everyday life and consider infrastructure that can accommodate future upgrades.
You don't need every gadget on the market. You need a home that won't feel outdated the moment the next generation of technology arrives.
6. Consider Remodeling Your Entire Home at Once
Here's where planning for the next 20 years can really pay off.
If you already know that your kitchen, bathrooms, basement, flooring, and living areas all need attention, it may make more sense to approach your renovation as one coordinated project rather than tackling individual rooms over the next decade.
Why?
Because remodeling costs don't necessarily get cheaper with time.
Labor rates, materials, permits, and other construction expenses can change significantly over several years. While nobody can predict exactly what remodeling will cost in the future, postponing projects doesn't guarantee you'll save money.
There is also the expense and disruption of starting construction over and over again.
Think about it.
You remodel your kitchen this year. Three years later, you renovate the primary bathroom. Two years after that, you decide to finish the basement. Then comes the flooring, followed by the guest bathroom.
Before you know it, you've spent a good portion of the last decade living through construction.
And who wants that?
When multiple renovations are planned together, there may be opportunities to coordinate trades, consolidate certain construction activities, and create a more cohesive design throughout the home.
That's not to say a whole house remodel is the right answer for everyone. The initial investment is substantial, and homeowners need to consider their budget, timeline, and living arrangements.
But if you're committed to staying in your home for another 20 years, completing the bulk of the work upfront can provide years of enjoyment without repeatedly returning to construction mode.
We explored this exact topic in our blog, Should You Remodel All at Once or One Room at a Time?.
7. Remember, Your Return on Investment Isn't Just Financial
When homeowners ask whether a whole house remodel is worth the investment, the conversation often begins with resale value.
And that's understandable.
A home is one of the largest investments most people will ever make. Naturally, you want to make smart decisions that protect its value.
But when you're remodeling your forever home, the return on investment (ROI) looks a little different.
Yes, updated kitchens, bathrooms, and functional living spaces can contribute to a home's market appeal. However, remodeling costs don't always translate dollar-for-dollar into increased resale value.
If you're planning to stay for another 15 or 20 years, you also have to consider the value of actually living in and enjoying those improvements.
Imagine spending the next two decades cooking in a kitchen designed around how you entertain, waking up every morning to a comfortable, thoughtfully designed primary suite, having enough room for your family to gather during the holidays, or finally enjoying that basement you've talked about finishing for years.
Those are benefits you experience every single day.
And while they're difficult to quantify on a spreadsheet, they matter.
At Maverick Home Remodeling, Inc., we believe the best remodeling investments improve both the functionality of your home and the quality of your life.
If you're staying put for the long haul, don't design your entire remodel around what the next buyer might want.
Design it around how you want to live.
8. Plan Your Forever-Home Remodel With the Right Team
A renovation designed to last 20 years deserves more than a quick estimate and a few material selections.
It requires thoughtful planning, realistic expectations, and a team that understands how all the pieces of a remodeling project fit together.
At Maverick Home Remodeling, Inc., we've worked with homeowners throughout the Southwest Denver Metro area for more than two decades, helping renew kitchens, bathrooms, basements, and entire homes.
And one thing we've learned is that successful remodeling projects start long before demolition begins.
A well-developed plan should consider your home's existing conditions, structural requirements, budget, material selections, construction timeline, and long-term goals.
It should also account for how different improvements affect one another.
For example, removing a wall to create an open-concept kitchen may affect electrical systems, flooring, lighting, and HVAC distribution. Expanding a primary bathroom might require relocating plumbing or adjusting adjacent spaces.
These are decisions that should be evaluated together, not discovered halfway through construction.
Industry guidance from Remodelers Advantage emphasizes the importance of early collaboration between design and production teams to identify potential challenges before construction begins. That's especially important when you're making a substantial investment in your forever home.
How Long Does a Whole House Remodel Take in Colorado?
For many whole house remodeling projects, construction can take approximately four to eight months, although the actual timeline depends on the size, scope, complexity, permitting requirements, and material availability.
Some projects take considerably longer.
For example, Maverick completed a major whole house renovation in Greenwood Village, Colorado, that took approximately 10 months. The project included improvements to the kitchen, bathrooms, basement, mechanical systems, and numerous other areas of the home.
You can read more about that transformation in our Featured Remodel #2506.
A project of that scale takes commitment, but the result is a home designed to serve its owners for years to come.
And that's the point.
Good things don't happen fast, especially when you're creating something meant to last.
Frequently Asked Questions About Remodeling a Forever Home
Is it worth remodeling a home you plan to live in for 20 years?
Yes, a major remodel can be a worthwhile investment if you plan to remain in your home for 20 years. Rather than focusing solely on immediate resale value, a long-term renovation can improve comfort, functionality, accessibility, and overall enjoyment. The key is making improvements that fit your lifestyle, budget, and long-term needs.
What should I prioritize when remodeling my forever home?
Start with the areas that have the greatest impact on daily life, particularly kitchens, bathrooms, and major living spaces. It's also important to evaluate your home's infrastructure, accessibility, storage, and energy efficiency. If you're planning a whole house remodel, developing a coordinated plan can help you prioritize improvements and avoid unnecessary future construction.
How do I remodel my home so I can age in place?
Aging-in-place remodeling focuses on making a home safer, more accessible, and easier to navigate over time. Common improvements include flat-entry showers, wider doorways, slip-resistant flooring, improved lighting, and accessible main-floor living spaces. These features can often be incorporated into modern designs without sacrificing style.
Is it better to remodel your entire home at once or in phases?
If your budget allows and you already know several areas need renovation, remodeling your home at once may offer advantages. Coordinating multiple projects can reduce repeated construction disruptions, improve design consistency, and potentially avoid certain duplicated costs. However, phased remodeling can still be a practical approach when guided by a comprehensive long-term plan.
How much does it cost to remodel a forever home in Colorado?
The cost of a forever-home remodel depends on the size of the home, the rooms being renovated, structural changes, material selections, accessibility improvements, and existing conditions. A kitchen and primary bathroom renovation will have a very different budget from a complete whole-home transformation. The best way to determine a realistic investment is to discuss your goals with an experienced Colorado remodeling contractor, like us, who can evaluate the scope of work.
Can I stay in my home during a whole house remodel?
Sometimes. Whether you can remain in your home depends on the extent of construction and which areas will be affected. Some homeowners live in portions of their homes while work progresses, while others choose temporary accommodations to minimize disruption. For extensive renovations involving kitchens, bathrooms, or major mechanical systems, moving out temporarily may be the more comfortable option.
Your Forever Home Is Worth Planning For
Twenty years from now, your life might look very different.
Your kids may have families of their own. Your career might have shifted into retirement. The rooms you use most today might serve entirely different purposes.
But one thing doesn't have to change. You can still love where you live.
Whether you're considering a kitchen remodel in Littleton, a primary bathroom renovation in Highlands Ranch, a basement transformation in Ken Caryl, or a complete whole house remodel in Golden, Evergreen, Morrison, Arvada, Centennial, Lakewood, or Greenwood Village, the goal should be the same.
Create a home that works for the life you're living today and the life you want to enjoy tomorrow.
At Maverick Home Remodeling, Inc., we believe your home should grow with you, not hold you back.
So, if you've been thinking about making changes, now is the time to start planning. Not just for the next few years, but for the next chapter of your life.
Your forever home might already be the one you're living in… It just needs a little renewing.
Don't Move. Renew!
Ready to start planning your forever-home remodel? Contact us below to discuss your vision and take the first step toward a home designed for the next 20 years.
