“What challenges have you faced in keeping your home updated?”

Here is what 5 thought leaders had to say.

Time and Priorities Make Home Updates Tricky

One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced in keeping my home updated is balancing time, budget, and prioritization. When you work in a hands-on industry like pool design and maintenance, your days fill up quickly, and home projects often get pushed to the “later” list. Another challenge is deciding what actually adds long-term value versus what’s just a cosmetic upgrade. 

It’s easy to start a project and realize halfway through that the scope has grown. Living in Arizona also adds wear-and-tear challenges, from sun damage to equipment aging faster than expected. I’ve learned that planning updates in phases, working with trusted professionals, and focusing on functionality first makes the process far less stressful and much more rewarding in the long run.

Rose Rybicki, Owner, Brilliant Pools AZ

Older Homes Conceal Issues; Proactive Strategy Wins

Keeping my home updated has been challenging mainly because older homes don’t always reveal problems right away. A lot of issues, especially in attics, stay hidden until they start affecting comfort or energy bills. I’ve dealt with things like outdated insulation, airflow imbalances, and small moisture issues that didn’t seem urgent at first but required attention later. 

Another challenge is knowing that every upgrade has a ripple effect — improving insulation might mean adjusting ventilation or sealing air leaks elsewhere. Even with experience in this field, deciding when to upgrade versus when to monitor can be tricky. Cost timing is also a factor, since doing things properly upfront is better long term, but it requires planning. Staying proactive instead of reactive has been the biggest lesson for me as a homeowner.

Sergey Or, Founder, The Attic Specialist Inc.

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Artful Home Meets Real-World Constraints

Keeping my home updated is surprisingly challenging. Between running CANVASBASE OU and traveling for work, I often struggle to find the time to refresh spaces thoughtfully. There’s also the challenge of balancing style with practicality—I want my home to feel inspiring, like an extension of the gallery, but it also has to be comfortable and functional for everyday life. 

Trends in furniture, art, and design move quickly, and it’s easy to feel behind or indecisive about what to invest in. Even small updates, like lighting or layout changes, can take longer than expected. Over time, I’ve learned that it’s less about constant change and more about choosing pieces and touches that grow with you and make the space feel alive.

THERY Jean Christophe, CEO, MUSAARTGALLERY

Time, Budget, and Choices Complicate Home Upgrades

Keeping a home updated is always a balancing act, and for me, it’s no different. As someone who spends a lot of time helping homeowners plan and budget for basement projects, I constantly see the tension between wanting to modernize spaces and staying within practical limits. 

One challenge is time—between work, family, and running the site, it’s hard to carve out long stretches to tackle updates properly. Budgeting is another hurdle; even small renovations can quickly become expensive if you’re not careful. Then there’s the decision fatigue—so many design options, materials, and trends to consider, it can feel overwhelming to choose the right one for both functionality and style. 

Finally, keeping a project realistic while still adding meaningful upgrades is always a juggling act. The key is prioritizing what truly adds value and enjoyment to the home without overcomplicating things.

Jason Keeley, Founder, Basement Calculator

CEO Schedule Drives Phased, Value-Focused Updates

One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced in keeping my home updated is balancing time and priorities. As the CEO and founder of 12 Steps Marketing, my schedule is packed with client calls, strategy sessions, and team management, which makes it difficult to consistently dedicate time to home maintenance or renovations.

Another challenge is staying on top of evolving design trends while ensuring updates are practical and add long-term value rather than just aesthetic appeal. Budgeting also comes into play—home improvements can quickly become expensive if you’re not careful, and it’s easy to overspend on projects that aren’t essential.

I’ve learned to tackle updates in phases, focusing on the areas that have the biggest impact first and scheduling smaller improvements around my work commitments. It’s a constant juggling act, but approaching it strategically makes it manageable.

Vince Tint, Founder / CEO, 12 STEPS MARKETING