I remember purchasing my first home back in 2007 when there was a financial crash and we went into a recession. Homes then were more affordable for first time buyers like us; however, the mortgage rates were still significantly high. I was also pregnant with my first child, starting a new career and getting married the same year we purchased our home. We had a lot of life events happening all in one year! We didn't need a large space, the home was the perfect size for us and our growing family. We knew it was the right decision for us. We told ourselves, if we didn't get into a home now, we would struggle finding an affordable home later in the future if we waited. We saw the vision of Utah's growth and knew we had to take that risk early in life. We also had goals of being an entrepreneur and one day starting our own company. We also wanted our first home to be our rental property. We made the decision to purchase rather than renting when we were 21 years old. We had to invest for our future long term goals and had to think ahead. We were able to pay off our first home on our own in our 30's by being frugal, making wise financial decisions and sacrificing. We were also able to start our own company in our 30's.
We are now in 2026 and homes are more unaffordable than ever. We are seeing more adult children living at home with their parents. People are waiting until they are in their 30's or 40's to purchase a home. People are also waiting longer to start their own family due to rising costs and the challenges. There is also a lack of inventory which is driving costs up really high. Mortgage rates continue to rise. The cost of food, rent, insurance and everyday necessity is high. There is no relief in sight. Being in construction, we noticed more families are staying in their starter or first home due to the rising costs and unaffordability and rather remodel their homes instead of moving and purchasing a new home. Most of our clients are wanting to add additions for more bedrooms, larger open space, mother-in-law apartments and make their older home more appealing by doing major timeless updates to their home. More people are taking care of their elderly parents or grandparents at home. Most of the older home designs are not ergonomically set up for the elderly's that are needing long term care or needing a wheelchair. We have designed and remodeled several existing homes to plan for future elderly care. Existing homes can be easily designed and remodeled to meet the needs. Most people are now looking into this and thinking about the design for their future use of the space. We also worked on a project where there are three separate living spaces all connected to one home and three multi-generations are living in the unique space.
We recently redesigned a project where our client's mom was moving into their home. She had a separate bedroom and bathroom on the main floor. The bathroom was small and narrow, it was difficult getting into the shower with a small door and a bench in the way. The bedroom was small and dark and uninviting. When Chea and I met with our client's mom she told us she was planning to stay long-term with her daughter and wanted to future proof her space so she doesn't have to remodel again. She wanted a space where she can be in the long term where she can still be independent and do things on her own. We came up with a redesign where we would enlarge the bedroom by demoing the bathroom wall to make the bedroom even bigger. We moved the bathroom to the back of the bedroom and built a privacy wall between the bedroom and bathroom. She wanted a spa-like feel in her bathroom and bedroom and we incorporated that into her space. The shower is open where you can fit a wheelchair and go into the shower on either side, there is electrical heating in the spa area where she can sit and look outside at the beautiful mountain trees. The entrance to the bathroom and spa area is wide enough to accommodate a wheel chair for the future. The space feels airy and much larger than before. She was very happy and satisfied with the outcome. She put her personal touch into her space and is enjoying it. She plans to stay there for as long as she can and loves it.
When it comes to redesigning your space, don't be afraid to. There are so many different ways of redesigning your space to fit your lifestyle. Life gets hectic and we are all busy. When you go home, you just want to relax and enjoy the things around you. I'm a big believer in creating your own space that fits your lifestyle and will help with your clarity of mind, well-being, peace, energy and overall happiness.
“Out with anything that doesn't feel you. In with anything that energizes your soul and breathes new life. Design for you, your home should be a reflection of your life. It shouldn't be a trend.”
We love that all of our clients have different design styles. We love working with each and every one of them to bring their creativity, lifestyle and design to life. Most importantly, focusing on what matters to them most and living a healthier, holistic and simplicity with minimalism lifestyle.
Sary & Chea Taing
Trus Construction
Taing's Interior Design