OK...I’m using your “reno experience” to talk my husband into some new flooring!!! (about 10 year old house, with carpet starting to roll)
We have had our home repainted 3 times and I did it once with my younger son after an early retirement.
We are on the fourth carpets and had our hardwood floors replaced about 20 years ago.
During that time we have had new roofs put on 3 times.
In our last retro, 3 years ago, our engineer son recommended we go for two ac/heating units. One for the living room, Dining room, my office and two guest bathrooms. In late fall, winter and early spring that thermostat is set at 62 unless we have company. That area can be basically shut off by two swinging doors in our kitchen.
We use a Nest thermostat to control the temps 24/7 in the area where we live and spend most of our indoor time.
Outside our family room (triple insulated door) is a great deck.. We use it several times a week during late spring to mid fall. 2-3 times a week, I charcoal the main course and sometimes the veggies. Then, we eat outside under our covered deck.
We spend most of our time in our family room, kitchen, master BR, and laundry. We only use the ac in this area unless we have guests. Then, we will cool down the living/dining area.
As a result, our utility bills are half of what we had before. We did install a heavy duty instant hot water heater to save on running water and heating 40 gallons to use a few gallons of warm/hot water.
We live in a great area with good neighbors. Most of us plan to stay here until we are carried out feet first.