21 Pricier Purchases Homeowners Made That Were Totally Worth It

We recently asked members of the Mytour Community to share the costly items they bought for their homes that they believe were worth the investment. Here are the unexpected — yet insightful — responses:

1. "Ceiling fans and a wood-burning stove. As someone who has difficulty managing body temperature, these two additions have been absolute game-changers for my comfort."

—helatruralhome

2. "A high-quality vacuum. Dysons range in price from $300 to over $1,000, but their performance far exceeds that of other brands. With proper care, they can last for more than 10 years. The cost per use is very low, although the initial price, even on sale, can be quite shocking."

—candicel493a62b2a

"My Dyson vacuum cleaner. Nearly 20 years later, and it's still picking up dirt from my floors like a pro."

—ginnyjensen

3. "A carpet cleaner, particularly if you have young children or pets. We bought a Bissell for around $200, and it has made cleaning up after them much more manageable, while keeping our carpets in great condition."

—hannahreads

4. "My stove. It's probably the most extravagant purchase I've made, but I absolutely adore it and have no regrets. It's 60" wide with 10 gas burners and two full-sized electric ovens (I regularly cook for 12–20 people). Two burners have high output for wok cooking, and both ovens can accommodate full sheets."

"I also have a couple of metal plates that fit over the burners to create a griddle surface."

—markh63

5. "My digital shower — with concealed piping, so there's minimal chrome cleaning required. I love that I can set my shower temperature in advance and turn it on from the comfort of my bed, without waiting for it to heat up or having to adjust it from cold to hot while standing there."

—joehoover3

6. "A quality mattress. I didn’t invest in a truly great mattress until my 30s. Buying a high-quality mattress was a wise decision and worth every penny. In my 20s, spending nearly $5,000 on a mattress seemed unthinkable. But now, it's the best decision I've made for myself. Better sleep equals better mood and energy. It has truly been a game-changer for me."

—43, Mississippi

"Tempurpedic mattress: Relief for sore bodies and a bad back demands a more comfortable sleep surface."

—74,  Arizona

7. "A hot tub. We purchased a home that came with one and absolutely loved it; we've added them to the two homes we bought afterward. My husband and I make use of it nearly every evening. Not only does it offer relaxation and comfort, but those 12–15 minutes give us a chance to discuss our day, plan both big and small projects, and go over the family schedule."

—sarahaz

8. "An automatic litter box for my cats. The ongoing costs aren’t exactly low, to be honest, but it’s totally worth it to never have to scoop litter again."

—elle_blair

9. "My bidet toilet. I actually needed a new toilet, and I'm so glad I decided to splurge on the integrated bidet seat. It cleans, dries, and warms the seat. Totally worth the price!"

—witchygoose77

10. "Motion-sensing light switches for the bathrooms. Both adjustable and programmable. No more lights being left on all day, and a gentle dim glow when you enter at night."

—drewayling1

11. "On a smaller scale: A reverse osmosis water filtration system. It enhances the water’s taste far more than a basic carbon filter, such as those found in refrigerators. On a larger scale: Solar panels. We opted for the largest system, generating all the energy we need, with any surplus sold back to the utility company."

"It paid off in under five years, raised our home’s value significantly, and freed up a substantial amount of money previously spent on electricity each month, which allowed us to install central air conditioning and a new furnace!"

—jbdnco

12. "Energy-saving improvements. The house now consumes significantly less energy thanks to new windows and additional insulation. Not only do I feel proud to contribute to combating climate change, but the house is now much more comfortable too!"

—40, Canada

"Anderson windows installed throughout the house. Living at an elevation of 5,000 feet, we experience all four seasons, and our utility bills were astronomical before the new windows were put in."

—74, Arizona

13. "When my husband and I first tied the knot, we had almost no money (I was a teacher, and he worked as a corrections officer). Our one big indulgence was investing in a high-quality knife set. Nearly 20 years later, they’re still going strong, needing only the occasional sharpening. We’ve replaced the appliances several times, but those knives remain with us."

—40, Arizona

14. "Keyless entry for my door! I enjoy using the keypad instead of fumbling with a physical key. It’s so much more convenient, especially when I need someone to come in and walk my dogs while I’m tied up at work."

—65, California

15. "A closet organization system. The added drawers and custom shelves that don’t resemble flimsy wire racks will bring you joy every time you open the door."

—45, California

16. "A silent yet efficient dishwasher. Having it run for hours without sounding like a garbage truck in the kitchen is absolutely worth any cost. Plus, not needing to pre-wash the dishes by hand saves a lot of time."

—45, California

17. "An automatic espresso machine! It has already paid for itself through all the money saved by not going to coffee shops. Adding cream before brewing ensures the shots stay smooth and never bitter, making for an incredibly smooth cup of coffee."

"It's so convenient to stumble into the kitchen in the morning, still half asleep, and just press a button to brew a perfect cup of coffee or a cappuccino."

—28, California

18. "My Shark robot vacuum. Our whole house has tile and wood floors, and with multiple pets and teenagers, this vacuum is a game-changer. I can set it, leave the house, and it takes care of everything on its own. While I do sweep occasionally, it handles most of the pet hair and crumbs from the kids. Totally worth every penny!"

—37, Arizona

19. "A snowblower. While it may come with a hefty price tag, it's worth every penny. A few years ago, we were struck by a massive snowstorm. The snow piled up more than a foot deep. If I had a cheap snowblower or none at all, it would have been impossible. But with the high-end snowblower I got as a gift (valued between $1,500 and $2,000), I was able to clear my driveway easily."

"One of my friends also faced the snowstorm. Without a snowblower, it was incredibly difficult for him to get out of his house. If you ever plan to buy a snowblower, remember that cheaper options tend to be a poor investment."

—36, Illinois

20. "A smart thermostat. You can program it to change the temperature at specific times, activate the fan, and monitor its usage, including duration. It's a great tool for improving energy efficiency!"

And finally...

21. "Remote-controlled gates — incredibly practical and highly secure, as you never have to leave your vehicle when returning home late at night. Definitely worth the investment."

—39, Bahamas