This store makes no bones about what it is about – high prices. It seems to present the “if you have to ask, you can’t afford it” attitude. This may draw some customers in, but most value-minded people would laugh and turn away.

Sometimes durable home purchases such as flooring, appliances and countertops may make you feel that there should be signs like this all over the store. But unlike clothing, these items are an investment in your home’s value, appearance, and comfort that lasts for years and never goes out of style.

Just as a silk blouse is more expensive than cotton, some materials cost more to produce and install. It’s up to you whether the look and feel of a silk blouse or a stone floor or countertop is worth the additional cost. Cotton can be beautiful in a different way, and tile or granite can make a room beautiful if stone is not in your budget.

One good way to make value decisions is to take the cost difference between two types of materials and divide the amount by the number of years you plan to live in your home. If you plan to be there for the next ten years, would you be willing to pay X additional dollars every year to have the more expensive product?

Every choice involves evaluating costs and benefits. Instead of thinking in terms of cost, look for value. Consider durability, resale value and how it will make your home look. When you balance cost against what you receive for your money, you can get past sticker shock and make the best choice for you and your home.