Home Improvements That Will Not Increase The Value of Your Home

When selling your home, not every upgrade will pay off. Some projects cost a lot but add little to no value. In some cases, they can even turn buyers away. Before you spend money, think about which renovations are worth it and which ones could hurt your resale value.

Upscale Kitchen Remodel

A fancy kitchen sounds great, but it doesn’t always boost your home’s value. Adding marble countertops, high-end appliances, and a commercial stove might make you happy, but buyers may not care.

According to Remodeling Magazine, a luxury kitchen remodel only gets back about 54% of what you spend. If the style doesn’t fit your home or the neighborhood, it may even push buyers away.

Small updates like painting cabinets, changing fixtures, or adding a new backsplash give you more return.

Swimming Pool

Having a pool sounds fun, but it doesn’t guarantee higher value. Pools are expensive to build, difficult to maintain, and raise your utility and insurance bills.

According to HouseLogic, a pool might only increase your home’s value by up to 7%—and only in warmer states or higher-end neighborhoods where pools are common.

Many buyers, especially families with small kids, see pools as a hazard. Unless you plan to enjoy it for years, a pool is not a smart investment for resale.

High-End Landscaping

Curb appeal matters, but spending too much on landscaping doesn’t pay off. A backyard paradise may look nice, but buyers often see it as too much work.

Fancy gardens and decorative features also depend on taste. What you love may not appeal to the next buyer.

A neat, low-maintenance lawn works best. Stick to seasonal flowers, trimmed shrubs, and simple planters. Buyers will prefer something easy to maintain year-round.

Sunroom Addition

A sunroom sounds like a nice bonus, but it rarely adds much value. Sunrooms are costly—often between $30,000 and $70,000. On average, you’ll only get back about 49% of that money when you sell.

They also raise energy bills since glass does not insulate well. Unless most homes in your neighborhood have them, a sunroom is not worth the cost if your goal is resale value.

Luxury Bathroom Upgrades

Large tubs and fancy bathrooms often don’t pay off either. Whirlpool baths and hot tubs take up space, require upkeep, and increase energy bills.

Some buyers even see tubs as unsafe for kids or simply unnecessary. A portable hot tub is a better option since you can take it with you or remove it later.

If you want a bathroom upgrade, think about a walk-in shower. It’s practical, stylish, and appeals to a wider group of buyers.

Too Much Customization

Personal touches make a house feel like home, but too much customization can hurt resale. Bold paint colors, quirky tiles, or unusual finishes may only appeal to a small group of buyers.

Most buyers want a blank canvas they can make their own. If they see unusual features, they may only think about the cost of changing them.

Neutral designs work best if you plan to sell soon. Save bold ideas for décor that can be changed easily.

Think Before You Renovate

• Check other homes in your area before making upgrades.

• Don’t spend money on projects that don’t fit your neighborhood or add real value.

• If you’re unsure, talk to a local real estate agent. They know what buyers want and what features add value in your market.

• Renovate for your enjoyment if you’re staying long-term, but avoid projects that could make your home harder to sell.