10 Home Projects That Tank Your Resale Value

It’s easy to get swept up in personalizing your space, especially when you’re looking to turn your home into your dream spot. But what happens when it’s time to sell and your dreamy additions turn off potential buyers? Here’s a heads-up on ten popular home projects that might seem great at the moment but could actually make your home tougher to sell. Whether it’s tearing down walls to create massive bedrooms or laying down wall-to-wall carpeting, some renovations might not be the crowd-pleasers you’d hope for in the real estate market.

Tile

Adding tile to your home can be a game-changer in terms of style and durability, especially compared to carpet. However, it’s important to choose a tile that complements the overall design and maintains consistency throughout your home.

A mismatched or overly bold tile can disrupt the aesthetic flow, making spaces feel disjointed. Home experts suggest using neutral, timeless tile designs that seamlessly integrate with the rest of your house.

A Home Theater

A home theater might be your dream for movie nights, but it’s not always a hit with potential buyers. The hefty cost of the equipment and the space it occupies might not pay off when it’s time to sell.

Instead, consider tech upgrades that have universal appeal and add practical value, like smart thermostats or enhanced security systems. These improvements are less about personal taste and more about broadening your home’s attractiveness to a variety of buyers.

Garage Conversions

Transforming your garage into additional living space like a family room or gym might suit your lifestyle, but many buyers see more value in a traditional garage.

Real estate experts suggest that a garage often ranks high on a buyer’s priority list, especially in markets where parking is at a premium. Before you convert, think about the potential challenges in selling a home without a garage, and check local regulations, as these conversions can sometimes face strict zoning restrictions.

Choose Flooring wisely

Installing new carpet might seem like a cost-effective way to spruce up your home before selling, but consider the long-term appeal. Many buyers today lean towards hardwood floors, not only for their sleek look but also because they’re easier to clean and less likely to aggravate allergies.

If you’re updating floors with resale in mind, hardwood or similar alternatives might offer a better return on investment by broadening your home’s appeal to a wider range of buyers.

Combining Rooms

While transforming two small bedrooms into one large one might seem like an upgrade, it could be a deterrent for buyers who need more rooms for their family. More bedrooms often translate to higher resale values because they accommodate larger or growing families.

Before you start knocking down walls, consider whether reducing the number of bedrooms might limit your home’s market potential, especially in neighborhoods popular with families.

Wallpaper

While a splash of trendy wallpaper can add character to a powder room or create a striking accent wall, coating multiple rooms with bold patterns can backfire when it’s time to sell. Many potential buyers view extensive wallpaper as a hassle they’ll have to strip away, adding to their list of move-in chores.

To keep your home appealing, stick with paint for larger areas and consider wallpaper only for single-wall highlights where it can make a tasteful impact without overwhelming.

Upgrade the Kitchen Wisely

Everyone loves a sleek, updated kitchen, but there’s a fine line between refreshing and overdoing. Pouring a fortune into top-of-the-line kitchen renovations may not pay off as you’d hope, with major remodels recouping just around 59% of the investment.

Focus instead on updating what’s truly dated or worn, like old countertops or scuffed floors, and choose mid-range appliances. These changes can boost your kitchen’s appeal without leaving your wallet empty at sale time.

Rethink Removing Bathtubs

If you’re tempted to swap out a bathtub for a trendy massive walk-in shower, you might want to pause that plan. While luxurious spa-like showers are appealing, removing a bathtub can significantly decrease your home’s appeal to a large group of buyers, including families with young kids.

Bathrooms count, and each one has its own role in boosting your home’s marketability. Keep at least one bathtub in your home to maintain its family-friendly allure.

Closets and Storage

Before you consider transforming that closet into a different space, remember how much buyers value storage. Closets are a must-have for maintaining home organization and appeal.

Removing or converting closets and storage areas into other types of spaces might seem like a clever use of square footage, but it can be a turn-off for potential buyers who prioritize ample storage. Keep those closets intact to avoid limiting your home’s market potential.

Skip the Spa-Level Bathroom

While a beautifully upgraded bathroom might seem like a plus, think twice before installing that spa-like sanctuary. Luxury features like a freestanding or whirlpool tub might look great to you, but potential buyers might view them as excessive and not worth the extra space they consume.

What works for your pamper sessions could end up being a barrier when it’s time to sell, as these high-end choices usually don’t appeal to the average buyer looking for practical and functional home traits.