8 DIY Home Ugrades That Are a Total Waste of Money and Time

Home upgrades can feel like the perfect way to add value and make your space shine, but not all of them are worth the time or money. Some of the most popular DIY projects might seem like a good idea at first, only to leave you scratching your head—and your wallet—later on.

The truth is, what works for your personal taste doesn’t always work for future buyers. And let’s face it, nobody wants to sink cash into something that could actually hurt their home’s value. Before you dive into that next project, here’s what you might want to think twice about.

Overdone Landscaping

A well-maintained yard can catch a buyer’s eye, but going overboard with elaborate landscaping can backfire. Overly intricate designs or excessive decorative features might not appeal to everyone. Buyers often see high-maintenance landscaping as more work and expense than it’s worth.

Instead of going all out, aim for a clean, simple design with easy-to-maintain plants and a neat lawn. It’ll give your home a polished look without overwhelming potential buyers with upkeep concerns. Save the fancy garden projects for your dream forever home.

Landscape Lighting

Landscape lighting can create a warm, inviting glow, but it doesn’t always translate to added value. Installing an array of outdoor LED lights can cost upwards of $6,800, and on average, you’ll only recover about 59% of that investment. For most buyers, outdoor lighting is more of a “nice to have” than a necessity.

If you’re set on adding lighting, keep it minimal. A few well-placed lights can highlight your home’s best features without blowing the budget or adding too much to your to-do list.

Bold or Dark Paint Colors

Bold or dark paint colors might feel daring and stylish, but they’re a risky choice if you’re planning to sell. These shades can make spaces feel smaller and might not resonate with buyers who prefer a blank slate. Neutral tones are your best bet—they brighten rooms, make spaces feel larger, and appeal to a wider audience.

While repainting isn’t a huge expense, it’s one less thing buyers will want to tackle. Stick to lighter, neutral shades that highlight your home’s features without overwhelming potential buyers with personal style.

Swimming Pool

A swimming pool might seem like a dream feature, but it’s often more hassle than it’s worth when selling. Installing a pool costs an average of $40,000, and that doesn’t include annual maintenance, which can run up to $4,000, or the increase to your insurance premiums.

For many buyers, pools are more of a liability than a luxury—especially in areas with shorter swimming seasons. At most, a pool might bump your home’s value by 7%, but most sellers recover only about 56% of their investment.

Garage Conversions

Turning a garage into a living space might seem like a smart upgrade, but it’s a gamble that doesn’t always pay off. Conversions can cost anywhere from $6,000 to $27,000, and even if you rent out the space, it could take years to see any return on investment. Plus, garages are high on many buyers’ must-have lists—whether it’s for parking, storage, or a workshop.

By eliminating a functional garage, you risk shrinking your pool of potential buyers. Instead, consider maximizing the garage’s utility with organized storage or a clean, versatile layout that can appeal to a wider audience.

Wall-To-Wall Carpeting

Wall-to-wall carpeting might feel cozy, but it’s not what most buyers are after. If you’ve got hardwood floors hiding underneath, resist the urge to cover them up. Hardwood floors are a big selling point, with refinishing projects boasting an impressive 147% return on investment, according to recent studies.

Carpet, on the other hand, often feels like a dated or high-maintenance choice, especially if it’s low quality. Skip the carpet and let those hardwoods shine.

Too Much Wallpaper

Wallpaper might seem like a stylish choice, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all upgrade. A bold pattern you love could feel overwhelming to potential buyers. Installing wallpaper isn’t cheap, either. It typically runs between $800 and $1,200 for a standard-sized room, but don’t expect to recoup that cost when it’s time to sell. Wallpaper tends to age poorly, and it might leave your home feeling dated instead of charming.

Even worse, removing wallpaper is a messy, tedious process that most buyers dread. Instead of risking a potential headache for someone else, consider paint—it’s easier to update and offers broader appeal without breaking the bank.

Built-In Electronics

Built-in electronics sound like a dream for your home theater, but they can be a nightmare for resale. The tech you install today might be obsolete by the time you’re ready to sell, and ripping out built-ins to replace them isn’t a simple task. Buyers often prefer the flexibility to customize their space rather than dealing with outdated gadgets they didn’t choose.

Instead of committing to built-ins, try using portable or wall-mounted solutions that are easy to upgrade or remove.