Before diving into your next home project, it’s important to think beyond aesthetics and ask yourself one key question: How will this affect my home’s value if I ever decide to sell?
While some upgrades can deliver a solid return on investment, others may offer little to no payoff—or worse, actually decrease your property’s value.
Below are several popular home projects that can backfire when it comes to resale value.
DIY Projects That Look DIY
There’s nothing wrong with tackling a do-it-yourself project—if you have the skills to pull it off. But when a project looks amateur or unfinished, it can send the wrong message to potential buyers.
Think carefully before attempting projects like painting kitchen cabinets or painting tile, which are easy to mess up and hard to undo. What seems like a creative personal touch might come across as “crafty” or unprofessional, and buyers could view it as extra work to fix later.
Pro tip: When in doubt, hire a professional for projects that require precision and durability.
Garage Conversions
Turning your garage into a gym, studio, or extra living space might seem appealing, but it can hurt your resale value. Many buyers place high value on a functional garage for storage, parking, and protection from the elements—especially in colder climates.
If you remove that space, you may limit your home’s appeal to a large portion of potential buyers.
Overly Custom Luxury Upgrades
High-end upgrades can add value—if they appeal to a wide audience. But when they’re too personalized, they often don’t translate into higher resale prices.
For example, a custom kitchen with bold finishes or a lavish spa bathroom tailored to your taste may not fit the style of future buyers. While you should enjoy your home, remember that extreme customization can narrow your buyer pool down the road.
Home Additions That Don’t Fit the Neighborhood
Adding square footage—like another bedroom or bathroom—can be a smart investment if it aligns with the rest of your home and the neighborhood.
However, if your addition makes your property much larger than nearby homes, it can backfire. Buyers who can afford a larger home might prefer to buy in a more upscale area instead. Always consider your home’s surroundings before expanding.
Swimming Pools
Pools can be a love-it-or-hate-it feature. While they’re desirable in warm-weather states like Florida or Arizona, they’re often seen as a hassle in colder regions with short swimming seasons.
Many buyers worry about maintenance, repairs, and safety concerns—especially families with young children. Before installing a pool, make sure it makes sense for your local market and lifestyle.
Sunroom Additions
Sunrooms may sound like a bright idea, but they’re among the least cost-effective home additions you can make. Building one can cost tens of thousands of dollars, yet it rarely adds much resale value.
Many homeowners find they don’t use the space as often as expected, making it a costly addition with limited return.
Expensive Landscaping
Curb appeal matters—but overdoing it can be a mistake. Elaborate landscaping, water features, or complex irrigation systems can intimidate buyers who worry about high upkeep costs.
Instead, focus on clean, low-maintenance landscaping. A well-kept lawn, trimmed shrubs, and simple garden beds can make just as strong an impression without the ongoing expense.
Combining Bedrooms
Turning two smaller bedrooms into one massive primary suite may sound luxurious, but it’s usually a bad move for resale. Most buyers value having more bedrooms, especially families who need space for kids or guests.
Reducing your home’s bedroom count could significantly lower its market value and make it harder to sell.
The Bottom Line
Before starting any renovation, think about how it will affect your home’s future resale potential. Projects that suit your lifestyle are great—but if you’re planning to sell someday, aim for updates that add long-term value and appeal to a wide range of buyers.
Experienced Chief Operating Officer with a 26 + year demonstrated history of working in the banking industry. Skilled in all aspects of the residential mortgage market . Strong business development professional with a Bachelor of Science (BS) focused in Business Administration and Management, from St. Joseph College. A direct endorsement underwriter and a licensed Mortgage Loan Originator.