If you’re thinking about making some improvements to your home, it’s important to consider how much return you’ll make on the money you spend. Of course, you want your home to be a comfortable and enjoyable place to live for yourself, but avoid doing these 18 things that add no value when it comes to selling your property.
Textured Walls
Popcorn ceilings and stucco were popular in homes from the 1950s until the 1980s because it was an “inexpensive and easy way to hide imperfections,” according to Apartment Therapy. Notoriously difficult to clean and generally seen as outdated, adding texture to walls is not recommended.
DIY Home Additions
While DIY is a great way to add character and interest to your home, when it comes to structural projects such as sunrooms, decks, or extensions, you’re better off calling in the professionals. This kind of DIY work is off-putting to potential buyers and can violate local building codes.
Over-the-Top Landscaping
A well-maintained yard can enhance the curb appeal of your home and show potential buyers the perks of the outdoor space, but overly complex designs can leave them worrying about the cost of upkeep. It’s also more likely that a customized outdoor design won’t appeal to everyone.
Bold Tile Work
Most people want to feel that a home reflects their tastes, but choosing very bold tiles can be unappealing to future potential buyers who may feel they’ll have to spend a lot of money replacing them. Try to choose a neutral color and design that you can then accessorize in your own personal way.
Excessive Wallpaper
Wallpaper is a great way to add patterns and texture to your home, but it can be tricky to find a pattern that suits everyone’s preferences. If you do use wallpaper, make sure you keep other patterns to a minimum; as Real Simple says, “Too many (or a combination of the wrong ones) can make a room feel busy or even cluttered.”
Luxury Appliances
It’s important to install good quality appliances that look great and offer functionality, but choosing top-of-the-range options will often leave you out of pocket when it comes to selling. Many buyers aren’t prepared to pay more for luxury versions of a necessary appliance.
Minimalist Fixtures
Keeping your home neat and simple is a great way to attract buyers who want to put their own stamp on the property, but if fixtures such as cabinet handles, faucets, and light fixtures are too minimal, it can leave your home feeling stark or bare. Instead, try to choose features that align with the style of the property.
Bold Paint Colors
Very bright or bold color choices are a great way to reflect your own personal style in your home, but they can often be off-putting to buyers who may prefer more neutral colors. If you do opt for brighter colors, be sure to repaint in a neutral color palette before putting your home on the market.
Converted Garages
Many homeowners convert their garages into living spaces, gyms, or offices to make the most of the space. According to Realtor.com, however, “when parking is at a premium, such as in urban areas, you might actually decrease the value of your home if you swap out your garage.”
High-Tech Home Systems
Temperature, lighting, and security can now all be monitored and managed with smart home systems, but the complex nature of these setups can put off potential buyers. Because the technology is moving so fast, buyers aren’t generally prepared to pay more for a system that is likely to become outdated very quickly.
Oversized Bathtubs
A bathtub is a great luxury to have in your home, but choosing an oversized tub in a normal-sized bathroom is often not the most functional choice. On a day-to-day basis, most people will opt for a shower over a tub, so try to prioritize a large shower over a bath.
Faux Finishes
Faux marbling, Venetian plaster, or sponge painting may have become trendy across social media over the last few years to add texture to your space, but often, they can appear dated and inauthentic. Instead, try to focus on including texture in your furniture and textiles.
Built-in Furniture
Built-in entertainment systems or workstations can be a selling point for some people, but often they are tailored to your specific use and style, meaning they won’t align with many potential buyers’ needs. They can also make a space feel smaller or more cluttered.
Open Plan Conversions
Removing walls to open up your living space can enhance the feeling of space, but according to Homes & Gardens, “potential buyers may be turned off by the lack of privacy or the potential for increased noise levels.” While it may suit your family, it might not suit everyone, and that’s important to keep in mind.
Roof Terraces
In an urban area, a roof terrace can provide residents with a much-loved outdoor space, but it also comes with maintenance challenges. They need to be closely monitored for weather-related wear to avoid developing leaks that affect the rest of the home. They also may not add as much value in a region that has colder winters.
Glass Block Walls
Glass block walls are a popular choice in bathrooms as they offer natural light while offering privacy; however, many people see them as dated. Potential buyers might therefore be put off by the use of glass blocks, as they fear they would be costly to remove.
Mirrored Walls
Used to make a space appear larger or more open, this feature is now often seen as outdated and tacky. As a result, buyers may feel that they’d have to spend time and money removing the mirrors as soon as they move into the property.
Sunrooms
While a sunroom might be appealing to some, the high cost of heating in the winter and cooling in the summer is often unappealing to buyers. They might also perceive the cost of maintenance to be high, meaning you don’t get a return on your investment.
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