When it comes to home renovations, it’s crucial to consider not just the immediate gratification of a fresh look, but also the long-term financial implications. Renovations can be a significant investment, so it’s essential to make choices that will increase your home’s value over time.
However, not all renovations are created equal. Some upgrades that seem appealing may not actually pay off when it’s time to sell your home. Here are seven renovations that rarely yield a significant return on investment.
1. Wall-to-Wall Carpeting
Wall-to-wall carpeting can seem like a cozy and comfortable choice for bedrooms and living areas. Many homeowners love the feel of plush carpet under their feet, and it can add a sense of warmth and comfort to a home. However, this type of flooring can be a significant investment, and it’s not always the best choice for increasing your home’s value.
Nowadays, many buyers prefer hard flooring options like hardwood or tile because they’re more durable and easier to clean. Carpeting can also be a turn-off for potential buyers with allergies or pets. Therefore, before investing in wall-to-wall carpeting, consider your potential buyers’ preferences.
2. High-End Kitchen Remodel
A high-end kitchen remodel with top-of-the-line appliances, custom cabinetry, and luxury countertops can seem like a dream come true. After all, the kitchen is often considered the heart of the home, and many homeowners dream of a gourmet kitchen with all the bells and whistles.
However, such a remodel rarely pays off. The return on investment for high-end kitchen remodels is typically lower than that of more modest upgrades. This is because potential buyers may not value the pricey upgrades as much as you do, especially if the rest of the house doesn’t match this high-end aesthetic.
3. Pool Installation
Having a pool in your backyard can seem like the ultimate luxury. It’s a great way to cool off during hot summers and can provide endless entertainment for families with children. However, installing a pool is a significant expense and ongoing maintenance can be costly.
In many cases, pools don’t increase home value as much as homeowners might hope. For some potential buyers, a pool can even be a deterrent due to the maintenance and liability concerns. It’s especially true in regions where pools can only be used seasonally.
4. Overly Personalized Renovations
Overly personalized renovations, such as unique paint colors, themed rooms, or unusual landscaping choices, can make your home a paradise for you. However, these renovations often don’t translate well to potential buyers who may not share your specific tastes.
It’s important to consider that your home may need to appeal to a wide range of buyers. Therefore, overly personalized renovations could actually make your home harder to sell. It’s best to stick with more neutral upgrades that have wide appeal.
5. Converting a Bedroom into an Office
With more people working from home, it might seem like a good idea to convert a bedroom into a dedicated office space. This can provide a private, quiet place to work and may seem like a valuable upgrade.
However, reducing the number of bedrooms in a home can significantly decrease its value. Many buyers are looking for homes with a certain number of bedrooms for their families, and a dedicated office space may not be as valuable to them. Before converting a bedroom, consider alternatives like using a portion of a living room or den.
6. Adding a Sunroom
Sunrooms can provide a beautiful and relaxing space to enjoy natural light and views of your outdoor space. They may seem like a valuable addition to your home, offering extra living space and a unique feature that not many homes have.
However, sunrooms rarely offer a good return on investment. They can be expensive to build and maintain, and they don’t typically add much to a home’s resale value. Potential buyers often see them as an extra space that’s not truly usable year-round.
7. Expensive Landscaping
Expensive landscaping upgrades like elaborate gardens, water features, and high-end outdoor lighting can make your yard look like a paradise. However, these upgrades often come with a hefty price tag and ongoing maintenance costs.
Unfortunately, potential buyers may not value these upgrades as much as you do. While a well-maintained yard can certainly add curb appeal, overly expensive landscaping upgrades may not yield a significant return on investment. Instead, focus on creating a clean, well-maintained outdoor space that any homeowner could appreciate.
As a mom of three busy boys, I know how chaotic life can get — but I’ve learned that it’s possible to create a beautiful, cozy home even with kids running around. That’s why I started Cultivated Comfort — to share practical tips, simple systems, and a little encouragement for parents like me who want to make their home feel warm, inviting, and effortlessly stylish. Whether it’s managing toy chaos, streamlining everyday routines, or finding little moments of calm, I’m here to help you simplify your space and create a sense of comfort.
But home is just part of the story. I’m also passionate about seeing the world and creating beautiful meals to share with the people I love. Through Cultivated Comfort, I share my journey of balancing motherhood with building a home that feels rich and peaceful — and finding joy in exploring new places and flavors along the way.
