With the current surge in DIY home improvement projects, it’s essential to know which upgrades bring value and which are a waste of money. The right enhancements can increase your home’s appeal and potential selling price. On the other hand, some upgrades can unintentionally devalue your property or turn off prospective buyers.
This list is compiled based on real-world trends, data from property auction results, and insights from expert interviews and surveys. It provides a clear perspective on what DIY upgrades to avoid when planning to sell your home. Each item on the list delivers a concise explanation of the upgrade and the current market insights or expert guidance on why it’s considered a waste of money.
Lavish Bathroom Renovations
Many homeowners believe that transforming their bathroom into a luxurious oasis will significantly increase their home’s value. These renovations could include installing high-end fixtures, expensive tiling, or deluxe showers and bathtubs. While these improvements may look appealing, they rarely bring a return on investment.
According to recent market trends, buyers are looking for functional, clean, and modern bathrooms rather than extravagant ones. Experts recommend focusing on practical and cost-effective upgrades like fresh paint, new hardware, and improved lighting. These changes are more likely to appeal to potential buyers and increase your home’s value.
Over-the-Top Landscaping
Some homeowners tend to go all out on landscaping, spending thousands on elaborate gardens, water features, and exotic plants. While a well-maintained garden can boost curb appeal, overly complicated landscaping can deter potential buyers.
Current market insights indicate that buyers prefer low-maintenance outdoor spaces. They value simplicity and functionality over complex and time-consuming garden designs. Therefore, investing in expensive landscaping may not yield the desired return on investment.
Wall-to-Wall Carpeting
Wall-to-wall carpeting was once a popular choice for homeowners seeking a cozy and comfortable feel. However, this has changed over the years, with many people now preferring hard flooring options.
Real estate agents report that carpets can be a turn-off for many potential buyers, mainly due to health concerns and maintenance issues. Hardwood or laminate flooring is seen as more desirable and adds more value to your home.
Converting Bedrooms
Homeowners often convert spare bedrooms into home offices, gyms, or hobby rooms. While this may suit your lifestyle, it can make the property less appealing to buyers who need those extra bedrooms.
According to experts, every bedroom in a home adds significant value. A higher number of bedrooms often translates to a higher selling price. Therefore, keeping those spare rooms as bedrooms can be a smarter choice.
High-End Kitchen Appliances
While a modern, fully equipped kitchen can be a selling point, investing in top-of-the-line appliances doesn’t always pay off. Many homeowners believe that expensive appliances will increase their home’s value, but this isn’t always the case.
Experts note that most buyers don’t prioritize luxury appliances when buying a home. Instead, they’re looking for functional, energy-efficient, and well-maintained appliances. Therefore, spending a fortune on high-end kitchen appliances may not bring the expected return.
Personalized Decor
Personalizing your home with unique color schemes, bespoke features, or unusual decor might make your living space unique, but it can also make it harder to sell. Buyers generally prefer a neutral canvas that they can customize to their taste.
Current market insights suggest that homes with neutral decor sell faster and often at a higher price. So, while personalizing your home might make it more enjoyable for you, it could reduce its appeal to potential buyers.
Swimming Pools
While a swimming pool might seem like a luxurious addition that will boost your property’s value, it often doesn’t pay off. Not only are pools expensive to install, but they also require ongoing maintenance and can increase insurance costs.
Moreover, pools can be a safety concern, especially for families with young children. As a result, many buyers view them as a liability rather than a selling point. Therefore, unless you live in a hot climate where pools are standard, you might want to reconsider this upgrade.
Garage Conversion
Converting a garage into additional living space can seem like a good idea, especially if you need extra room. However, this can be a costly mistake when selling your home.
Many buyers value a secure place to park their cars and additional storage space. Consequently, homes with garages tend to sell for more than those without. Therefore, keeping your garage as it is can be a wise move.
Solar Panels
Solar panels might seem like a sensible upgrade in the era of sustainability. However, they can be quite expensive, and the return on investment can take many years.
While some buyers might appreciate the lower energy bills, others might be put off by the aesthetics or the idea of maintaining the system. Therefore, unless you plan to stay in your home for a significant period, solar panels might not be a worthwhile investment.
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.
