Strategic renovations can add an instant boost to your home’s value, while other projects end up being a waste of money and time. Here are the home projects to avoid.

In every homeowner’s journey, there reaches a point where you’ll encounter home improvement projects. They might be small, such as switching up your kitchen hardware, or a bigger renovation. 

If you’re considering selling your home further down the line, you may want to consider how much time and money you’re willing to invest. While you should ultimately design your home the way you wish, not every update will have a high return.

These are the projects that add little to no value to your home, according to the real estate site Zillow.

1. All-white kitchen

This colour trend, which rose to popularity in the early aughts, is an easy way to make a kitchen appear brighter. That said, today’s buyers prefer darker tones such as charcoal and graphite.

2. Walk-in closet

Adding a walk-in closet won’t make much of a dent in your home’s value, unless you decide to turn a guest bedroom into a closet space. Losing a bedroom is a surefire way to decrease the value and lose buyer interest.

3. Adding a deck

Believe it or not, decks aren’t the most worthwhile add-ons. Both composite and wood decks can be pricey and likely won’t give you the return you’re looking for. 

That said, adding on a deck for outdoor entertaining or barbecuing is a good personal investment if you plan to use the space regularly.

4. Turning a garage into a bedroom

While the number of bedrooms in a home has a direct link to your home’s value, losing out on your garage isn’t the best way to add another room. 

The exception to the rule would be an additional dwelling or separate basement unit, according to Zillow. Buyers are interested in renting out parts of their homes these days, so this could be a bonus.

5. In-ground swimming pool 

Swimming pools cost thousands of dollars to install and have the potential to either increase or decrease your home’s value. 

A new, clean pool in a good location could be an asset. However, depending on the broader real estate market, buyers might not be interested in the time and money it takes to look after a pool.

6. Poorly-done DIYs

There’s nothing wrong with a good DIY—when done correctly! Poorly installed hardwood floors or tiles can be a turnoff that will ultimately cause more work for buyers down the line. Opt for hiring professionals when it comes to the more technical projects.

7. Bathroom remodel 

Between plumbing, furnishings, and luxury additions, bathroom renovations easily head into pricey territory. Unfortunately, these costly investments don’t necessarily have a high return. Zillow estimates that a $58,500 mid-range remodel would only provide about a 35 percent return on investment.

8. Too much carpet

Wall-to-wall carpeting is a trend of days past. Nowadays, it isn’t as popular as hardwood, laminate or tiled floors. Consider ripping up even some of your carpet for better value.

9. Laminate countertops 

If you’re looking to switch up your countertops, Zillow suggests avoiding laminate. In 2023, homes that mentioned laminate sold for one percent less than comparable homes.

10. High-end fixtures

A luxurious faucet or light fixture may be beautiful, but don’t pick it to up your home’s value. A potential buyer may not be interested in it, thus negating any time or money you invested into it.

11. Storm shutters

Storm shutters can be helpful in some regions, but their look is falling out of style. 
 

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