Renovations can increase the value of your home. However, not every renovation project is a good investment. Unfortunately, many renovations can actually lower your home’s resale value and cost more than you bargained for. If you’re interested in renovating your home, make a note of these projects to avoid:
Too much texture
While texture on walls and ceilings can enhance the aesthetics of a house, it’s not always a good investment to add. Not only are highly textured ceiling and wall finishes often considered dated, they are extremely difficult to remove. To increase texture without hindering future offers, try experimenting with texture in your wall decor and furniture.
Full carpet
Hardwood floors are a well-known plus for potential homebuyers. Conversely, a home with too much carpet might receive fewer offers and lower appraisals. Carpet shows age and damage much easier than wood and laminate, and can also cause issues for those with pet or dust allergies. If you want to add new floors, experts recommend reducing the amount of carpet in your home rather than adding more.
Bold paint colors
Paint is not permanent, but dramatic colors on walls can be a turn-off to potential homebuyers. Color is highly subjective, making neutrals and shades of white a safer bet for a renovation project. Potential buyers would rather consider your home to be a blank canvas than a personalized work of art.
Swimming pools
Adding a swimming pool is not always a wise investment, according to real estate investment experts. Not only is installing a pool an expensive renovation process, the ongoing required maintenance can seem like a huge undertaking to potential buyers.
If you live somewhere with six months or more of hot weather during the year, a pool may be a smart project to invest in. However, it may be more beneficial to spend that money on a patio renovation or other outdoor upgrades instead.
Not every home renovation equals a return on investment. While customizing your home to meet your personal needs is an enormous advantage of homeownership, it’s also helpful to be mindful of the future. By knowing which projects to avoid, homeowners can enjoy their home while boosting property value.
About the Author
Marsha Charles
Consistent top listing and selling agent receiving Chairman's Club award for superior sales achievement almost every year while associated with Preferred Properties, Inc. Consistently receive the International Presidents Premier award for sales volume since joining Coldwell Banker Realty and ranked in the top 1% of agents in Connecticut and Westchester County. In 2021 I received the International Society of Excellence award for sales volume in excess of $100,000,000. I have been named a Top Five Sales Agent for customer satisfaction since 2010 (longer than any other agent in Connecticut) and listed in Connecticut Magazine. Named one of the Top Agents in Connecticut by Real Trends since 2018.
I work with sellers and buyers and also have a strong understanding to needs of those who are relocating . Background and experience in advertising, public relations and photography offer creative and innovative marketing plans for sellers.
Realtor designations include: Graduate Real Estate Institute, Certified Residential Specialist, Certified Residential Marketing Specialist, and Pricing Strategy Advisor. Served as President of New Canaan Board of Realtors (two terms), Director (three terms) and currently serve on Professional Standards Committee. Named Realtor of the year by the New Canaan Board of Realtors in 1994and again in 2022.
Married and mother of other of four children who attended and graduated from the New Canaan School System, Member of New Canaan, Darien, Greenwich and Statewide MLS systems. Areas covered include New Canaan, Darien, Greenwich, Rowayton, Norwalk, Wilton and all of lower Fairfield County.
