Are you planning on selling your home soon? Avoid wasting money on home improvement projects that don’t add value. Check out this list of seven such projects to steer clear of.
Expanding Your Bathroom
Adding a bathroom is usually always a good investment. However, expanding the size of an existing bathroom isn’t cost-efficient. Buyers will be looking for storage and performance over grandeur.
Swimming Pools are Projects That Don’t Add Value
Having a pool may increase value in certain areas, like Florida or California, but generally, it’s not worth it. Pools require a lot of upkeep and maintenance, and they usually cause your homeowner’s insurance to raise premiums. Typically, you’re lucky if you break even on the cost of installing a pool.
Sunrooms can Also Be Projects That Don’t Add Value
Sunrooms are luxurious and inviting but come with a hefty price tag. You have to pay for the room’s construction and need to account for insulation, cooling, and heating costs. Unless you live in an area that has mild weather all year round, it’s unlikely that a sunroom will add significant value to your home.
High-End Landscaping
Landscaping can boost your home’s curb appeal, but if you go overboard with expensive plants and hard-to-maintain features, such as waterfalls or ponds, it won’t pay off in the end. Keep landscaping simple and buy plants that are easy to take care of if you want to get the most money out of it.
Luxury Finishing Touches
Installing high-end fixtures and finishes may seem like a great way to add some value to your home, but the reality is that buyers will more likely focus on more important aspects of the house than luxury features. If your new fixtures seem out of place or don’t match the home or neighborhood, then these fixtures can be a detractor from value.
Wallpaper
Wallpaper has been making a comeback lately, but if you plan on selling your home soon, then you may want to avoid it. It’s expensive to install and even more costly to remove when it comes time to sell.
Hobby Rooms are Projects That Don’t Add Value
Hobby rooms are great for personal use, but they won’t add a lot to the value of your home. Not all buyers will need an area specifically designated for a hobby, and it’s best to leave the room in its original state if you’re looking to get top dollar out of your home.
Hopefully, this list will help you make more informed decisions regarding home improvement projects. Remember that most of the time, it’s best to keep things simple and focus on cost-effective upgrades if you want to get the most out of your home sale.
Assure Home Inspection offers home inspections in the Chicago area. Contact us to request an appointment.