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There’s something to be said about making your home your own. However, certain renovation projects simply aren’t worth the money and time invested.
Being pragmatic about the projects you decide to invest in around your home can be a considerable challenge. There’s always the temptation to add the features you’ve dreamed of having. Then there’s the reality of costs, maintenance, and the long-term appeal of realizing your dream.
I approached compiling the way I would suggest anyone start when contemplating a renovation. I dug into years of real estate sale and construction data from the last few decades to see how costs have fluctuated compared to buyer demand for certain home features. These were the resounding renovation losers, not worth the money.
1. Pool
Except for some specific areas, most people who say they’re looking for a house with a pool are those who’ve never owned a home with one. Those who’ve lived with the maintenance and added expense are usually happy to be rid of theirs when they move. In other words, pools can be a very polarizing addition.
2. Pavers
Having a paved driveway is really all most homeowners care about. Going the extra mile to install a stylized paver driveway is nice, but don’t expect buyers to pay extra for them. Pavers can also require added maintenance to ensure they stay level and to prevent weeds or other vegetation from growing between them. As we’ll see with several items on this list, many of these renovations are costly but simply don’t matter much to potential buyers.
3. Water Features
Like pools, I think people find water features enchanting if they’ve never owned one before. In reality, they can be very costly and a potential mosquito breeding ground if not properly cared for.
The water level has to be constantly monitored, algae has to be managed, and the pump has the potential for mechanical failure.
4. High-End Bathroom Upgrades
If your bathrooms are too dated to be refreshed with new towels and accents, a remodel can be a great investment, but keep a close eye on your budget and the fixtures you choose.
Many homeowners and resale stats show that adding a luxurious high-end bathroom rarely ever nets a positive return on investment. Especially when large soaking or spa tubs are added. These days, people rarely make time for baths to justify the cost and space they take up.
5. Raised Garden Beds
As a lifelong gardener, I would consider moving into a home with raised garden beds a big plus. However, many homeowners see these features as added maintenance. This is understandable, considering how quickly weeds and other garden pests can spring up.
6. Home Theater
Though it may be beneficial to have a dedicated room for watching TV and movies, going the whole nine yards with theater chairs, surround sound, and a huge projector screen might be over the top for most buyers.
Another drawback of dedicated home theater systems is how quickly technology becomes outdated. Usually, home theaters are wired specifically for sound and have mounted speakers in addition to the projector and screen. This can make keeping up with current technology difficult.
7. High-End Mechanical Systems
There are air handlers, and then there are air handlers. Spending a few extra grand on a humidity-controlling system won’t impress buyers much. Instead of buying unique high-end systems requiring specialty maintenance, stick with more mid-range systems.
Unique, specialty, and high-end items should generally be avoided when planning renovations. These types of items make buyers nervous about maintenance expenses and many are unfamiliar with their use.
8. Significant Landscape Features
When talking about increasing your home value, there’s always a lot of emphasis on curb appeal. But building a retaining wall and adding hardscape features with boulders is a far cry from making sure your shrubs are trimmed and leaves are raked.
Outdoor kitchens and fire pit areas are other common landscape features people like to add to their homes. Though they may help attract buyers to your listing, some may not be willing to pay extra for these specialty features.
9. Foyer Renovation
I think this renovation can be highly controversial and depends significantly on the layout of your home. If your primary entrance and exit is through the garage or you have a more accessible side door guests typically use, spending big money on your foyer will rarely ever be appreciated.
On the other hand, if your front door is the primary way everyone enters and becomes a minefield of shoes, backpacks, and mail, it might be worth renovating to make the space more functional. Just keep your updates within reason. A simple hall tree and fresh light fixture might be all you need.
10. Dedicated Room Conversion
When homes are listed for sale, they’re typically classified and searched for based on the number of bedrooms or bathrooms. When you convert a bedroom into a closet, home office, or other dedicated space, you can actually hurt your home’s visibility. Dozens of buyers will often overlook the listing because it doesn’t match the right criteria.
11. Most Additions
With the exception of adding on a bathroom or bedroom to make a home more functional, additions don’t tend to bring in the return on investment most people think they will. Usually, they are always obvious and fail to fit seamlessly with the layout of the existing structure.
12. New Windows
Windows can be a tricky talking point when it comes to home renovations. Buyers expect — and take for granted — that a home will have windows in good condition. If yours are mediocre-quality or near the end of their lifespan, you can bet it’ll be used as a point of negotiation.
The only time new windows tend to be worth the money is if you’re adding more to the home to increase the natural light in your space. Sometimes, this can be done inexpensively using products like sun tunnel skylights.
13. Sunrooms
Personally, I am a huge fan of three-season or sunrooms, but I still wouldn’t pay to add one to my own home. While they make a great addition to your usable living space, the reality from a monetary standpoint is a little different. These additions don’t tend to age well and are expensive to install. The cost combined with the fact that it’s just another nice thing to have, like pavers, but doesn’t serve an essential purpose in the home makes it a low-value extra.
Never Put These 15 Things Down the Kitchen Sink if You Want to Avoid a Huge Repair Bill
Many people don’t think about what they put down the kitchen sink. They just scrape all of their food waste into the sink, turn on the garbage disposal, and watch it all disappear. But many things can damage your garbage disposal or plumbing.
Here are 15 things you should never put down the kitchen sink if you want to avoid a huge repair bill.
18 Everyday Household Items That Are Surprisingly Valuable to Collectors
You don’t have to be a collector or hoarder to have several valuable things in your home. We all accrue many items over the years, some of which could be worth money. Even some everyday household items can be valuable, especially to collectors.
To help determine whether any of your household items are valuable to collectors, we’ve assembled a list of 18 everyday items you likely have in your house. Check out this list and see if any of your items are ready to be turned into money.
An Aldi Insider Reveals 15 Freezer Must-Haves for Solo Shoppers
If you’re a bargain shopper, Aldi is likely on your list of go-to places to buy groceries. Frugal shoppers everywhere love the deals they find at Aldis.
For a solo Aldi shopper, perusing the frozen section involves grabbing fundamental essentials. The ease of Fusia Asian Inspirations shrimp-and-avocado rolls and Kirkwood chicken breasts makes them go-to meal options. Indulging in dessert, they prefer the Sundae Shoppe keto ice cream in peanut butter-fudge flavor.
One Aldi employee offers insights and valuable recommendations on the top 15 frozen section items to enhance the shopping experience. If you’re a regular Aldi shopper, you will love the finds on this list. If you’re not, perhaps this list will change your mind.
