There are an endless number of upgrades you could make to your home if given infinite time and resources. Searching any home improvement site will show you a plethora of options, so how do you choose? While some upgrades are automatic ROI generators, there are some that should be avoided.
Swimming Pool
Swimming pools require a lot of maintenance annually and not everyone is interested in that upkeep. This is particularly true for homebuyers who live in areas where it is not pool weather for more than half of the year. Pools can also be a liability and can even increase insurance premiums. Be certain you want a pool before adding it to your home and be aware that future buyers may not see it as an asset.
Wallpaper
A fresh coat of paint may go a long way to improve a room, but wallpaper can make future owners cringe. Since wallpaper is so difficult to remove, it can deter prospective buyers. If you truly love the idea of a pattern on your wall, consider painting it yourself (and paint over it before you sell). Alternatively invest in a good brand of removable wallpaper that can offer the look without the hassle.
Bedroom to Home Office
Home offices became popular at the height of the COVID pandemic, and many still value a home office today. Home offices may be coveted for those who wish to have a space for remote work, hybrid work, or hobbies, but not everyone wants a home office. Taking a bedroom and converting it to a home office by building in furniture can severely devalue your home since the number of bedrooms is the first thing homebuyers look at when evaluating a home. Feel free to use your spare bedroom as an office, but remember that customizing it too much can diminish your home’s value and limit prospective buyer interest in the future.
Fish Pond
Fish ponds–like swimming pools–can pose a danger to curious small children. For this reason, ponds can be a liability and could even increase insurance premiums in the same way a pool can. Fish ponds can also require a good deal of outdoor maintenance. While having a water feature in your yard filled with koi and lily pads sounds beautiful, it may be a deterrent when it comes time to sell your home.
