Home Improvements That Don’t Add Value

We’ve loved our family home for almost 15 years now, and my parents have been thinking about giving it a little makeover and some upgrades. But, as you can imagine, they were a bit overwhelmed about where to start! Being the oldest sibling, I took on the task of researching renovation projects.

While I was diving into my research, I discovered something pretty interesting. Not all home renovations actually boost your home’s resale value. That got me rethinking some of the projects my parents had in mind, so I decided to dig a little deeper to figure out which ones to steer clear of.

I hope my findings can help anyone else who’s considering home renovations !

KEY TAKEAWAYS 

Adding a Sunroom

  • Low ROI; not counted in square footage.
  • Cost: ~$30,000.

Too Much Wallpaper

  • May not appeal to buyers.
  • Cost: $800 – $1,200; often removed.

Garage Conversions

  • Avg. cost: $26,000; risks losing garage appeal.

Overdone Landscaping

  • Enhances curb appeal but may deter buyers due to maintenance.

Wall-to-Wall Carpeting

  • Covers hardwood; poor quality may lead to removal.
  • Typically doesn’t add value.

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Desiree Tan

Desiree is passionate about personal finance and the FIRE movement, beginning her journey a few years ago with a strong thirst for knowledge. Through dedicated research and commitment, she is navigating her path towards financial independence. With a Bachelor of Arts in Web Media and Graphic Communication, Desiree has years of experience as a content creator. Now, she channels her enthusiasm into crafting inspiring and educational content to empower others on their financial journeys.

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