Home improvements that don’t add value

Do it yourself home improvements can seriously bolster the asking price of your home. However, you should tread carefully when going down the renovation road and don’t get too excited undertaking major projects or renovations without know for sure that the money you outlay can be recovered in the sale of your house. We’ve listed a few big-ticket renovations that aren’t likely to increase the final sale price of your home.

1. Inground swimming pools

Installing a swimming pool comes at a huge expense. Depending on the size and your choice of pool, the average price starts at $30,000. Initially, the thought of adding a pool to your home may seem like a good idea. But it can actually drastically reduce the number of people who would be interested in buying your house when it comes to sale day. Many families who have small children do not want a pool in their backyard for safety and upkeep reasons. This means cutting out a large portion of your buying market. Additionally, a pool increases your energy cost and means your homeowner’s insurance is more expensive. 

2. Luxury appliances

If you are planning a kitchen upgrade to add value to your home, or for yourself but with the plan to sell in a short number of years ensure you make considered decisions when buying new appliances. While you may love an extravagant stove or built-in coffee machine, these expensive appliances won’t increase your asking price when it comes to listing your house on the market. When updating a kitchen with the intention to sell, it’s best to install quality and easily serviceable appliances that are crowd-pleasers over luxurious brands.  

3. Expensive landscaping

Curbside appeal is essential when coming to selling your home and landscaping can play a huge hand in this. But rather than spending a fortune to create a tropical paradise in your yard, look at planting a native garden. A native garden generally requires a relatively low amount of upkeep, and come at a lower price tag.

4. Room additions

Investing in adding additional rooms to your house isn’t a sure way to increase the asking price when it comes to putting your house on the market. The only type of room that will definitely increase the value, is adding a bedroom. Family rooms, studies and sunrooms just mean extra square metres to heat, cool and clean. To qualify as a bedroom, the new room needs a window and a cupboard. Consider consulting a builder on the best way to go about creating this addition.

5. Roof replacement

A new roof can definitely be listed as a feature of your house, but don’t expect it to make your asking price any higher. Rooves do need replacing over time, so unless the state of your roof is actually going to turn buyers away, then it’s not an investment that can be covered in the sale of your home. 

Make sure you check out one of our recent blog for some ideas on DIY home improvements that add value to your home.