11 Common Home Upgrades That Aren’t Worth the Hype

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Home upgrades are usually thought of as a way to increase property values and make home living more comfortable. Whether you want to improve the aesthetics, increase the energy efficiency, or update the old rooms, most homeowners undertake projects with the aim of improving their living environment. These upgrades are supposed to make life more convenient, and will pay off, one way or another, in the long run — either through increased property value, or improved quality of life.

However, every home improvement project, though, lives up to its expectations. Some may not provide the return on investment homeowners expect, and others are more costly than they’re worth. If you know which projects will actually add value and which ones will leave you with a wallet that’s empty and little pay off, then you are on the fast track to a successful upgrade. Below are 11 upgrades that are often overhyped, and why you should probably think twice before making the plunge.

High-End Kitchen Remodels

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There are a million pictures of sleek, modern kitchens on Pinterest, and it’s easy to get carried away with those, but a high end kitchen remodel isn’t always the best financial decision. Upgrades like expensive appliances, custom cabinetry and designer countertops can run into tens of thousands of dollars, but they don’t always net homeowners the return they expect. A study by Zillow suggests you may not get back much more than 54 percent of the cost of a major kitchen renovation when it’s time to sell your home. If you’re not in the market to sell in the near future, it may not make sense to invest.

Installing a Pool

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Who doesn’t want to have their own pool? It’s the ultimate backyard luxury, isn’t it? Before you dive in, however, you should consider the hidden costs. A pool is expensive to put in, maintain, and insure. The initial cost is the least of your worries, because beyond that, they also tend to increase your utility bills (because they require constant water and energy use). According to Bankrate, pools increase home value by just 7% and under specific condition.

Home Theaters

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Upgrading your living room into a state of the art home theater sounds like a great thing, but the reality is that most homeowners don’t get as much use out of their home theater as they expected. The tech gets outdated fast, and the equipment is pricey. What’s more, the streaming services and TVs and sound systems have both advanced enough that you don’t need a special room to enjoy a cinematic experience.

Over-the-Top Landscaping

Home Upgrades That Ain't Worth It
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While you can certainly create a beautiful yard that will increase your home’s curb appeal, it’s not always necessary to go overboard with expensive projects like elaborate designs and fountains. Over the top landscaping projects, if they’re not maintained, can be costly and sometimes they don’t pay back the home values.

Luxury Bathroom Remodels

Luxurious bathroom featuring a classic freestanding bathtub and marble tiles.
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Bathrooms are just as popular as kitchens in the world of home upgrades. Before you begin replacing your tub with a Jacuzzi or upgrading your shower to a spa like experience, think about the return on investment. Bathroom remodels have traditionally been a pretty good investment, but not so much if you overspend on high end finishes. It doesn’t take much to do some simple updates like new fix leaky faucets, paint, and tile without putting a big dent in your wallet.

Smart Home Systems

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It’s true that smart home systems can be handy and energy saving, but not always at the price tag. Features that are part of a smart home system, such as automated lighting, voice controlled assistants, or advanced security systems, can be very expensive to install and do not bring much to your day to day life. Also, the technology for smart homes changes very quickly so the system you buy today might be out of date tomorrow.

Replacing Windows Prematurely

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Upgrading windows is often promoted as an energy saver, but doing so may not actually save you any money. Energy efficiency windows can be pricey and although they can reduce your energy bills, the payback period is usually measured in years. In fact, if your current windows are still in good shape, it might not make sense to spend the money.

Built-In Appliances

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While built in appliances like refrigerators, dishwashers and microwaves can give your kitchen a sleek, uniform look, they’re expensive. These appliances usually fit your kitchen like a glove and can cost much more than freestanding counterparts. Additionally, if one of these built ins breaks or needs to be replaced, you may be stuck paying more to repair it or finding a compatible replacement. If you want to update your kitchen on a budget, standalone appliances of good quality may be a good choice.

Excessive Customization

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It may seem tempting to customize every corner of your home, but excessive customization will make it harder to sell. Potential buyers may not fall in love with off the wall custom designs that are highly specialized to your tastes, such as custom built bookshelves, walls of unusual colors, or intricate tile work.

Expensive Garage Doors

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While garage doors serve a functional purpose, a high end model may not be the investment you want to make. A nice garage door can enhance your home’s curb appeal, but a large expenditure on a luxury door usually doesn’t mean much in terms of adding value. A well maintained, simple garage door can be just as good an asset to your home’s exterior look.

Home Office Conversions

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Home office conversions are popular for many homeowners who have experienced the rise of remote work. However, making an entire room into an office can sometimes make your home less appealing to potential buyers, especially if it cuts your number of bedrooms or living areas. A home office could be a great add on for remote workers, but not so much for buyers who would rather not have a specific place to work. If you’re planning to sell soon, experts say it might be worth considering other upgrades that will appeal to a wider audience instead.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.

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