12 Home Additions That Will Tank Your Property Value

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Once you’re unaware, not every home addition will add value. Some improvements can reduce your property’s worth, so planning well before undertaking major changes is essential. Many homeowners seek to enhance their homes for comfort but overlook the potential consequences of certain remodeling projects.

From overly customized renovations to luxury features that don’t suit the neighborhood, these errors can result in financial setbacks when selling. Knowing which renovations might devalue your home can help you avoid costly mistakes. Here are 12 home additions you might want to reconsider, as they could decrease your property’s value.

Over-Landscaping

While a beautifully landscaped lawn can boost curb appeal, overdoing it with complicated water features or unusual plants creates high maintenance. Buyers might see this as a liability, preferring simplicity and low maintenance.

Garage Conversions

Converting a garage into a home gym or living space reduces its functionality. Many buyers value the security and storage a garage provides, and removing it could turn away practical-minded buyers.

Installing a Swimming Pool

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A swimming pool may attract buyers in hot climates, but it also requires high maintenance and raises safety concerns. Additional insurance and upkeep may discourage potential buyers.

Overly Personalized Decor

Customized choices like bright wall colors or unconventional fixtures may not appeal to everyone. Buyers tend to prefer neutral tones and classic designs that allow them to imagine their own style in the space.

Luxury Kitchen Appliances

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Investing in luxury kitchen appliances may not provide the return you’d expect. Unless buyers are gourmet cooks, they may not value or pay extra for high-end equipment they won’t use.

Bedroom Conversion

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Converting bedrooms into office space or expanding closets reduces your home’s value. More bedrooms generally mean higher market value and attract larger families or those seeking extra space for guests.

Lavish Fixtures and Fittings

Swapping in lavish fixtures might look like an upgrade, but many buyers might find it over the top. These flashy updates can feel out of sync with the neighborhood’s style, making appraisers nervous.

Wall-to-Wall Carpeting

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Today, the popularity of hardwood floors is at its height, so houses with wall-to-wall carpeting can turn off a buyer who thinks it looks dated, is hard to maintain, and doesn’t do much for your property in terms of aesthetics.

Sunroom Additions

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Though beautiful, sunrooms typically have the worst ROI on this list. They are usually only suitable for a few months out of the year and could be considered a room that doesn’t need to exist in the house.

Low-Quality DIY Projects

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You are saving money on the front end, but your home’s value will decrease if you perform poor craftsmanship or use subpar materials. This can be a red flag for buyers anticipating repairs or professional rework, which could lower their purchase offer.

Expansive Home Offices

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Not everyone will love having a huge home office. While some buyers might find it perfect for working from home, others might think it’s a waste of space that could be better used for an extra bedroom or a more flexible living area.

Over-the-Top Luxury Bathrooms

This could be luxury bathrooms sporting high-end features such as oversized tubs or intricate tile work. Those upgrades can scare away budget-minded buyers who don’t want to pay a high price or the cost of renovations, which means you might have a harder time selling your home.