Making improvements to your home can be an exciting process and make living in your house more enjoyable. But, when it comes to making updates to increase the home’s value, not all projects are created equal. Let’s look at home improvement projects that won’t boost property value.
Projects that Won’t Boost Property Value: Home Theater Room
A dedicated home theater room may have been a popular trend in the late 1990s and early 2000s, but today it is a luxury that many buyers simply aren’t willing to pay extra for. If you choose to install a dedicated theater room, you will likely not recoup your costs when it comes time to sell. Investing in a high-quality sound system throughout your house is a better option. You will enjoy the benefits while not overinvesting in an update that won’t pay off.
Swimming Pool
Some families can’t imagine summer without their own private pool; however, installing one doesn’t usually increase property value. In fact, a swimming pool may even detract from a home’s worth because it requires significant maintenance and upkeep year-round – something many buyers don’t want to deal with after moving in. Homebuyers with young children may consider the pool a safety hazard and a disadvantage to purchasing your home.
Building a Hobby Room
Many homeowners convert an unused bedroom into a personalized space. If you create a sewing room, library, home office, or room for your model trains, the house will lose a bedroom, which may affect property value. Prospective buyers who don’t share your interests won’t be excited about your custom space. When renovating a bedroom, do so in a way that you can convert the room back into a bedroom if you decide to sell the home.
Custom Landscaping Projects Won’t Boost Property Value
Adding custom landscaping and hardscaping features like waterfalls or rock gardens may be aesthetically pleasing for homeowners who like having nature outside their doors. However, these features rarely add value when it comes time to put the homes up for sale. The best way to spend money on landscaping is by investing in low-maintenance features like native plants that don’t require extensive care or frequent irrigation.
When deciding what home improvement projects are worth investing in before selling your house, look for ones that add practicality and convenience rather than luxurious amenities that quickly become outdated. New energy-efficient windows and replacing appliances with modern ones are examples of upgrades that boost property value without breaking the bank. Intelligent investments now pay off later when you decide to put your house up for sale.
Low Keys Home Inspections provides inspections to homebuyers and sellers in the Florida Keys. Contact us to request our services.