Why Some Popular Home Improvements Don’t Add Value (And What to Avoid)

Not every home improvement is a smart investment when it comes to resale. Some upgrades might feel luxurious or fun, but they don’t always boost your home’s market value—and in some cases, they can even limit your buyer pool.

Here are a few common improvements to approach with caution in 2025:

1. Luxury Upgrades That Over-Improve for Your Neighborhood

Installing a $100,000 kitchen in a $300,000 home, for example, can backfire. Buyers expect your home’s value to match the neighborhood, so over-the-top luxury features may price you out of the market or turn buyers off because the home feels out of place.

2. Swimming Pools

While pools can be a selling point in some markets, many buyers see them as a hassle. Pools require maintenance, carry safety risks, and increase insurance costs. In many areas, a pool can actually reduce your buyer pool and make resale more difficult.

3. Converted Garages

Turning a garage into extra living space might sound like a good idea, but many buyers want usable garage space. Garages offer storage and parking, which are valuable features. If you’re in a market where parking is tight, losing your garage can hurt resale.

4. Custom Features That Are Too Personal

Bold wall colors, unique tile patterns, or very specific design choices might reflect your style, but they can date the home or alienate buyers with different tastes. Neutral, flexible spaces are easier to sell.

How to Avoid These Pitfalls

Before starting any renovation, think about your target buyer and neighborhood standards. Ask yourself:

• Does this improvement fit with local market expectations?

• Will it appeal to a broad range of buyers?

• Could it limit the pool of interested buyers?

When in doubt, keep upgrades simple, neutral, and functional.