Whether you’re planning to sell or not, with every renovation you do to your home, you should always be aware of the value it can add. While you may think that any improvement should earn you a return on your investment, not all projects do. In fact, there are some renovations that will actually do nothing for your home’s overall value. If you’re focused on selling, avoid these renovations if your goal is to add value to your home.
1. Statement Wallpaper
Your home is yours to decorate however you want. If you’re passionate about a particular era and want your home to reflect that in its design, go for it. Just keep in mind that your Gothic living room decor might not be to future buyers’ taste. This is why if you’re planning to sell your home, neutral decor that homeowners can look past and see their own style is best.
One thing in particular potential buyers will not like seeing is bold wallpaper that makes a statement. While wallpaper is a great way to inject some personality and fun into a room, potential buyers will only see the mess and costs involved in having it removed. If you’re wallpapering with the intent to sell your home, skip it and put on a fresh coat of paint instead. A new coat of paint is one of the best projects you can do to add value to your home.
2. Bold Tiles
Much like that beautiful statement wallpaper, the same goes for bold tile choices. If you have an elaborate backsplash, tiles around your fireplace, or even your bathroom floor, if they’re too bold they may turn off potential buyers. If you’re updating your tiles with the idea of selling in mind, something neutral or timeless is best.
There’s a reason white subway tile is so popular — it’s inoffensive and easy to remove and replace with something else. While updating your tiles in either the kitchen or bathroom will make an impression on potential buyers, make sure it’s one that doesn’t leave them thinking, “why did they pick that tile?”
3. Swimming Pool
For some Canadian homebuyers, the thought of having a pool sounds like more trouble than it’s worth. While you may love lounging by the pool in the (few) warm months Canada has, others can only think about the maintenance and costs involved. Potential buyers with small children may also be concerned about the dangers of living with a pool in the backyard. If you love swimming, install a pool, but don’t do it thinking it will raise your home’s value.
4. Solar Panels
There are many benefits to powering your home with solar panels, both environmentally and financially. While you may love the idea of powering your home with solar panels, future buyers may not be as excited about the idea. For the financial investment you make in solar panels, they will not add enough value to your home to warrant having them installed specifically for selling. It’s a better idea to have them installed earlier on so you can recoup your investment by saving on your hydro bill while you’re still living in your home. You can put those savings into other renovations that potential buyers will be excited about seeing instead.
5. Hidden Upgrades
Potential buyers want to see what they’re paying for. If you’ve invested a lot of money in new plumbing or an HVAC system, you’re likely to not see a lot of interest in those features. In fact, potential buyers may wonder if there was an issue before that led you to install new plumbing or HVAC right before selling. Instead, it’s better to invest in smaller maintenance projects to ensure your systems are always in working condition. Don’t let a sudden problem and a move on the horizon be the reason you upgrade these important systems in your home.
When you’re getting your home ready for sale, invest in renovations that will make your house look great to potential buyers but won’t cloud their vision of your home becoming theirs. Whatever project you need help with, there’s a pro on HomeStars who can help you get your home ready for sale. Click on the banner below to instantly be connected with verified pros in your area. All you need to do is enter your project details and we’ll send your request out to pros in your area who can help you add value to your home.
