What home improvements don't increase property value?
Make It Stand Out.
Home improvements are often an integral part of the process, but it is important to know when they can actually help or hurt your property value. The seven most common types of home improvement that you might think will increase appeal and resale dollar amount turns out not always be true for certain properties depending on location in town among other factors--so take these mistakes wisely!
Extensive Professional Landscaping
You can build an entire amusement park in your backyard, and it won't bring you big bucks upon resale. If you want to put in a waterfall that cascades down into a koi pond, do it because you enjoy the water feature, not because you're hoping to recoup the investment.
Landscaping choices are a personal preference, and all the hand-crafted bridges and unique pergolas in the world won't dramatically boost your bottom line. And some buyers will inevitably see only the money required to keep that beautiful backyard well maintained.
Upgrading the Utilities
Although you may have paid thousands to install new copper or PEX plumbing, replace your sewer lines or septic system, or upgrade the electrical wiring to Romex or conduit, it's unlikely to bring you more dollars. These types of utility improvements are considered home maintenance, and your neighbors probably made them years before you.
Making everything state-of-the-art isn't a bad idea: In certain areas, top-of-the-line is considered the standard; without it, you could take a hit when selling time comes. But don't convince yourself that those upgrades will let you mark up the price tag.
New HVAC
Many buyers in the marketplace appreciate a home that features a brand-new furnace or HVAC system, but they won't pay you much extra for having replaced it.
However, if the HVAC system is particularly energy-efficient, you should use that as a selling point; it may make a potential buyer more excited about purchasing your home.
New Roof
The same holds regarding a new roof: Replacing a roof past its average life expectancy of 30 years is considered a maintenance issue and won't necessarily enable you to up your asking price.2 But giving buyers who are on the fence the peace of mind that they won't have to make that costly repair anytime soon could spur them to make an offer.
Swimming Pool or Hot Tub
The TV commercials for pools and hot tubs depict children having a blast splashing around, and adults sipping cocktails in the bubbling water. Sadly, though, the cost and expense of aquatic amenities rarely find their way back into your pocket.
Making Quickly Dated Decor Changes
You might like white appliances and white ceramic counters, for example, but young home buyers do not. They are no longer "in." And don't go down the road of rose gold bathroom fixtures and door hardware. Even 12-inch-by-12-inch ceramic flooring has lost its appeal to some. The point is, don't deliberately decorate in the latest style for resale reasons. Fashion changes too quickly.
Solar Panels
The salespeople at the solar panel company might tell you that installing solar panels will enhance your home's value, but that's often not true. Going solar may be an admirable thing for the environment, but it usually does nothing for your residence's selling price.
The Bottom Line
Some homeowners are devastated to find out that the improvements they invested in—and perhaps have borrowed money for—not only do not improve the value of their property but might even detract from it.
Fortunately, while most of these enhancements won't help you turn a bigger profit, they probably won't hurt either—and they might make it easier to sell your home by giving the buyer some peace of mind or an amenity they always wanted. Just don't confuse buyer peace of mind with an elevated price tag.
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