Home Improvements Not to Make

Many homeowners naturally assume that any home improvement they make will improve their home's value. This is not always the case. Some home improvements can actually make a home harder to sell and can lead to lower offers from buyers. If you're a homeowner who wants to improve your home's value, the following home improvements are best avoided.

Altering a Bedroom to Become Something Else

Bedrooms add value to a home, but what happens if the homeowner takes a bedroom away? For example, imagine a homeowner wants to convert their spare bedroom into an office. To do this, they build a desk into the walls. The room no longer qualifies as a bedroom when the time comes to sell the home. This can reduce the value of the house. Homeowners who want to convert a spare bedroom into a different type of room altogether can do so but should be careful to avoid a similar scenario.

DIY Upgrades that Require a Contractor

Some upgrades should be done by a contractor and not by the homeowner as a DIY project. Roof replacement, for example, should be done by someone who is trained in the trade and who knows how to handle all of the tools. Homeowners who try to do their roof replacement could do more harm than good by installing the materials improperly. Homeowners who want to ensure that the work is done right should always hire a contractor when taking on a major home remodel or home repair.

Painting in Bright or Dark Colours

Some Upper Mission homeowners just like bright, bold, or dark colours. This is fine until the time comes to sell the home. Many home buyers expect properties to be painted in soft, neutral colours. Neutrals are easier to match to furniture, which makes it easier for the home buyer to settle in after taking possession of the house. When picking colours to paint the walls, homeowners who want to sell should avoid dark gray, dark brown, and bright, primary colours.

High-Cost Home Improvements with Low ROI

Never assume that every home improvement will pay for itself. Many improvements cost a lot up-front but don't dramatically increase a home's sale price. A major kitchen upgrade, for instance, costs around $75K on average. Unfortunately, most sellers only get around 57% percent of that cost back when it comes time to sell. 

When it comes to home improvements, it is better to put the money toward lower-cost improvements with a higher ROI. Examples with big paybacks include updated landscaping, a new front door, or a fresh coat of paint.

Work With the Professionals

If you're a homeowner who would like to improve the value of your home while making a home improvement, work with the professionals. Contact a professional contractor and work with a real estate agent to ensure that your home improvements add to your home's value.