Owning a home gives you the freedom to make it your own—knocking down walls, planting fruit trees, or adding cozy features that make it feel just right. But not all upgrades add value when it's time to sell. Some might even hurt your home’s price or make it harder to attract buyers. Of course, every homeowner makes changes for their own enjoyment, and that’s totally fine! But if selling is on your horizon, it’s worth considering whether those updates will actually boost your home’s value—or if you’re better off saving your money.
10 Home Upgrades That Might Not Pay Off When You Sell
Not Every Dollar Comes Back to You
Smaller improvements that make your home safer, cleaner, and more functional tend to be good investments. But big projects—like installing a pool or adding fancy landscaping—might not get you the return you expect. Buyer trends change over time too, so what’s stylish today might feel outdated in just a few years.
With that in mind, here are 10 home upgrades that don’t always pay off at resale
1. A Stark White Kitchen
You might love the crisp, clean look of an all-white kitchen, but buyers often prefer warm tones or deeper shades like charcoal and graphite. In fact, research suggests homes with white kitchens could sell for less than expected. If you’re thinking about painting, consider what appeals to buyers—or just pick a color that makes you happy and repaint later!
2. Turning a Bedroom Into a Closet
Walk-in closets might sound luxurious, but sacrificing a bedroom to create one can hurt your home’s value. Buyers typically search for homes by the number of bedrooms, and fewer bedrooms can mean a lower asking price. If you’re thinking of converting a bedroom, consider whether storage is worth losing an actual bedroom’s appeal.
3. Building a Deck
Decks create great spaces for relaxing or entertaining, but they don’t always recoup their cost when you sell. Wooden decks, for example, often return only about 80% of what homeowners spend on them. But if a deck improves the view or enhances outdoor living, it might still be worth it—especially if you plan to enjoy it for a while before selling.
4. Converting Your Garage
Extra living space can be a plus, but getting rid of your garage for a bedroom or workspace could turn away buyers who value parking and storage. Homes with garages tend to sell for slightly more than those without. If you need the extra space, an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) might be a better option, especially since more buyers are interested in rental income or private spaces.
5. Installing a Pool
Pools can be a big draw in warm climates, but they come with hefty costs—both for installation and upkeep. While some buyers love pools, others might see them as extra work and maintenance. If you’re adding a pool solely for resale value, it may not be the best return on investment.
6. DIY Projects Gone Wrong
Taking on home projects yourself can save money, but poorly done DIY work can make buyers think twice. Messy tile jobs, uneven flooring, and amateur painting could mean extra work for buyers, and many prefer homes that don’t need fixing up. If you’re tackling a project yourself, make sure the final result looks professional!
7. All-Carpeted Floors
Carpet has its perks—it’s cozy and warm—but it’s less popular than other flooring choices. Homes with new carpet tend to sell for slightly less than those with upgraded flooring like luxury vinyl. If you love carpet, consider using stylish area rugs instead of installing wall-to-wall carpeting.
8. Laminate Countertops
New countertops can give a kitchen or bathroom a fresh look, but laminate isn’t a top choice for buyers. Many prefer quartz, granite, or other durable materials. If you’re thinking of updating countertops, consider options that offer long-term appeal to future buyers.
9. Expensive Fixtures
Luxury faucets, designer light fixtures, and custom hardware might make your home feel special, but they don’t always add resale value. Buyers tend to focus on bigger selling points—like kitchens, bathrooms, and overall layout—rather than specific high-end details.
10. Storm Shutters
Climate-conscious updates are becoming more popular, but storm shutters have fallen out of favor. Homes with these features tend to sell for slightly less than those without, and they can take longer to sell. If protection from storms is important, consider more modern solutions like reinforced windows.
Regular Maintenance Matters More
Beyond fancy upgrades, keeping your home well-maintained can make the biggest difference. Homes in great condition tend to sell for about 10% more than similar homes with deferred maintenance.
Simple tasks like cleaning gutters, servicing HVAC systems, and resealing kitchen and bath grout can go a long way in preserving your home’s value over time.
Thinking about selling soon? It might be smart to prioritize maintenance over big upgrades—unless they’re changes you truly want to enjoy while you’re still living in your home!