3 Home Improvements to Avoid When Renovating
Posted by Justin Havre on Monday, June 3rd, 2019 at 9:46am.
Not all home improvements are worth making, if you're thinking about selling your home. And it's important to know whether to make these DIY projects or hire a professional. Knowing what changes to avoid can help you make more money when the time comes to put your house on the market. Here's what you need to know.
1. Changing a Bedroom Into Something Else
A typical family needs at least three bedrooms, and some need more. Converting a bedroom into a space that cannot be used as a bedroom naturally narrows the field of home buyers who can purchase the home.
Homeowners who want to convert one of their spare bedrooms into something else should avoid changes that would prevent the space from being used as a bedroom later on. For example, installing built-in furniture to convert a bedroom or spare room into a home office could limit the usefulness of the room. Homeowners who want to convert their spare bedroom into a home office can do so by installing removable furniture, instead of building it in.
2. Installing High-Maintenance Landscaping
In the first year after buying a home, few home buyers have a lot of time to dedicate to intense landscaping and landscape maintenance. High-maintenance landscaping can scare away home buyers who may not feel prepared to properly care for a large lawn.
3. Upgrading to a High-End Kitchen
Often home buyers will not pay extra for a high-end kitchen renovation. Only in neighborhoods where high-end kitchens are the expectation will this kind of home improvement have good ROI. Often, homeowners lose half the value of their home kitchen upgrade when they sell their home.
Altadore homeowners who want to attract buyers by upgrading their kitchen should keep their changes modest and affordable. Often, low- to mid-range kitchen renovations have the best return on investment. Homeowners who are thinking about upgrading their kitchen should work with an experienced contractor to stay in budget.
Work With a Real Estate Professional
If you're a homeowner who is thinking about making improvements or upgrades to your home, and you're not sure which improvements will increase your home's value, talk to a real estate agent. A reputable real estate professional can help you decide what can be done to sell your home for the highest price possible.