When considering home improvements, it’s essential to know which upgrades will add value to your property and which could end up costing you more than they’re worth. Below is a list of the top 10 best and worst home improvements based on expert advice. We’ll explore the best and worst features alternately, starting with the number one best improvement and followed by the number one worst improvement, providing detailed insights for the top two in each category.
1. Best: Kitchen Island
A kitchen island is an absolute must-have for homebuyers. According to a survey by Fixr, 61% of professionals rank kitchen islands as the top priority for home buyers. Not only do they offer extra countertop space for meal preparation, but they also provide bar seating and additional storage. This multifunctional feature enhances both the aesthetics and functionality of a kitchen, making it a highly desirable improvement that adds significant value to your home.
1. Worst: Overly Customized Kitchen
While updating your kitchen is usually a smart move, going overboard with customization can backfire. Highly specific designs that cater to niche tastes may not appeal to the broader market, limiting the pool of potential buyers. Moreover, the costs of such renovations can spiral out of control, reducing the return on investment. Experts caution against excessive spending on unique features that are hard to undo, especially in a sluggish real estate market.
2. Best: Walk-In Pantry
A walk-in pantry is the second most sought-after feature among homebuyers, with 43% of experts highlighting its importance. This feature provides ample storage space, helping to keep kitchens clutter-free and organized. Homebuyers appreciate the extra room for storing snacks, beverages, and cookware, which makes the kitchen more functional and appealing. Investing in a walk-in pantry can enhance the overall value of your home, making it a wise improvement.
2. Worst: A Brand New Pool
While a pool might seem like a luxury feature that adds value, it often proves to be more of a burden than a benefit. Pools come with high upfront costs and ongoing maintenance expenses, which can be off-putting for many potential buyers, especially in regions with colder climates where pools are only usable for part of the year. Additionally, rising energy and water costs make pools less attractive, potentially making your home harder to sell in the future.
3. Best: Laundry Room
A dedicated laundry room is another highly valued feature, ranked by 31% of experts as a top home improvement. A well-designed laundry room provides a space to wash, dry, and fold clothes, keeping the mess out of living areas. This practical addition is appreciated by many buyers and can set your home apart from others on the market, making it a valuable investment.
3. Worst: Swapping a Tub for an Oversized Shower
Large, luxurious steam showers are currently trending, but removing a tub in favor of an oversized shower could hurt your home’s resale value. While enjoyable for the current homeowner, such specialized features may not appeal to everyone, particularly families with small children who require a bathtub. It’s generally better to upgrade the shower while keeping at least one tub in the home.
4. Best: Patio
Outdoor living spaces are highly desirable, and 30% of experts suggest that a patio is a top priority for homebuyers. A well-designed patio provides a space to relax, entertain, and enjoy the outdoors, effectively extending the living area of the home. Covered patios, in particular, are even more appealing as they offer protection from the elements, making the space usable in various weather conditions.
4. Worst: Over-the-Top Landscaping
While curb appeal is important, going overboard with landscaping can be a waste of money. Expensive gardens, water features, and outdoor kitchens might not provide the return on investment you’re hoping for. Maintenance costs and the personal preferences of future buyers can make such elaborate landscaping a poor choice. Simple, well-maintained landscaping that complements your home is usually a better investment.
5. Best: Hardwood Flooring
Timeless and durable, hardwood flooring continues to be a top priority for homebuyers, with over a quarter of experts endorsing its value. Hardwood floors add warmth and character to a home and are easier to maintain compared to other flooring types. They’re also more likely to appeal to a wide range of buyers, making them a solid investment for those looking to increase their home’s value.
5. Worst: One-Off Aesthetic Updates in Older Homes
In older homes, making one-off aesthetic updates without addressing larger, underlying issues can be a mistake. Simply replacing an old countertop or adding new flooring in an otherwise outdated house won’t add much value. Buyers may view such updates as superficial and could be put off by the idea of having to undertake more significant renovations themselves. It’s better to focus on comprehensive updates or leave the home as-is if you’re planning to sell.
6. Best: Multi-Zone HVAC System
Energy efficiency is a growing priority for homeowners, and a multi-zone HVAC system allows for precise temperature control in different areas of the home. According to 28% of professionals, this feature not only improves comfort but also reduces energy consumption and lowers utility bills. It’s an eco-friendly upgrade that appeals to modern buyers, making it a smart investment for those looking to enhance their home’s appeal.
6. Worst: Costly High-End Plumbing Fixtures
While high-end plumbing fixtures can add a touch of luxury to bathrooms and kitchens, they often don’t provide a good return on investment. These fixtures can be expensive to install and may require costly maintenance or replacements down the line. Additionally, they may not significantly boost your home’s resale value, especially if buyers have different tastes. It’s usually better to opt for well-made, mid-range fixtures that look good and are easy to maintain.
7. Best: Full Bath on the Main Level
Having a full bathroom on the main level is a feature that many homebuyers prioritize, as it offers convenience and accessibility, especially for guests and older residents. This addition can increase the appeal of your home and potentially boost its resale value, making it a worthwhile investment. Multiple bathrooms are often a selling point, particularly in larger homes where convenience is key.
7. Worst: Converting a Bedroom Into an Office
While creating a home office is practical, converting a bedroom into a permanent office space can reduce your home’s resale value. Many buyers prioritize the number of bedrooms, and reducing this count can make your home less appealing. Instead of making permanent changes, consider adding versatile furniture that can easily convert the space back into a bedroom when needed.
8. Best: Open Floor Plan
Open floor plans continue to be popular, with 53% of experts stating that this layout is here to stay. By removing unnecessary walls, you can create a more spacious and inviting environment, which is particularly appealing for families and those who entertain frequently. An open floor plan can make your home feel larger and more modern, which can be a significant selling point.
8. Worst: Chasing The Latest Interior Trend
Interior design trends can be tempting, but they rarely stand the test of time. Investing heavily in trendy decor that might soon be outdated can be a costly mistake. What’s popular today might not appeal to buyers in a few years, leading to additional expenses if you need to update your home again before selling. It’s usually better to stick with classic, timeless designs that have broader appeal.
9. Best: Home Office
In the era of remote work, a dedicated home office has become a highly sought-after feature. While it’s important not to permanently convert a bedroom, having a designated space for work can add significant value to your home. A well-designed office can appeal to professionals who work from home, making your property more attractive to a growing segment of buyers.
9. Worst: Ultra-Specialized Spaces
Creating ultra-specialized spaces, like a home gym, wine cellar, or movie theater, can be exciting, but these additions may not appeal to the majority of buyers. These spaces are often expensive to create and may require costly renovations to convert back into something more practical. Buyers generally prefer versatile rooms that they can adapt to their own needs, so it’s best to keep spaces flexible.
10. Best: Energy-Efficient Windows
Investing in energy-efficient windows can improve your home’s insulation, reduce energy costs, and increase comfort. These windows are highly valued by buyers who are looking for eco-friendly and cost-effective features. While the initial investment can be significant, the long-term savings and increased home value make it a worthwhile improvement.
10. Worst: Super Small Additions
Adding a small powder room or slightly expanding a closet might seem like a good idea, but these tiny additions often don’t provide a good return on investment. The costs of architectural fees, engineering, and construction can add up quickly, and the small increase in square footage may not justify the expense. Instead, focus on maximizing your existing space through smart design and organization.
When planning home improvements, it’s crucial to consider not only your own preferences but also the potential impact on your home’s resale value. Investing in universally appealing features like kitchen islands, walk-in pantries, and hardwood floors can significantly boost your home’s marketability. On the other hand, overly personalized renovations or high-maintenance additions like pools and extravagant landscaping can end up costing more than they’re worth. By focusing on the right upgrades, you can enjoy your home more now and see a better return on investment when it’s time to sell.