5 Home Improvements That Don’t Increase Your Home’s Value

IZABELLA BOGINSKY
Dec 15, 2022
3 min read

Updated: Jan 14

courtesy of Bella Casa Real Estate

Stacks of silver and gold coins with pens on top of documents, featuring blue and black pens. The mood is business-focused.

Many home improvements can boost a property’s appeal and deliver a strong return on investment when it’s time to sell. However, not every renovation adds value — and some upgrades can actually reduce a home’s marketability. That’s why it’s important for homeowners to carefully evaluate each project, understand buyer expectations, and conduct proper research before investing time, money, and effort into any home improvement.

1. A Chef-Quality Kitchen

A high-end, chef-style kitchen remodel is often one of the most expensive home improvement projects. While it may dramatically enhance the look and functionality of your kitchen, it typically recovers only about 54% of its cost at resale. This means more than half of what you invest may not be returned when you sell the property.

Why the Return Is Low

Several factors influence this limited ROI:

Market expectations vary. In some areas, buyers are not willing to pay extra for luxury appliances or custom finishes.
Over-improving hurts value. If the rest of the home is outdated, buyers won’t recognize the full value of the upgraded kitchen.
Personal taste matters. What you consider “chef-quality” may not align with the aesthetic preferences of potential buyers.

A high-end kitchen can absolutely improve daily living — but when it comes to resale, the numbers often fall short.

2. DIY Painting

A DIY paint job may seem like a cost-effective upgrade, but it can easily backfire. Streaky finishes, uneven lines, low-quality paint, or visible roller marks immediately downgrade a home’s appeal.

How Poor Painting Hurts Value

Buyers make instant judgments based on the home’s visual condition.
Sloppy paint suggests poor maintenance throughout the rest of the home.
Repainting professionally becomes an added expense for buyers, lowering the offer they’re willing to make.

Painting is one of the easiest improvements to get wrong — and one of the fastest ways to make a home look neglected.

3. Converting or Expanding a Bedroom

Homeowners sometimes convert extra bedrooms into a home office, gym, playroom, or expanded master suite. While this may improve lifestyle, it can hurt resale value depending on the home’s size.

When It Works

In larger homes with 4–5 bedrooms, buyers may still appreciate the enhanced functionality and flexibility.

When It Hurts Value

In smaller homes (2–3 bedrooms), reducing the bedroom count can significantly lower the selling price. Families typically prioritize the number of bedrooms, and losing one can make your home less competitive and less appealing.

Bedroom count is one of the strongest drivers of value — increasing or decreasing it has a direct financial impact.

4. Wall-to-Wall Carpeting

Carpeted homes generally sell for less, with an average value reduction of around $3,900. Many buyers today prefer modern flooring such as tile, luxury vinyl, or hardwood.

Why Carpet Reduces Value

Carpets trap dust, allergens, and odors, making them a concern for buyers.
They wear out more quickly and can look dirty even when clean.
Modern buyers prioritize low-maintenance flooring that is durable and long-lasting.

For resale, upgrading old carpet is one of the simplest ways to avoid instantly turning buyers off.

5. Installing a Swimming Pool Home Improvements That Don’t Increase Your Home’s Value

While pools offer enjoyment and visual appeal, many buyers view them as a liability rather than an asset. Home Improvements That Don’t Increase Your Home’s Value

Why Some Buyers Avoid Pools

Higher insurance premiums
Ongoing maintenance costs
Safety concerns, especially for families with small children
Added responsibilities, such as weekly cleaning and chemical balancing

Some buyers are unwilling to take on additional work or financial obligations. This can narrow your pool of potential buyers and may lead to a lower resale value or a longer time on the market. It's important to be aware of home improvements that don't add value to your property.