Home renovations can be exciting, but not all upgrades are worth the investment. While some projects can increase your home’s value and give you a great return, others can cost a fortune and barely add anything to resale value.Worse, some renovations may even turn off potential buyers, making your home harder to sell down the road.
I’ve learned the hard way that just because a renovation sounds luxurious doesn’t mean it’s a smart financial move.If you’re thinking about making big changes to your home, here are 10 home renovations that might not be worth the cost—and what to do instead.
1. Over-the-Top Luxury Bathrooms
A spa-like bathroom sounds like a dream, but if you go overboard, you may never see a return on your investment.Heated floors, high-end fixtures, and oversized soaking tubs cost thousands and may not add much resale value—especially if buyers in your area aren’t looking for high-end finishes.
- Huge tubs and waterfall showers take up space but don’t always appeal to buyers.
- Trendy luxury materials (like marble everything) can feel dated within a few years.
- A mid-range bathroom remodel ($10,000-$15,000) typically has a better return than a luxury remodel ($50,000+).
What to do instead: Stick with cost-effective updates like new tiles, fresh paint, and modern fixtures to keep your bathroom looking stylish without breaking the bank.
2. High-End Kitchen Remodels
The kitchen is often called the heart of the home, and while renovations can add value, there is such a thing as spending too much. A $75,000 kitchen remodel won’t necessarily increase your home’s value by that amount—especially if it’s out of line with the rest of the house.
- Ultra-custom cabinets and built-in appliances can be too niche for future buyers.
- High-end granite or marble countertops may not appeal to all tastes.
- Luxury kitchens typically recoup only about 50%-60% of their cost.
What to do instead: Focus on practical, mid-range updates like refinishing cabinets, adding a tile backsplash, and upgrading appliances only if needed.
3. Converting a Bedroom into a Home Office or Walk-In Closet
With more people working remotely, a home office sounds like a great idea—but removing a bedroom to make space for one can hurt your home’s value. Most buyers prioritize bedroom count over office space, and the same goes for walk-in closets replacing a small bedroom.
- Homes with fewer bedrooms sell for less, even if the extra space is used well.
- Buyers may want flexibility—they might prefer a bedroom over a built-in office.
- A home office that’s too customized (built-in desks, shelving) can be expensive to undo.
What to do instead: Create a flexible office space within an existing room—use stylish furniture that can be easily removed or repurposed.
4. Removing a Bathtub
If you’re thinking about replacing your tub with a large shower, think twice. Many buyers—especially those with kids—want at least one bathtub in the house.
- Removing a tub can hurt resale value, especially in family-friendly neighborhoods.
- Luxury showers don’t always have a good return on investment.
- If your home has only one bathtub, keep it!
What to do instead: If you love the idea of a large shower, consider keeping at least one tub somewhere in the home to maintain appeal.
5. High-Maintenance Landscaping Features
A beautifully landscaped yard can make a home more appealing, but over-the-top landscaping can be expensive and hard to maintain. Fancy gardens, ponds, or elaborate hardscaping may not add much value—and can even be a turn-off to buyers.
- Fountains, ponds, and complex flower beds require maintenance that many buyers don’t want.
- Expensive landscaping renovations rarely recoup their full cost.
- Some buyers see high-maintenance yards as a burden, not a perk.
What to do instead: Stick to simple, well-maintained greenery that looks great but doesn’t require constant upkeep.
6. Expensive Custom Features (Built-Ins, Smart Home Tech, Etc.)
Custom built-ins like wall-to-wall bookshelves, media centers, or specialized smart home features might fit your lifestyle, but they don’t always translate into higher resale value.
- Overly personalized features may not suit a buyer’s needs.
- Technology changes quickly—today’s smart home features may be outdated in a few years.
- Built-ins can be costly to remove or modify.
What to do instead: Choose removable storage solutions and timeless design elements that don’t lock future owners into a specific layout.
7. Converting a Garage into a Living Space
Turning a garage into an extra bedroom, gym, or office might seem like a smart way to gain square footage, but in most cases, buyers would rather have a garage.
- Many homeowners need a garage for storage, parking, and tools.
- A garage conversion can actually lower your home’s value in some markets.
- If poorly done, it can look awkward and make the house harder to sell.
What to do instead: If you need more space, consider finishing a basement or attic instead.
8. Over-the-Top Home Theaters
A high-end home theater with built-in seating, projectors, and custom soundproofing sounds fun, but it’s a niche investment that doesn’t appeal to everyone.
- Home theater rooms don’t add much to resale value.
- Many buyers would rather have a more versatile bonus room.
- The cost of specialized equipment and soundproofing rarely pays off.
What to do instead: Set up a cozy media room with a great TV and seating—but keep it flexible for other uses.
9. Adding a Swimming Pool (In Some Areas)
A backyard pool can seem like the ultimate luxury, but in many cases, it’s a financial drain rather than a smart investment.
- Pools require constant maintenance and can be expensive to insure.
- In cooler climates, they add little to no resale value.
- Many buyers see pools as more hassle than they’re worth.
What to do instead: If you want a backyard upgrade, consider a stylish deck or patio, which offers better ROI.
10. Trendy or Overly Bold Design Choices
That bright red kitchen backsplash or ultra-modern floating staircase might look amazing now, but trends fade fast—and what’s stylish today may look outdated in five years.
- Super-specific design choices can limit your home’s appeal when it’s time to sell.
- Trends change quickly, so what looks modern now might look old soon.
- Custom, bold colors or finishes are harder (and more expensive) to change.
What to do instead: Stick with timeless, neutral finishes for big-ticket items and use trendy elements in decor that’s easy to swap out.
