11 Home "Upgrades" That Tank Your Resale Value

Today you’re going to learn how not to burn money pretending your home reno is a winning investment. Because while HGTV tells you that new floors and a pool add "value" — the real market might say otherwise. This isn't about killing your dream kitchen or outdoor oasis. It's about knowing when you're building equity… and when you're just building regret.  The first rule is your home ≠ an ATM. Not automatically at least.

Yes, it's yours to customize — paint it neon pink and put in a koi pond if it makes you happy. But if you're planning to sell soon? Some “upgrades” actually subtract value. Here's where things go sideways:

1. White Kitchens? Hard Pass.

Everyone says “bright and airy,” but Zillow data says: white kitchens = -$600 at resale. Today’s buyers want dark grays, charcoals, and depth. Skip the sterile surgery suite vibes.

2. Walk-In Closets That Walk Off With Your Bedrooms

That Instagram closet setup? It’s costing you. Walk-in closets drop value by about 0.5%, and if you convert a bedroom into one? You’re losing the thing buyers search for: bedroom count.

3. Decked Out, Cashed Out

Wood deck: ~$17.6K to build. Resale return? ~$14.6K. Composite’s even worse. Unless you host barbecues like a pro, don’t build one for the ROI — build it for the vibe.

4. Turning the Garage Into a Bedroom? Absolutely not.

People want garages. Even a 0.3% bump for just mentioning it in a listing. Unless you’re going full ADU or renting it out, keep it as a garage. Storage + parking = value.

5. Pools: Pricey and Polarizing

A saltwater pool might sell 3 days faster and net 2% more if it’s clean, updated, and in the right climate. But a fiberglass install = ~$22K, and most buyers aren’t pool people. Ask your market, not your dreams.

6. DIY That Screams “WHY?!”

Bad tile jobs. Crooked shelves. Misaligned floors. Buyers see dollar signs — and not the good kind. If you’re not YouTube-pro certified, hire a pro. Or don’t do it.

7. Luxury Bathroom Remodels = Luxury Losses

$58K midrange reno = 35% ROI. Upscale = even less. You’re not recouping gold faucets and spa tubs. Want ROI? Focus on clean, working, and modern — not museum-grade marble.

8. Wall-to-Wall Carpet Is Dead

Cozy? Sure. Value add? Nope. Listings with new carpet sold for less. Luxury vinyl is the new king of floors. Use rugs for your feet, not full coverage.

9. Laminate Countertops? Nope.

They’re budget-friendly. They’re also resale-unfriendly. Homes mentioning laminate in 2023 sold for 1% less. If you’re upgrading, consider quartz, butcher block, or just leave it be.

10. That $3,000 Faucet Won’t Sell Your Home

Buy premium if it brings you joy, but no one’s touring your home thinking, “This faucet seals the deal.” Go for well-made, good-looking, cost-efficient fixtures. Save the splurges for your next place.

11. Storm Shutters: Uncool Now

Some climate features = smart. Storm shutters? Not trending. Listings with them sold slower and for about 1% less. Yikes.

Real Talk: Maintenance > Flashy Upgrades

According to Thumbtack, well-maintained homes can sell for 10% more than ones in “meh” shape. So before you gut the kitchen, try:

• Cleaning the gutters

• Resealing your bathroom grout

• Servicing your HVAC

Because a clean, functional home with solid bones always shows better than a half-done reno trying too hard. What's the bottom line? If you're upgrading for love, go for it. But if you're upgrading for ROI, get strategic. The market doesn’t care how much you spent — it cares what buyers value. So build smart, spend wisely, and don’t lose $20K chasing $5K in “value. Go make some money! --- JL