4 Projects That Can Devalue Your Home
The whole idea of a renovation is to enhance parts or the entire structure to improve its value. When done right, it becomes easier to sell the property to a happy buyer. Therefore, it is quite ironic that a home renovation can devalue your property. As a homeowner, this is an outcome you want to avoid at all costs. And with home renovation expenses increasing by 25%, avoiding any projects that could cause you to run at a loss is crucial. Below is a list of a few renovations that can devalue your home.
- Adding a pantry to a kitchen that did not have one initially
Personalization and customization is the driving force of every renovation since owners often want their home to express their style and meet their needs. And the kitchen makes it onto the top three home renovation list. According to the Architectural Digest, kitchen renovations increase yearly and contribute to over 47% of home renovation costs. The common kitchen renovations are extending the work area, changing cabinet hardware, recovering the floor, and adding a pantry.
When it comes to pantries, in particular, home renovation experts say building one into a kitchen that did not have one earlier may cause problems. This is because it reduces the actual kitchen space. The basic rule is to install any storage closer to where it will be used most. This principle explains why the pantry is usually inside the kitchen. However, it can be a problem if you plan to sell your house in the short or long term. Most house buyers look for a spacious kitchen and would reject one with limited space. This means the pantry you built into your kitchen could be why a potential buyer wouldn’t seal the deal. Your best bet is to leave a moderately sized kitchen as it is and leave it to the buyer to do with it as they please.
- Using vinyl replacement windows
Many people opt for replacement windows during home renovation projects to enhance the house’s overall aesthetics. However, not many homeowners consider the type of replacement windows to use. Vinyl replacement windows, for instance, are maintenance and energy efficient. However, during heat waves and extreme summer temperatures, vinyl can warp and melt. This isn’t good news for your home’s value. Fortunately, you can avoid this by choosing alternatives like Fibrex replacement windows which last longer and are designed to withstand extreme weather conditions.
- Permanent garage conversions
There have been discussions concerning the advantages of garage conversions to a home sale. Some say it improves home value by 20%, while others say homeowners can benefit from an 80% Return on Investment (ROI). However, many fail to paint a full picture of the disadvantages of garage renovation or conversion. For instance, you lose potential storage space when you follow through with converting your garage into a home gym.
Although the main idea is to create an area for exercising, a potential buyer may not see it in the same light. Across America, many households use the garage as storage spaces and car parking areas. Therefore, personalizing it permanently before selling the house can have its cons. Admittedly, this can be difficult if you are unsure about putting your house up for sale sometime in the future. A safer bet might be to hold on to garage conversions until you decide on the prospects of living in the same house.
- Opting for textured walls and ceilings
Textured walls and ceilings were trendy in the 1960s but disappeared in the early 80s. Then from the mid-1990s to the early 2000s, they resurfaced as the most preferred style for homeowners. Only last year, popcorn walls and ceilings returned with several modern variations. Indeed, textured surfaces add character to the home and have a few low-maintenance characteristics. For example, you may not have to re-paint often.
However, this style is not welcome by everyone. The reason is that textured walls and ceilings are often used to hide imperfections on these surfaces. Although they can hide stains when minimal, the same cannot be said when dust and debris accumulate in the crevices. Therefore, if you intend to incorporate textured walls and ceilings into your home renovation, you may want to reconsider. They have an increased chance of devaluing your home and decreasing your property’s worth.
Getting a home is an investment, and doing everything you can to maintain or increase its value is crucial. These are just a few tips to consider.