32 home upgrades that are a huge waste of money

We’re all for going green when we can, but solar panels won’t increase the value of your home, according to Fitzgerald. “In fact, most solar panels will deter buyers based on their appearance. Most buyers are not open to sacrificing appearance for saving on monthly expenses,” says Fitzgerald. In some cases, the panels are leased and not owned by the homeowner, another factor to consider. “If you’re going to add solar panels, do it because you intend to live in the home for a long time.”

“Any flooring, whether it is hardwood or carpet, must be in top condition for a great return on your home upgrade investment,” says Fitzgerald. If you need new flooring, Fitzgerald says to choose something clean, modern and cost-efficient. “This will do the trick in both the online photos and in the showings.”

How to find the perfect flooring for your space.

Motion sensor lights outside are a desired safety feature, but adding them everywhere inside? Not such a bright idea for added home value. “This is something that is very specific both in design and function and not every homeowner would want motion lights around their home,” says Veronica Sniscak, a realtor and partner at Bob Lucido Team of Keller Williams Integrity.

As much as we try to downsize, custom-made closets with ample storage are still a home upgrade most people would love, but Sniscak says a prospective buyer may not realise the value. “These kinds of closet systems can be costly and I don’t see them increasing the value to the home especially compared to the cost of installing them,” says Sniscak.

The front door and garage are part of that all-important, first impression curb appeal but if your current garage door is functional, adding a new designer one that is quieter or has a keyless entry isn’t going to increase the value of your home, Sniscak says.

An updated kitchen and bathroom do bring value, but the key is not going over the top when you renovate. “When a homeowner over renovates with top of the line European appliances, granite, marble, and other bells and whistles, it doesn’t bring in the value the homeowner would expect,” says Wally Fakhreddine, a realtor with Top Edmonton Real Estate. “What might seem great to some might not be a big deal to others.”

Here are 15 cheap kitchen upgrades that make a huge difference.

Good fences may make good neighbours but home buyers won’t pay extra for over the top fences, Fakhreddine says. Concrete posts, wrought iron fencing, elaborate finials and decorative caps are nice to look at but they won’t give you a big return on your investment. Stay with the basics (white picket, black steel) if you install fencing.

Is creating a new, roomier bedroom worth sacrificing an existing bedroom? Not a good idea, according to Fakhreddine. “Taking a bedroom away from a home could be a negative when a family with children is looking at your home and they are in need of bedrooms for everyone in the family.”

She sheds, barn-style like game rooms, and man-caves in the backyard are fun bonus structures to your home. The good times roll when you’re hanging out with friends or going head-to-head in a fierce game of air hockey. In fact, Steve Frellick, licensed contractor and Founder/Owner of Yonder Vacation Rentals calls these outbuildings a “return on enjoyment” which according to Frellick is immeasurable but unfortunately, loads of enjoyment don’t add up to added home value.

Unless you need to upgrade the electrical system, don’t upgrade it. “There is no added value during an appraisal and because most buyers do not see the new wiring, they will most likely not be wowed or interested in paying more for this,” says Luis Dominguez, a realtor with Douglas Elliman Real Estate.