Posted by Sharon Fennell Kennedy: Monday, September 11, 2023: St. Petersburg, FL: Pinellas County

As a homeowner it is necessary to pay for routine maintenance such as staining your deck, upgrading and replacing worn-out plumbing, and painting. Specific improvements, especially those that add functional space, can be wise investments.

There are, however, upgrades and improvements that allow little opportunity to recover your costs when it comes time to sell your home. Consequently, you need to be careful how you choose to spend your money when making improvements.

Five Common Improvements that do not necessarily add value

1. Extremely High-end Kitchen: According to www.Remodeling.how.net, although the kitchen is often the heart of a home, the resale value of a major, high-end kitchen remodel is actually less than what you will invest in it.

2. Built-in High-end Electronics: An in-house theater is perfect for any movie buff, but built-in or customized electronics that take up space in an otherwise usable room could be off-putting to potential buyers, according to www.BobVila.com. As with all home renovations, personalization can lead to a decrease in home value, and built-in technology that can quickly become outdated is no exception

3. Sunroom Addition: A sunroom can be a great space to enjoy the outdoors away from the elements, but according to Remodeling, a sunroom addition is one of the worst home renovations when it comes to return on investment.

4. Wrong Landscaping Investment: Homeowners are prone to certain landscaping mistakes in the name of “curb appeal.” Costly landscaping decoration does not increase the value of your home, but rather increase the maintenance required for it. Best advice – keep your gardens beautiful but simple and easy to maintain, and be sure any decorative additions can be easily removed.

5. Too Much Carpeting: Most homebuyers (54%) are willing to pay more for a home with hardwood floors. Compared to hardwood and laminate floors, carpet can quickly show signs of damage. Plus, colors and textures are highly based on personal preference, and any overly personal touches can decrease a home’s value.

Bottom Line: Not all home renovations are created equal. So before you invest in a swimming pool or new addition, you should consider whether the project will pay itself off and get prospective buyers in the door when it’s time to sell.

Related Reading:
Home Improvement: How to Avoid Getting Cheated, Scammed and Horsewhipped by the Modern Contractor, by Ann Contorno
What Are The Best Home Improvements to Boost Value?

St. Petersburg Communities

Photo Courtesy of Historic Kenwood Neighborhood | Captured during Historic Ken… | Flickr St. Petersburg, FL: Pinellas County 

Allendale Terrace
Bahama Shores
Bayway Isles
Coquina Key
Crescent Heights
Crescent Lake
Downtown
Greater Pinellas Point
Historic Kenwood
Historic Old Northeast
Historic Roser Park
Historic Uptown
Isla del Sol
Old Southeast
Placida Bayou
Snell Isle

If you’re interested in any of these of communities or live in one and are thinking of selling, talk to The Mesimer Team.