Avoid these home renovations to maintain property value

by Jackie Davis 05/25/2025

Renovations can increase the value of your home. However, not every renovation project is a good investment. Unfortunately, many renovations can actually lower your home’s resale value and cost more than you bargained for. If you’re interested in renovating your home, make a note of these projects to avoid:

Too much texture

While texture on walls and ceilings can enhance the aesthetics of a house, it’s not always a good investment to add. Not only are highly textured ceiling and wall finishes often considered dated, they are extremely difficult to remove. To increase texture without hindering future offers, try experimenting with texture in your wall decor and furniture.

Full carpet

Hardwood floors are a well-known plus for potential homebuyers. Conversely, a home with too much carpet might receive fewer offers and lower appraisals. Carpet shows age and damage much easier than wood and laminate, and can also cause issues for those with pet or dust allergies. If you want to add new floors, experts recommend reducing the amount of carpet in your home rather than adding more.

Bold paint colors

Paint is not permanent, but dramatic colors on walls can be a turn-off to potential homebuyers. Color is highly subjective, making neutrals and shades of white a safer bet for a renovation project. Potential buyers would rather consider your home to be a blank canvas than a personalized work of art.

Swimming pools

Adding a swimming pool is not always a wise investment, according to real estate investment experts. Not only is installing a pool an expensive renovation process, the ongoing required maintenance can seem like a huge undertaking to potential buyers.

If you live somewhere with six months or more of hot weather during the year, a pool may be a smart project to invest in. However, it may be more beneficial to spend that money on a patio renovation or other outdoor upgrades instead.

Not every home renovation equals a return on investment. While customizing your home to meet your personal needs is an enormous advantage of homeownership, it’s also helpful to be mindful of the future. By knowing which projects to avoid, homeowners can enjoy their home while boosting property value.

About the Author
Author

Jackie Davis

Welcome to Jackie Davis and Company. If you have navigated this far, we thank you and would like to share how we differ from other teams and agents. We work tirelessly and are committed to providing 100% customer satisfaction. We recognize, listen, value, and appreciate your goals as you move towards listing or selling your home. As Listing Agents we continuously integrate new and advanced technology to promote your biggest asset. Our strong negotiation skills are invaluable for getting you the best price for your home. As the Buyer's Agent we pride ourselves on being fully educated in our local markets. While focusing on integrity and honesty we will provide you with the highest level of professionalism and analysis. We are proud that this hard work has earned us recognition as top 1% both company and state wide in the industry. Achievements * 1st Quarter 2017 Leading Sales in Fairfield * 2017 February Leading Sales Team * 2017 March Leading Sales Team * Chairman's Elite representing the Top 1% Agent at William Raveis Nationwide & Fairfield County * Over $45 million Listed & Sold in 2016 * Over $30 million Listed & Sold in 2015 * 99% List to Sales Ratio (higher than market average) * 75 Average Days on Market (less than market average) * Jackie Davis Promoted to Sales Vice President 2016 * Raveis Award of Excellence every year * Exceptional Customer Service Award every year * Top Units Sold Team October 2016 * Top Customer Service October 2016 * Top Mortgage Support September 2016 * Top Selling Team January 2016 * Top Mortgage Support August 2015 * Top Selling Team Feb 2014 * Top Producing Team Jan 2014 * Top Selling Team Dec 2013 * Top Selling Team Nov 2013 * Top Producing Team Nov 2013 Professional Specialty Innovative Marketing and Technology equals proven sales. Our team of licensed professionals is ready to serve. We handle: Sellers & Buyers Exceptional Properties Investors Waterfront & Beach Area Homes Country & Equestrian Properties New Construction & Land Relocation Professional Association National Association of Realtors Connecticut Association of Realtors Greater Fairfield Board of Realtors Consolidated Multiple Listing Service Community Involvement PTA committee member for past 14 years from elementary through high school PTA Board Member for 4 years Shoff Darby Advisory Scholarship Board member past 5 years Committee member for Cancer Care of Norwalk past 10 years Volunteer Habitat for Humanity Operation Hope coordinator for elementary and middle schools, last 3 years Volunteer for a variety of town sports teams, that my daughters participate in The County Assemblies Board Member The b-Cause Foundation Board Member- a non-profit organization whose mission is to educate children to recognize neighbors in need in our local community. Wakeman Boys & Girls Club- Fundraising Committee Member Committee Member for Cancer Couch Fundraiser the Cancer Beat 2016 Near and Far Aid Volunteer Education BA from Merrimack College Personal Fairfield resident for 39 years Currently reside in Fairfield Beach Area Married 27 years Four daughters currently in & have graduated Fairfield Public School system Areas Covered Fairfield Southport Westport Weston Norwalk Trumbull Easton Stratford Shelton Milford Stamford Bridgeport