5 Home Renovation Don'ts

There are many updates to a home that will effect how quickly a home will sell. Even if you love it while you live there, many people may not see the value in it. Here is a list of 5 home renovations that harm a home's value and slow down the sale.

1.) Putting in a pool. A pool is something most of us dream about having. Imagine yourself relaxing every day in the sun, drifting on a pool floaty and drinking a cocktail. The reality is that most people don't have the time to relax in a pool and buyers won't flock to your home because of the maintenance and liability of an accidental drowning. It raises your homeowners insurance too!

2.) Converting a bedroom. Turning a bedroom into a room that is specific to your interests or hobbies - such as a wine cellar, library or humidor - is a risk. Once you start embedding wine refrigerators or bookshelves and changing the space's structure, the room becomes less valuable. The next owner may not want to spend money renovating that room back into a bedroom. If you insist on converting, at least make it easy to undo later when you list for sale.

3.) Laying down carpet. Don't bother carpeting any room in the house. Natural hardwood flooring is what everyone wants these days. They are easier to clean, they don't show as much dirt and they're better for family members who suffer from allergies. If the cost of natural hardwood is too much, engineered wood is cheaper and it still looks good.

4.) Installing ornate lighting. Buyers love bright lighting, but if you spend a bunch of cash on an over-the-top chandelier, you probably won't get most of your money back. If you choose to get one, take it down and replace it with something less ornate before listing your home for sale. That way, buyers won't be intimidated by having to replace it when they move in.

5.) Redoing your garage. I've seen a few garages that have been turned into family rooms - and it becomes a hassle when selling. The national average was 1.97 cars per household in 2016. Imagine what it is now! These families want a place to park their vehicles to protect them from the hail, snow, and rain of the Midwest. But they also need a place for mowers, shovels, and garbage cans. Bottom line: Don't spend the money to glam up your garage.

What is the most harmful renovation you have done or seen in a home? Leave a comment and share.