If you make it new, it must be better–right? Not always. 

Many can already guess that a potential buyer may not prefer peacock green slab cabinets or wallpaper in every room. Keep reading to find out what other remodel mistakes could end up decreasing your home’s resale value. 

Disrupting an open layout with features like paint and flooring.

Taking an open concept living/kitchen area and fitting it out as though they’re on different planets is a major complaint. Buyers prefer ease and flow in these spaces over a patchwork of truly puzzling features. 

Help, don’t hurt: Use the same flooring and color palette throughout common areas. Create “zones” for different purposes with furniture, rugs, and lighting. This way, it’s welcoming, easily navigable, and people aren’t only thinking of what they’d change.

Playing it too safe with the tilework.

Subway tile is classic. But if you’re calling in a professional tile setter during a remodel, buyers are now looking for something more. There’s a space in design between “safe and timeless” and “trendy and too personalized” that many new homeowners want to see. 

What to do instead: Go for more character than white subway. People are currently loving marble-effect tile with veining, Zellige tiles, tiled feature walls, expertly-laid chevron patterns, and more. 

A high-maintenance exterior. 

Pools and hot tubs are falling out of favor with a lot of buyers because they’re aware of the maintenance involved. Add in expansive landscaping, and you’re supplying the type of curb appeal that just looks like extra chores and expenses.

Do outdoor living right: Sellers in warm climates with pools may consider an outdoor kitchen over complex landscaping. Homes in four-season locales can skip the hot tub and spring for a durable new deck. 

Buyers can see themselves enjoying these respective features more frequently, making maintenance investments feel worth it. 

Splurging on a professional kitchen.

Not just luxury, but a cut above. Going as high-end as possible in the kitchen is one way to sabotage the high ROI we get from kitchen remodels. What ends up happening is that potential buyers walk in feeling intimidated or overwhelmed by chef-quality features. 

What buyers actually want: Potential buyers love smart appliances with custom coordinating finishes. Integration into the cabinetry also feels more luxurious to them than a $7k range they don’t know how to turn on.  

Never incorporating natural materials. 

Vinyl flooring and engineered quartz countertops are both excellent products we see in desirable homes daily. However, many people (subconsciously or not) perceive all-manmade materials as lower quality than they would a mix of manufactured and natural.

Try doing this: Add a granite countertop to your kitchen island or master bathroom. Use genuine hardwood in your main common area, whether flooring or built-ins. No matter what configuration works best for your space, balancing your vinyl and resins with wood and stone pays off.

Doing a quick, cosmetic remodel from the home improvement store.

Buyers can tell when you’re trying to flip something quickly on a budget. That rarely inspires a top-dollar offer. 

Some builder-grade features are perfectly fine and offer great ROI when something was previously in very poor condition. But replacing everything with standard, budget products means your property won’t stand out.

Know who to call: The Designery offers more than professional design services. We’re waiting with a showroom full of premium materials and products, as well as custom hardware, cabinetry, tile, and more. Before you list your home, book your free consultation with us.

Home remodel resale value FAQ

Does remodeling increase home value?

Remodeling your home can increase its value if done with awareness and care, keeping improvement the number one priority. 

For instance, tearing out real solid wood architectural features and replacing them with white paint and vinyl flooring will not necessarily increase your home’s value. 

When in doubt, focus on remodeling kitchens and bathrooms, as well as adding more curb appeal. Upgrades and changes in these areas usually yield the most returns.

How much does a kitchen remodel increase home value in 2025?

There are many factors that influence a remodel’s impact on value. The degree of the remodel, your location, and where you focus are the largest ones. 

All told, you could see a 95% ROI from well-planned kitchen and bath remodels. New exterior doors can exceed 150% ROI. Finishing the basement can add tens of thousands to your asking price.

What is the most expensive thing to renovate?

A full kitchen renovation with new cabinetry and appliances is typically most expensive. Major upgrades like a roof replacement, new HVAC systems, and plumbing can also eat up the budget. 

How to increase home value by $50k?

Addressing these areas, ranked by importance, may increase your home’s value by $50k:

1. Kitchen

2. Bathroom

3. Energy efficiency (HVAC, appliances)

4. Paint

5. Flooring

How much your asking price can increase depends on the neighborhood, the starting price, and the quality of the upgrades made.