Remodeling your home is one of the wisest and most gratifying investments you can make. However, not every project has the staying power and ROI to justify the hassle.
Which of the updates on your remodeling bucket list will age the worst? What are you least likely to love 10 years from now? What are potential buyers unwilling to pay more for? Keep reading to learn what five remodeling projects you can put off.
1. Room additions
Expanding rooms and home additions are the most logistically complex remodels to plan and complete. Even once you’re out of the woods, zoning and permit-wise, it’s an incredibly disruptive task. It definitely doesn’t make our list of the best winter remodeling projects.
If you plan to sell in the next few years, it probably won’t have the financial impact one would hope. If you’re staying put, consider an alternative before committing to the extension. Finishing attics and basements, customizing storage, adding built-ins, and even reconfiguring your home's layout can help you avoid adding on.
2. Hot tubs
People are increasingly saving the spa features for their master baths, not the backyard. Hot tubs require upkeep you’ll probably want to outsource, and that comes at a price. Plus, larger tubs use a lot of electricity. If you decide to get rid of it later on (which nearly half of hot tub owners do), you might end up having to give it away.
Those with the space and desire for the wellness benefits have shifted elsewhere. They’re currently diving into saunas, retiling built-in shower stalls, and choosing spa-quality freestanding tubs.
3. Home theaters
Once the ultimate in luxurious home leisure, many are no longer seeing the need for a dedicated theater. For one, technology moves too quickly to keep it worth the initial expense. Regular equipment updates may be in order. Also, home theater owners find that they rarely have enough company to fill their seats more than a few times a year.
By all means, go for a big screen in common living areas instead. Custom cabinetry can conceal larger televisions. Today’s home projector systems are both cost-effective and easy to integrate into everyday living. But unless you’re a film critic, giving up an entire room and splurging on extra seating probably won’t pay off.
4. Garage conversions
When room additions are out, converting an existing space is a logical option. If this sounds good to you, think twice about modifying the garage. This is by far one of the biggest home remodel projects homeowners regret in the future. If they sell, the new owner will likely turn it back into useful parking and storage post-haste.
Even if you don’t plan to sell, there’s a reason buyers like garages and closets to keep serving their traditional purposes: it makes more sense long-term. If you have an itch to increase livable space and your home’s value at once, replace the garage door and consider converting the basement.
5. Sunroom
Floor-to-ceiling windows, abundant natural light–we totally get the appeal of a sunroom. However, you’ll spend more money ensuring the new sunroom doesn’t drag down your home’s energy efficiency. Few people want to spend even more on a remodeling project that already carries a relatively low ROI.
Not to mention, a lot of the country isn’t going to get year-round use out of a new sunroom. If that includes you, make the most of your temperate months by prioritizing outdoor living. The best decking materials or (depending on your lifestyle) an outdoor kitchen are better ways to enjoy family time, natural views, and plenty of sunshine.
Get maximum mileage out of your remodel with The Designery
Skipping the services of a professional designer is a main cause of remodel regret. We find that many people have a few misconceptions about such services.
First, a designer is there to help coordinate your project, share important considerations, and elevate your ideas, not push their own agenda. Per one of our clients, Andrea:
“From answering every question we had, to the attention to detail and [ability] to cater to our vision, they were incredible to work with.”
The second misconception is that working with a designer is too costly. But The Designery isn’t just committed to competitive pricing. Pros also know all about getting the most out of your budget. Better yet, your first consultation is free, and what could be more accessible than that?
