11 Home Improvement Projects That Don't Add Value

Dusty Rhodes • April 1, 2024

Some improvements have limited appeal to home buyers, and may even affect your sale price when you go to sell.


One of the best things about owning a home is the ability to change things up, whether it’s knocking down a kitchen wall to open up space or filling your backyard with your favorite fruit trees. That freedom also offers unlimited opportunities to make mistakes, at least when it comes to spending money on home improvements that don't add the value you’d hoped for.


Of course not all home improvements are made with an eye toward adding value. Your home is your castle to enjoy as you please. If, however, you’re planning to sell soon, it might be a good idea to consider whether the improvement projects you’re considering will pencil out when you’re ready to move on. 


Don’t expect a dollar-for-dollar return


Modest home improvements that tend to make the home cleaner, safer and more functional are good bets for sellers, according to Zillow® research. However, big-ticket items, such as pools, major kitchen and bath remodels and extensive landscaping undertaken for the sole reason of adding value might not bring the return you hoped for.


According to the Remodeling 2023 Cost vs. Value Report, which estimated the return on investment on some common home improvement projects, only four improvements boosted value on resale: electric heating and air conditioning conversion, garage door replacement, manufactured stone veneer and replacing a steel entry door.*


What’s more, Zillow research into home features that help homes sell for more — or less — than expected shows that buyer preferences change over time. So a trendy home update made today for the sole purpose of adding value can seem dated — or even detract from the value — in five or 10 years. 


With that in mind, here are 11 home improvements that might not pay off when you sell your home. 


1. Turning your kitchen into a white wonderland


According to Zillow research into the paint color preferences of home buyers, a white kitchen can hurt a home’s sales price by more than $600. Instead, today’s buyers tend to prefer dark gray tones such as charcoal and graphite.


If you don’t care about the trends at the time of resale or if you plan to repaint prior to selling, you might consider how you want to feel in any given room and paint accordingly. Or you can just go wild.


2. Adding a walk-in closet


Zillow’s 2024 research into home listings shows that walk-in closets can hurt a home’s value by 0.7%, a relatively small amount but an indication that it might not be worth the cost to add a space where you can see all your clothes. If you’re tempted to turn a small bedroom into a closet, think twice before doing so. Home shoppers usually search for homes based on the number of bedrooms, and a homes’ value is derived in part from the number of bedrooms it has. Bottom line: a bedroom is going to be more valuable to most buyers than a walk-in closet.


 3. Adding a deck

A wood deck costs about $17,051, but this home improvement does not add value overall — it only adds $8,553 at the time of sale, a return of about half what you’ll spend, according to the Cost vs. Value report. The cost is even higher for composite materials, and the return even lower: just under 40%.


This is one of those features, though, that might transcend costs considerations. If you love a good deck for entertaining, it could be worth it to build it for your own enjoyment, without worrying about whether you’ll get a full return on your investment down the road. And if the deck improves the view from the property, it could make the home more attractive to buyers while allowing you to enjoy a better view in the meantime. Also, home buyers’ enthusiasm for outdoor features remains high, so anything that enriches home life outdoors could be a win.


4. Turning your garage into a bedroom

While bedrooms are certainly important, you might not want to sacrifice a garage to create one. Listings that mention garages are associated with a slight sales premium: 0.3%, according to Zillow’s 2024 analysis of listings data. Parking is often tight in urban areas, and with the high price of cars, homes that allow for safe parking could have an edge over homes without a garage that can also serve as a handy storage space. 


An exception could be if you converted the space into an Accessory Dwelling Unit, also known as an ADU, casita or mother-in-law unit. Zillow research shows that growing numbers of buyers want the ability to rent out all or some of their home. Additional Zillow research suggests that private spaces are growing in demand, and sellers are mentioning “privacy” or “private spaces” in their listings more frequently than in the past. If your home is short on private spaces, it could make sense to convert the garage. 


If you’re trying to gauge whether a garage is a must-have for most buyers in your local market, consult a local real estate agent. 


As for that extra usable space that was a must-have during the peak of the COVID pandemic, when people who could work from home did so, it’s possible the return to office work will see a slowdown in listings that mention private space.


5. Installing an in-ground swimming pool

This one is a mixed bag. Whether the pool becomes an asset or a liability depends on a number of things, including the pool’s size, age, condition, location on the property and housing market. The main drawback is the cost, and the fact that other projects would be a greater return for the same money.


An in-ground pool can set you back about $23,370, according to the home services website Thumbtack, which calculated the national average cost of installing a pool over the last four years. Add in fencing and landscaping, and you’re looking at an investment of nearly $30,000, according to Thumbtack.


If you’re a pool person, that is money well-spent. If you’re not, you’re not likely to recoup the cost of building one. A Zillow analysis of 2023 home sales found that homes with saltwater pools sell nearly three days faster and sell for about $5,238 more than comparable homes without one. 


But depending on the climate, prospective buyers might not want to spend the time and money and vigilance it takes to keep a pool clean and safe. This could translate into fewer views and offers when you go to sell. 


6. DIY — done badly

We love DIY, and there are plenty of projects you can do yourself to improve your surroundings. But there’s also a reason skilled tradespeople command high prices. Their expertise helps ensure beautiful outcomes that a new buyer isn’t going to have to spend money to redo. When you’re DIYing something for the first time – tiling a bathroom, for example, or installing a hardwood floor – there’s a learning curve that you should account for.


If you have a hankering for a feature, and want to see what you can pull off with your own labors, make sure you have the skill to tackle it. Spending big money on materials isn’t going to feel too good if the outcome is poor.


7. Creating a luxury bathroom


Bathroom remodels are some of the most expensive improvements you can undertake. Even a simple bathroom remodel can set you back more than $20,000, and won’t necessarily pay for itself when you go to sell. But the more luxury bells and whistles you add, the lower your return on investment.


For example, the cost report estimates a $24,000 mid range bathroom remodel would provide about a 67% return on investment, but an upscale one would return only about 37% of the $77,000 such a remodel could cost.


8. Wall-to-wall carpeting


Carpet has a lot of upsides, especially when it comes to warmth, and there are a ton of new styles and textures to spice up any space. But carpeting isn’t as popular as some other flooring options. For-sale listings that mentioned new carpet sold for slightly less (0.4% less) than comparable homes without it. 


Buyers, however, are willing to pay a small premium (1.2%) for luxury vinyl flooring. So if you’re thinking of floor coverings, and you like the feel of carpet on your feet, consider whether you’ll get the same enjoyment from an area rug.


9. Bamboo flooring


Bamboo is a relatively inexpensive and more sustainable form of flooring, but it, too, has fallen in popularity. Listings that mentioned bamboo floors sold for 0.8% less than comparable homes.


10. Laminate countertops


Changing up countertops can transform a kitchen or bath, but one material never seems to make it to the list of trendy or popular materials, and that’s laminate. Although there are some attractive options that mimic natural and made-made stone for a fraction of the price, homes sold in 2023 that mentioned laminate sold for 1.1% less than comparable homes.


11. High end fixtures


If you’ve got the money and derive pleasure from eye-catching fixtures, go for it. But it’s unlikely someone is going to buy your home because they’ve fallen in love with your $3,000 chrome faucet or light fixture. Consider choosing cost-efficient, attractive, well-made fixtures for updates instead.


Home maintenance has a big impact on home values


A well-maintained home can sell for about 10% more than a similar home in average condition, according to Thumbtack research.


So while improvements can add value to your home, regular maintenance will keep your home in better condition so that there are fewer improvements to tackle when you do decide to sell. Some things to keep an eye on: cleaning gutters, resealing grout in the kitchen and bath and having heating and air conditioning systems serviced regularly.




Source: Zillow


Dusty Rhodes Properties is the Best Realtor in Myrtle Beach! We do everything in our power to help you find the home of your dreams. With experience, expertise, and passion, we are the perfect partner for you in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. We love what we do and it shows. With more than 22 years of experience in the field, we know our industry like the back of our hands. There’s no challenge too big or too small, and we dedicate our utmost energy to every project we take on. We search thousands of the active and new listings from Aynor, Carolina Forest, Conway, Garden City Beach, Longs, Loris, Murrells Inlet, Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Pawleys Island, and Surfside Beach real estate listings to find the hottest deals just for you!

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What Stays With the House When You Move?

By Dusty Rhodes • March 30, 2026
When you’re selling your home , it is natural to assume that anything you can safely remove is yours to keep—like the light fixtures you painstakingly cleaned and repaired, or the appliances you bought last year. But the truth is, the buyer may want some of those items, too, and sometimes it's better to part ways with these items for the sake of the sale. Rather than keep everything, you should decide what you'd like to keep and what you'll leave behind as a way to entice buyers into making an offer, particularly in today's market where buyers are holding more of the cards than ever. What stays with the house? Generally, certain items stay with the house when you sell and move. Some features may seem obvious, but the truth is, you're probably expected to leave more behind than you think. Some of these items can include: Built-ins: Built-in bookshelves, benches, and pull-out furniture generally stay inside the home. Landscaping: Trees, shrubs, and any flowers planted in the ground should stay in the yard. Wall mounts: If you have TV wall mounts or picture mounts that might damage the wall if you remove them, it is a good idea to leave them in place when you move. Custom-fit items: If you have custom-made curtains , plantation shutters, or blinds, leave them on the windows and doors. Hardware : If you upgraded the knobs and drawer pulls in the bathrooms and kitchen, you should either leave those behind or install replacements before you move. Alarm systems : Wireless alarm systems are designed to be removed. Otherwise, leave the alarm monitoring station attached and either relocate or cancel the monitoring service. Smoke detectors : Smoke detectors and sprinkler systems should stay in the house, especially if you plan to move before selling the house. What can you take? While you’re expected to leave some items behind, in general your belongings are yours to keep. Here are some examples: Patio furniture, lawn equipment, and play sets : If you have a wooden swing set in the backyard and a bistro table on the front porch, take those items with you. Appliances : Some lenders require that a home have an oven installed before approving a loan, but for all other appliances, it's up to you to decide what you will take and what you will offer as part of the home. Some light fixtures : Generally, homeowners leave light fixtures behind, but if you’re attached to a certain fixture, you can make arrangements with the buyer to take it. Built-in kitchen tools : If you can safely remove a mounted spice rack or the pasta arm, you can take it with you. Rugs, basic curtains, wreaths : Small decor items like rugs or curtain rods that can be safely removed can be taken. What should you consider leaving? Some of your personal items can be used to help sell your house—or increase the asking price. Before you take everything just to take it, consider offering some hot items like the following: Appliances : Homeowners, especially new homeowners, don’t always have their own appliances. Many buyers would be more likely to place an offer on a home if it came fully stocked with appliances. Custom swing and play sets : If you have a swing set or playhouse your children have outgrown and you notice a potential buyer has children, offer to include the item with the deal. Kitchen built-ins : Built-in spice racks, pantry organization, and windowsill shelves can really help sell a kitchen. Consider offering the items to an interested buyer. Light fixtures, curtains, rugs, and other upgrades : If you’ve upgraded the light fixtures or have custom rugs in the entryway, a buyer may be willing to increase his or her offer to keep those items in the home.  If you’re not sure what would entice a buyer, ask your real estate agent to provide suggestions. Don't have an agent yet? Here's how to find a real estate agent in your area.

Top Mistakes Homeowners Are Making in 2026 (And How To Avoid Them)

By Dusty Rhodes • March 23, 2026
Let’s be clear: selling your house is absolutely possible right now. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), roughly 11k homes sell every day in this country. And the sellers who are making their moves happen all have one thing in common: they’ve adjusted their strategy to match today’s market. They’re realizing inventory has grown. Homebuyers are more selective. And buyer expectations are higher. The sellers who struggle are usually approaching today’s market with yesterday’s expectations. Here are the three biggest mistakes they’re making – and how to avoid them. 1. Pricing Based on What Their Neighbor Got a Few Years Back Setting your price is the most important decision you make when you sell – and the one that’s most often mishandled. Realtor.com data shows almost 1 out of 5 sellers in 2025 had to drop their price. Here’s what those sellers went wrong. Buyers have more choice and more negotiating power now that inventory has grown. And house hunters will actively avoid your house is if feels like it’s priced too high. That’s why overpricing usually leads to: Fewer showings Less competitive (or lowball) offers Longer time on market And all three of those side effects are things you don’t want to deal with. What To Do Instead: The good news is the cure is simple. Just price for today’s buyer, not yesterday’s headlines. Lean on your agent’s knowledge of recent comparable sales, current competition, and local buyer behavior to land in the value “sweet spot” that drives traffic and urgency from day one. 2. Trying To Skip Repairs That Buyers Now Expect A few years ago, you could sell as-is and still get well above asking. Today? Not so much. Right now, NAR says two-thirds of sellers are making at least some repairs. And the reason why is simple. In a market with more inventory, buyers compare homes side by side. Homes that don’t show well (or feel dated) are going to lose attention quickly, even if the issues are minor. What To Do Instead: Ask your agent which high-impact, low-stress updates they’d recommend for your house. The goal isn’t perfection. It’s helping buyers see themselves moving in without a mental to-do list. Small investments in staging, repairs, and curb appeal can make a huge difference in how quickly offers come in – and how strong those offers are. 3. Playing Hardball When Buyers Try To Negotiate Today’s buyers have housing affordability at the top of their minds. And since money is already tight, they’ll be pickier and will probably ask for some compromises from you. Whether that’s making repairs, giving them a credit at closing, or taking just a few thousand dollars off your asking price, negotiating is normal again. So, if something pops up in the inspection, you’re going to need to be open to talking about it. If you’re not, you may very well see your buyer walk away. And some sellers are figuring this out the hard way. Redfin data shows one of the big reasons home sales fell thru in 2025 was inspection or repair issues. Odds are those homeowners weren’t willing to flex a bit to get the deal done. What to Do Instead: Meet with your agent to make sure you understand what buyers in your area care the most about. Align your price with value, present the home clearly and confidently, and stay open to reasonable negotiations that keep deals moving forward.

10 Aging-in-Place Features Pros Swear By

By Dusty Rhodes • March 16, 2026
They’re often called aging-in-place features, but things like curbless showers, nonslip flooring and wide walkways and doorways can benefit everyone, no matter their age or ability. “Regardless of aging in place, there is a place for these in day-to-day life, whether it be a teenager on crutches, a family member having had surgery, active kids,” designer Dana Bass says. “It’s not just about aging in place. We’ve got to account for unplanned life emergencies.” Designer Tammy Battistessa of Ellaire Kitchen & Bath Design agrees. “Whenever possible, I include aging-in-place and universal design features in every project, as I believe many of these features benefit clients of all ages and abilities, in addition to allowing a client to safely remain in their home for a longer period of time,” she says. Creating a home that can adapt also makes it more sustainable. “Aging in place is a key element to making legacy homes that can evolve over time,” architect Tim Barber says. With all that in mind, we asked more than 50 home design and construction professionals to share the aging-in-place features they always recommend. Here are the 10 that came up again and again. 1. Wide Walkways and Doorways Planning ahead is one of the most important steps when incorporating aging-in-place features. Many of these elements require thoughtful design and construction, so it’s wise to start early — and to consider hiring professionals who understand the nuances. “Thinking through how you will really use the space makes all the difference,” designer Haiku Durden of HDS Design says. “Having a designer involved really makes a difference.” A professional can help you create a plan that works for your current needs and anticipates future ones. “We currently default to aging-in-place features when our clients are near retirement or retirement age,” says designer Jenny Guggenheim of Guggenheim Architecture and Design Studio . “Preplanning by adding blocking behind the wall finish, spacious floor planning to allow for wheelchair or walker use.” In fact, spacious layouts are among the most commonly recommended aging-in-place strategies. Wide walkways and doorways — and generous clearances around furniture and fixtures — make it easier for anyone to move through the home comfortably. Installing a continuous flooring material throughout also reduces tripping hazards caused by changes in height or texture between rooms.