Brendon DeSimone

26

Aug
2026

Today’s typical buyers plan to live in their home for just five to seven years. So it’s more important than ever to consider resale when making home improvements. Even though you’re a buyer, it’s important to think like a seller, too, from the time you sign the purchase contract through any home improvement or renovation projects. Here are five home renovation/improvement projects that could actually hurt your home’s resale value.

1. Excessive landscaping or gardens.

Your property needs curb appeal, and nice landscaping does sell. And you may have a green thumb and be really proud of your garden, hedges or landscaping. But the next buyer might see it all as too much maintenance. They may not be willing to hire a gardener or do the work themselves. This is especially true with Millennials and Gen X-ers.

2. Turning a garage into a family room.

Converting a garage into a family room may make sense if you don’t have a nice car or you simply want a bigger family room. But this is a huge ‘no-no’ in real estate. A garage is expected, especially in the suburbs. If you take it out, you forfeit a huge chunk of buyers who simply won’t consider a home without a garage.

3. Turning a bedroom into a closet or home office.

It’s common today for homeowners to transform a bedroom into a huge master closet or a home office with built-in desk and cabinet. If you do, make sure the room can be easily turned back when you put the home on the market. A buyer may see that bedroom you converted into a home office or closet as more money they’ll need to spend to turn it back into a bedroom.

4. Adding a swimming pool.

A pool requires maintenance and is an even bigger liability. This is very particular for certain parts of the country. If you’re in the South, in a warm environment, you can get away with it much more easily. A pool would be a common ‘must have’ on many buyers’ wish list. But if you’re in an area where it’s only warm a few months a year and pools aren’t common, adding one could be a big mistake.

5. Adding highly personalized colors, finishes, or fixtures.

You may be obsessed with the Moroccan tile from your Marrakesh vacation last year and want it in your kitchen. But the next buyer may not be so enthusiastic. Similarly, installing marble tile all over the floors may please you but won’t be something a future buyer will pay for. Always keep in mind that what may be a highly personal touch could make your home look like a ‘fixer-upper’ to others.