Many homeowners start the New Year with ambitious renovation plans. Kitchen upgrades, bathroom remodels, cosmetic fixes – the options seem endless. However, not all improvements deliver a good return on investment, and some can even decrease your home’s value. Here are five projects that designers and project managers consistently advise against for 2025.
Highly Customized Built-Ins: A Luxury Few Buyers Want
Built-in shelving and entertainment centers are popular now, adding storage and visual appeal. But experts warn against over-customization. While they fit your needs perfectly today, they can deter future buyers who may not share your preferences.
Elizabeth Vergara of Vergara Homes notes, “They can make a space feel rigid and less appealing.” A better approach? Opt for modular furniture that offers similar functionality without the permanence. DIY built-ins also provide a more affordable, flexible alternative.
Large Whirlpool Tubs: An Expensive Dust Collector
Large whirlpool tubs promise a spa-like experience, but often end up unused. Their size and cost rarely justify the limited practicality.
Vergara recommends a sleek walk-in shower instead. “It feels just as luxurious but is way more functional and universally loved.” Showers are more versatile, appealing to a wider range of buyers, and require less space.
Chasing Fast-Moving Trends: Style That Expires Quickly
Social media accelerates design trends, making them obsolete faster than ever. Jumping on the latest viral home fad is a gamble. You risk regretting your choices by year-end as styles shift.
The key? Timeless foundations with trend-driven accents. Paint, hardware, and décor can be easily updated without costly overhauls. This approach allows flexibility as your tastes (or the trends) evolve.
Overbuilding for Your Neighborhood: A Mismatch That Hurts Resale Value
Unless you plan to stay in your home forever, avoid renovations that significantly exceed the local market. Overbuilding, whether through large additions or high-end customizations, can create a mismatch between your property and its surroundings.
Project manager Joe Meringolo advises considering potential buyers. “If you are in a luxury home and luxury home neighborhood, then using pre-sized off-the-shelf cabinets and finishes will be a waste of money. Conversely, If the home and neighborhood are more modest, then elegant finishes will not be good money spent.” Align your renovations with the area’s typical standards.
Dedicated Home Theaters: A Costly Niche Feature
Extensive home theaters are another renovation that rarely pays off. Beyond the initial equipment costs, proper installation requires significant structural changes.
Meringolo explains that achieving optimal acoustics often involves new walls, ceilings, floors, and soundproofing. The investment rarely matches the resale value. Most buyers prefer flexible spaces over dedicated entertainment rooms.
Investing in renovations should be strategic. Focus on improvements that add long-term value rather than fleeting trends or highly personalized features. Prioritize functionality, broad appeal, and alignment with your local market to maximize your return on investment.
