Designs That Could Hurt Your Home's Value
Owning a home is one of the biggest investments you’ll make in your lifetime. It’s not just a roof over your head – it’s the heart of your family life and a major part of your overall wealth. Because of that, the way you design and update your home can have a big impact on its future value.
Personalizing your space is important, but some design choices can actually make it harder to sell your home later or hurt your resale price. Before you start knocking down walls or ordering specialty finishes, take a look at a few common design decisions that can hurt your home’s value – and what to consider instead.
1. Overdoing the Kitchen or Bathroom
Luxury kitchens and spa-like bathrooms are on many homeowners’ wish lists, but there is such a thing as going too far. High-end appliances, custom cabinetry, and imported tile may look amazing, yet they don’t always deliver a higher return on investment – especially if they push your home far beyond the typical price range for your neighborhood.
Instead of overbuilding, focus on smart, high-quality choices that feel elevated but still align with comparable homes in your area. Future buyers will appreciate stylish, functional spaces more than overly personalized, ultra-expensive finishes that drive the price up.
2. Combining Bedrooms Into One Oversized Suite
Creating a massive, hotel-style primary suite by knocking down walls can seem like a great idea in the moment. However, one of the golden rules of real estate is that bedroom count matters. In many cases, more bedrooms = more value.
Turning two bedrooms into one large space might work for you right now, but it could eliminate a much-needed room for kids, guests, or a home office for the next owner. Before you remove a bedroom, consider how it may affect your home’s appeal and resale value down the line.
3. Removing Closets or the Only Bathtub
Storage and bathing options are non-negotiables for many buyers. Removing a closet to make a room feel larger – or taking out the only tub in the home for a bigger shower – can be a serious turnoff.
Buyers almost always want more storage, not less. And even if you rarely take baths, families with young children (or people who simply like a good soak) often see a bathtub as essential. If your home has only one tub, keep it. Look for other ways to gain space without sacrificing key features.
4. Turning Flexible Spaces Into Permanent Single-Use Rooms
Over the last few years, many homeowners have transformed flex spaces into dedicated home theaters, gyms, classrooms, or highly built-in offices. While these rooms can be convenient now, they may feel limiting to future buyers.
When you permanently convert a bedroom, loft, or garage into one highly specific use – especially with heavy built-ins or removing closets – you reduce the flexibility that makes the space so valuable in the first place. Whenever possible, design with versatility in mind so buyers can picture their own needs there.
5. Overly Quirky or Personalized Finishes
Bold patterned tile, bright accent walls, murals, or heavily textured finishes may reflect your personality, but they don’t always appeal to the wider market. If a feature screams “one-of-a-kind,” many buyers will see a future project (and expense) instead of a selling point.
If you love color and pattern, consider using them in ways that are easier to change – like rugs, décor, and art – while keeping fixed finishes (flooring, tile, countertops) more timeless and neutral.
6. Poor Workmanship or DIY Projects Gone Wrong
Even the best design ideas can lose value if the workmanship is sloppy. Crooked tile, gaps in trim, doors that don’t close properly, or a leaning fire pit in the backyard all send a message: what else isn’t done correctly?
If a DIY project didn’t turn out as planned, it’s worth bringing in a professional to make it right. A single area of visibly poor work can cause buyers to question the overall quality and maintenance of the home.
7. Too Much Wallpaper or Bold Paint Colors
Wallpaper and dramatic paint colors are having a moment, but they can be polarizing. What feels fun and stylish to you may feel like a lot of work to remove for someone else. When buyers walk into a home and immediately picture hours of scraping wallpaper or priming over dark paint, it can dampen their enthusiasm.
If resale is on your radar, consider using bold patterns and colors in smaller doses or in spaces that are easy to repaint. Neutral, fresh walls create a clean canvas that appeals to more buyers.
Plan Design Changes With Resale in Mind
We never want to discourage you from creating a home you love. Our goal is to help you balance personal style with smart decisions that protect your investment. Some design choices – like paint or wallpaper – are relatively easy to change. Others, like removing walls or overhauling kitchens and baths, take more planning and professional guidance.
When you start with an Ernest home, you have a head start. Our thoughtfully designed floor plans and curated selections make it easier to avoid value-hurting decisions from the beginning. At the Ernest Homes Design Studio, you’ll work with a professional Design Consultant to personalize your new home with finishes that fit your style and stand the test of time.
Ready to explore new homes in the Savannah, Richmond Hill, and Guyton areas? Browse our current available homes or contact our team today. We’ll help you choose a home – and design features – you’ll love now and that future buyers will appreciate, too.
