Thinking of Upgrading? 10 Popular Projects That Can Reduce Your Home’s Value
Originally published 2014. Updated for 2025.
10 Home Upgrades That Don’t Add Value When You SellIf you’re getting ready to list your home so you can move into a new Ernest home in Coastal Georgia , you may be tempted to tackle a long list of renovations first. Some improvements can absolutely help your resale value—but others rarely pay off and can even make buyers think twice.
Before you invest your time and money, take a look at 10 popular upgrades that usually don’t increase your home’s value when it’s time to sell.
1. In-Ground Pools
With our warm Savannah climate, a backyard pool sounds like an obvious win. But for many buyers, an in-ground pool is a concern—not a perk. The cost of maintenance, higher insurance, and safety worries for children or pets can turn this “upgrade” into a deal-breaker. Install a pool only if you will enjoy it for years, not just to raise your list price.
2. Whole-House Power Generators
Permanent backup generators are expensive, and most neighborhoods don’t experience frequent or extended outages. While some buyers may appreciate the peace of mind, many won’t pay more for a feature they don’t expect to use often. You’re unlikely to recover the full cost at resale.
3. Highly Customized Home Offices
Remote work is more common than ever, but ultra-specific built-ins, bold colors, and fixed desks can make a home office feel too personal. Buyers want flexibility. If you already have a dedicated workspace, keep finishes neutral and furnishings easy to remove so shoppers can imagine the room as a bedroom, playroom, or flex space instead.
4. Chef-Level Appliances
Commercial-grade ranges, specialty refrigerators, and built-in wine fridges can look impressive, but they’re often overkill for the average buyer—and very pricey to install. In most price ranges, updated but reasonably priced stainless steel appliances will show just as well without eating into your potential profit.
5. Hot Tubs, Spas, and Whirlpools
Stand-alone hot tubs and oversized whirlpool tubs appeal to a small group of buyers, but many see them as high-maintenance or space-stealing. Others worry about repairs or sanitation. If you’re renovating a bathroom before selling, focus on a clean, modern shower and simple soaking tub instead.
6. Replacing a Roof That’s Still in Good Shape
A sound roof is a basic expectation, not a luxury feature. If your roof is leaking or past its life span, replacement is essential to avoid scaring buyers away. But installing a brand-new roof just to “upgrade” rarely increases the sale price enough to recoup the full cost. Address issues, but don’t replace prematurely purely for resale.
7. Wall-to-Wall Carpeting
Today’s buyers overwhelmingly prefer hard-surface flooring. Wall-to-wall carpet can trap allergens, show wear quickly, and feel dated—especially in main living areas. If you’re updating floors, consider luxury vinyl plank or hardwood and reserve carpet for secondary bedrooms only, if at all.
8. Built-In Home Theaters
Hard-wired surround sound, elevated platforms, and theater seating may thrill movie lovers, but most buyers won’t pay extra for a dedicated cinema space. Many would rather use the room as a playroom, guest suite, or home gym. Keep media rooms simple so they can easily be reimagined.
9. Bold or Colorful Bath Fixtures
Vintage-inspired pink tubs and avocado tile can be fun on social media—but in real life, they often send buyers straight to the “renovation needed” column. If you’re refreshing a bathroom before listing, choose neutral tile, white fixtures, and timeless finishes so your space feels clean, bright, and move-in ready.
10. Large-Scale Additions
Sunrooms, oversized garages, and sprawling primary suite additions are some of the most expensive projects you can undertake—and they rarely return their full cost at resale. Before you add square footage, talk with a real estate professional about how your home compares to others in the neighborhood. In many cases, reworking your existing layout is a better financial decision.
Smarter Ways to Get Your Home Ready to Sell
Instead of investing in niche upgrades, focus on projects that nearly all buyers appreciate: fresh paint, updated lighting, minor kitchen and bath refreshes, and great curb appeal. These improvements are less expensive and often make a much bigger impact on showings.
When you’re ready for your next chapter, explore Ernest Homes communities in Coastal Georgia , browse our new home floor plans , or connect with our team through our contact page . We’re here to help you sell with confidence and move into a home designed for the way you live today.
