Home Upgrades With the Lowest Return on Investment (ROI) by Charm Hartland, Realtor

Home Upgrades With the Lowest ROI

By Charm Hartland | Realty World Homes & Estates

We used to laugh at my grandmother’s all pink bathroom that was remodeled in the 1960’s (and stayed that way until she passed in the early 2000's). She talked my grandpa into letting her totally remodel her primary bathroom in pink, and then he got to remodel the hall bathroom in green. You may have seen these bathrooms. I actually still see these bathrooms in homes because bathrooms are an expensive upgrade, because they have some of the best return on investment (ROI) – if done well.

Here are some of the home upgrades you should think twice about before selling your home that will likely not get you back what you put in.

Major Luxury Remodels Right Before Selling

A full kitchen or bath gut remodel right before listing often disappoints financially. You pay retail for the work, buyers may not value your style choices, and you rarely recover the full cost. If a space is functional but dated, a refresh is usually smarter.

Highly Customized Design Choices

Bold tile, strong paint colors, statement wallpaper, or ultra-modern finishes can limit buyer appeal. The more personal the design, the lower the typical ROI.

Swimming Pools

Pools are lifestyle upgrades, not financial ones. They can limit your buyer pool, add maintenance and insurance costs, and worry some buyers. They rarely return dollar-for-dollar value.

Garage Conversions

Converting a garage to a gym, office, or bedroom often hurts value. Buyers typically want parking, storage, or EV charging space. And if the conversion was done without the proper permits, it is going to hurt you more financially.
 

High-End Landscaping Overhauls

Elaborate gardens and expensive hardscaping rarely return their full cost. Clean and tidy usually beats elaborate.

Top-of-the-Line Appliances

Professional appliances are nice, but mid-range stainless often delivers similar perceived value and features age quickly.

Wall-to-Wall Carpet Replacement Everywhere

Many buyers prefer hard surfaces. Targeted replacement is smarter than full-home re-carpeting.

Key Principle

ROI comes from broad buyer appeal. Focus on clean, well-maintained, move-in ready presentation.

For personalized advice before you invest in updates, contact:

Charm Hartland, Realtor/Owner
Realty World Homes & Estates
408-712-3932
San Jose, CA 95138
 

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