First of all, if you are doing home improvements just because they make you happy and you want them, go right ahead. Living in your home and don’t plan to ever move? Install a water slide from your top floor to your swimming pool. Drill holes all over the walls. Cut out trap doors between rooms. Paint every room a different neon color. Spend millions on intricate landscaping and fountains. If you have the money, go crazy! But, if you are doing home improvements simply to add value to your home…some of those options might not pay off. Ok, all of them are terrible ideas. Most of the time, bigger (more expensive) is not always better. For the home improvements that will actually cost you in the long run, check out this post by Lindsey Schroeder at House Hunt:
-Swimming pools- Experts across the real estate industry agree that pools almost never add to a home’s value, and sometimes they actually decrease home prices.
-Go with minor improvements over upscale remodels every time- It’s always a good idea to remodel a room that hasn’t seen attention in decades-add some new carpet and fresh paint. Research suggests, however, that you’ll lose big on additions and high-end remodels.
-Don’t overdo the landscaping- A minor amount of landscaping is one of the best ways to increase your home’s value, especially if it adds a touch of much-needed curb appeal.