Remodeling projects can make your home more enjoyable, but not all updates will boost resale value. In fact, some popular trends in kitchens, bathrooms, and other spaces can even lower your home’s appeal to buyers.
Here at JSB Home Solutions, we’ve teamed up with Kendra Carter of The Carter Group with Keller Williams Realty to bring you expert advice on remodeling trends to avoid. With our 46 years of remodeling experience and Kendra’s real estate expertise, we can help you make smart decisions on home updates that maximize appeal and resale value when it’s time to sell your home in the Columbus, Ohio housing market.
By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear understanding of remodeling trends to think twice about, plus practical alternatives that help you create a home that’s both enjoyable now and attractive to future buyers.
Table of Contents:
- 1. Over-the-Top Luxury Kitchen and Bathroom Upgrades
- 2. High-Maintenance Outdoor Living Areas
- 3. Overly Personalized Kitchens and Bathrooms
- 4. Specialty Room Conversions (e.g., Home Gyms, Theaters)
- 5. Excessive Technology Integration
- 6. Expanding the Master Suite Too Much
- 7. Removing Closets or Storage Space
As you read these trends that hurt resale value, keep in mind that this advice really only applies if you plan to sell your house in the future. If you are living in your forever home, make your home whatever you want it to be!
1. Over-the-Top Luxury Kitchen and Bathroom Upgrades
High-end finishes and luxury appliances in the kitchen and bathroom may seem like a great investment, but they can actually work against you when selling. Kendra explains that luxury materials and designer brands may not appeal to every buyer, especially if they make your home the most expensive one on the block.
For example, a top-of-the-line commercial stove and imported marble counters may look impressive, but they could push your kitchen renovation costs far beyond what potential buyers in your area are willing to pay. Instead, Kendra suggests focusing on stylish yet moderately priced finishes.
“Updates like new countertops, energy-efficient appliances, and a fresh, neutral color scheme create an upscale look without alienating potential buyers.”
2. High-Maintenance Outdoor Living Areas
Pools, hot tubs, and extensive landscaping often come with high maintenance needs, which can be a turnoff for buyers who value low-maintenance living.
Kendra notes, “Buyers in the Columbus area often look for outdoor spaces that don’t require a lot of upkeep, so a pool or complex landscaping can actually reduce the number of offers you get.”
A better choice? Consider adding a vinyl or aluminum sunroom. Sunrooms offer a comfortable, enclosed space for relaxation or entertaining without the maintenance demands of a pool or elaborate garden. A vinyl or aluminum sunroom can extend outdoor living space in a way that’s easy to care for, making it a win-win for homeowners and potential buyers alike.
3. Overly Personalized Kitchens and Bathrooms
Unique or trendy design choices may look great now, but they can age quickly and require costly updates later on. Kendra advises caution with overly personalized design choices in key spaces like kitchens and bathrooms:
“Bold cabinetry colors, unique fixtures, or heavily themed decor may reflect your personal style, but they can make buyers think about the cost of updating to something more neutral.”
A more universal approach is to choose classic, timeless designs in kitchens and bathrooms. Neutral cabinetry, classic tile choices, and adaptable layouts can go a long way in creating spaces that appeal to a wide range of buyers. You can always add your personal touch with removable decor, like artwork or small accessories, which won’t impact resale value.
Remember, this advice is for if you plan to sell your home in the future. If you're in your forever home, personalize it to your hearts content!
4. Specialty Room Conversions (e.g., Home Gyms, Theaters)
Repurposing spaces like a guest room or dining area into a home gym, theater, or office can limit a home’s appeal, especially if it takes away from other essential areas like bedrooms or storage.
“Most buyers want spaces they can adapt to their own needs,” Kendra explains. “When you convert a functional room into something overly specific, you’re reducing flexibility.”
A better approach is to make spaces versatile. Instead of a permanent gym, consider staging a spare room as a multi-purpose space that can function as a home office, guest room, or exercise space. This shows buyers that they have options without requiring a major remodel.
5. Excessive Technology Integration
While certain smart home features are appealing, over-investing in tech-heavy solutions can be a drawback if the technology becomes outdated.
“Smart home technology can go out of style quickly,” Kendra points out. “Buyers often look for features that are easy to update and maintain rather than highly integrated systems.”
Instead of committing to an elaborate smart setup, choose flexible tech upgrades, like a smart thermostat or plug-and-play devices. These items are attractive to buyers but won’t require costly upgrades in a few years.
6. Expanding the Master Suite Too Much
Expanding a master suite or bathroom is a popular trend, but going too big can come at the expense of other rooms. Buyers often want balance, with a comfortable master suite and functional secondary bedrooms or baths.
“When a master suite or bathroom expansion removes a bedroom or limits the home’s layout, it can reduce its appeal to families,” Kendra says.
Instead, consider updates that make your master suite and bathroom feel spacious without changing the home’s layout. For instance, adding a double vanity or upgrading fixtures in the bathroom can create a high-end feel without removing other essential rooms. Learn about bathroom remodeling costs here.
7. Removing Closets or Storage Space
Closets and storage areas are essential for most buyers, so removing them to open up space can be a dealbreaker.
“A lot of buyers want both open space and ample storage,” says Kendra. “Reducing closets or built-ins can make a home feel less functional, especially for families.”
Instead of eliminating storage, find ways to enhance it. Adding closet organizers or updating existing storage areas can increase functionality without sacrificing space, making it easier for buyers to imagine themselves living in the home.
Which Remodeling Trends Are Worth Your Investment?
Updating your home is exciting, but not every trend will pay off when it’s time to sell. As Kendra’s insights reveal, overly personalized kitchens, high-maintenance outdoor features, and luxury upgrades in key areas can actually decrease your home’s value by narrowing its appeal.
Remodeling projects that are worth the investment when preparing to sell your home:
- Kitchen and bathroom designs that fit with the style and price range of your area.
- Low-maintenance outdoor living spaces like patios, decks, and sunrooms.
- Staging rooms as multi-purpose spaces.
- Easy to update technology integration like smart thermostats or plug-and-play devices.
- Make every square foot usable space (i.e. no over-sized rooms or empty spaces without storage).
Before making any major remodeling decisions, consider your local market and talk with a Columbus, Ohio real estate expert like Kendra about which updates will truly add value.
If you’re planning a remodel and want advice on which upgrades will add value, contact us for a consultation. Our team is here to help you make the most of your home now and in the future. For more remodeling insights, check out our article on deciding if you should renovate your home before selling.
