Renovating your home sounds great, until it isn’t. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of putting weeks of work and a large amount of money into a reno project, only to end up hating the results. Here are some of the most commonly regretted home renovations, and why people regretted them.
Pools
In the hot summer months, a pool sounds like the best idea ever. However, many people underestimate the amount of work they will need to put into upkeep and maintenance, as well as how pools affect the resale value of their homes. The return on investment isn’t always what people expect and many people do not actually want to buy a house with a pool.
Popcorn Ceiling Removal
Popcorn ceiling removal Is often regretted if you choose to do it yourself. Removing popcorn ceiling is not for the faint of heart and is much messier and time-consuming than what most people expect. Even removing popcorn ceilings in smaller homes is likely not a weekend project, and might be one best left to the professionals.
Laminate Hardwood Floors
It looks great, at least at first, but if you have pets or small children (or are just a messy person) laminate has a tendency to warp and break down due to liquid or moisture damage. Additionally, laminate flooring cannot be refinished, unlike hardwood or plank vinyl flooring. Once the laminate is damaged, it must be replaced. Laminate is usually cheaper and easier to install than other types of flooring, but itis usually regretted once installed.
Decorative, Pretty Fixtures, and Elements
Copper sinks, fancy faucets, and waterfall showers all look aesthetically pleasing and can be a conversation point. But unlike more plain, traditional elements and fixtures, they require more maintenance and the cleaning can be tedious. Trendy fixtures may also not appeal to a wide range of potential buyers. If the trend has passed when it’s time to move or sell your home, it could be more challenging to attract buyers or achieve a desirable sale price.
Copper sinks are beautiful but have to be cleaned rigorously with certain cleaning agents. They also lose their shine over time, and are very susceptible to dents and scratches. Waterfall-style faucets mineralize easily and are hard to clean. However, if you’re willing to put in the effort, all can be pretty additions to home renos.
Bright, Harsh Paint Colors
While color-drenching is a popular decor trend, it certainly isn’t for everyone. There is a reason why there are a million different shades of white available, and less so for brights and neons. If it’s your style, absolutely go for it, but rarely does the inspiration from a Pinterest board transcend perfectly into your home.
Hardwood Flooring
Hardwood is another flooring option that might not work for particularly busy homes or those with kids and pets. Hardwood flooring is also susceptible to water damage, is scratched fairly easily, and depending on the tone of the wood and exposure, can be sun-bleached.
Fixer-Upper Homes
Buying a home that just needs some TLC at a much lower price point sounds amazing, at least in theory. In reality, unless you’re experienced in remodeling and construction, renovating a fixer-upper isn’t for most people. Renovating is costly and time-consuming, and there is no guarantee on the return on investment you’ll get when you decide to move on. Additionally, fixer-uppers often end up costing more than initially budgeted for, and a big regret is not being more conservative with the renovations done.
Are you looking to enter the real estate market this summer? Give us a call today! One of the experienced agents at Zoocasa will be more than happy to help you through the exciting home-buying process!
