5 home improvements that could actually devalue your home

If you’ve read our blog, How to add value to your house, you might be brimming with ideas to get you started on those home improvements to get your property sale-ready.

But while renovating will often increase the value, or at least the appeal, of your property, there are a few modifications you could choose to make that might actually have the opposite effect. That’s why we wanted to share these five renovation ideas that we absolutely do not recommend if you’re hoping to achieve the highest possible price when you come to sell your home.

1. Getting rid of the bath

Yes, of course it’s showers that people want for speed and convenience in this day and age, but don’t underestimate the importance of having a bath tub in your property.

For families with young children, potential parents or dog owners, a bath might not only be a nice-to-have, but an essential. Plus, for some people, a relaxing soak in a hot bath at the end of a long day is a mental health necessity.

To improve the saleability of your property, it’s important you make sure it has both options where possible. Of course, the perfect set up is a shower cubicle separate to the bath, but if you don’t have the luxury of space, a good quality shower over the bath tub is the next best alternative. 

2. ‘Bold’ decorating

Of course, when you’re decorating your home it’s important you put your own stamp on it. It’s your place, that’s the point. But bold statement wallpaper, bright colours and overly patterned carpets aren’t to everyone’s tastes. And it’s been psychologically proven that potential viewers can struggle to see past them (and the work involved in replacing them).

If you’re looking to sell your home quickly, and for a good price, it’s better to decorate with neutral, inoffensive colours and then add those bold statements with bright coloured accessories and art.

3. Painting the wooden floors

While painted wooden floors can look quirky or trendy in certain settings, when it comes to the sale of your home, buyers prefer natural. Real wooden floors are highly sought-after and a great selling point. Unfortunately your slightly scuffed white paint may lessen their value in the eyes of your potential buyer.

The idea of stripping the paint and refinishing the wood might feel too expensive or time-consuming to take on, which may mean you end up with a ‘no thanks’, especially if the property requires other renovations as well.

4. Poor-quality DIY

Done well, DIY is almost certainly the most cost-effective way to get the work done when you’re renovating your home. But, potential buyers can spot a dodgy paint job a mile off. By all means do it yourself, but take your time, complete the work to a high standard, use quality materials and make sure that if there are planning permissions to apply for, everything is above board and done to the letter.

And it’s counter-intuitive anyway. If you’re not sure you’re up to the job, professional decorators, builders or renovators will likely complete the work in half the time and to a far better standard, and the increase in value will often more than pay for it.

5. Creating a home office

Especially in this day and age, where working from home has become the norm for many people.  A home office can seem like the ideal use for the box room in your house. But when it comes time to sell, and potential buyers don’t have the same needs as you, it might actually be off-putting.  

Imagine your property is advertised as a three-bedroom home in a family-friendly area with great schools, your potential buyers will want to see just that, three bedrooms. There’s no reason you can’t use the room as a home office if that’s what suits you, but be mindful of the need to convert it back to a bedroom if not before then after the sale. Avoid installing walls of in-built shelving or cable management systems that might prove problematic to remove.

Getting ready to move?

When it’s time to sell up and buy a new home, give us a call. Our specialist mortgage advisers can help you to understand your options and work out what you can afford.