Sometimes the most important summer home improvement projects are those that you don’t actually undertake. Because not every enhancement will pay off, either in terms of property resale value or visual punch, and it’s vital every dollar you invest in a project bring back a positive ROI.
Though every property (and market) is unique, here are a few home improvement projects that maybe should be at the bottom of your to-do list:
- Swimming pool: There may be no more controversial home improvement than a pool. The truth is, for many homebuyers, a pool is more of a high-maintenance pain — that requires money to heat and clean — than it’s worth.
- Complex landscaping: Sound landscaping improvements, some of which we’ve gone over, are a great way to go. But outfitting your property with complex water features or overly-stylized backyards can leave homebuyers scratching their heads instead of reaching for their wallets.
- Expensive carpet: It’s not that carpet can’t be attractive to homebuyers. It’s just that most homebuyers prefer wood floors, and carpet tends to date quickly. So direct your precious budget elsewhere for a better ROI.
So do yourself a favor, save some money and the home improvement headaches by putting these off till you’ve had more time – and a cooler head – to think it over.
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