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Motion sensor lights -

Motion sensor lights makes sense for safety reasons outside, but adding them inside is just a waste. Not all homeowners want them inside their homes either, so it's a hard sell.

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Wall-to-wall carpeting -

Carpets may sound cozy, but you'll spend a lot of money to get them cleaned, especially if you suffer from allergies. Plus, many people today prefer hardwood floors.

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DIY project fails -

Sometimes it's best to just pay a professional to do house projects. Buyers will notice small details and the craftsmanship, so doing it yourself may end up costing you money in the sale.

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Upgraded home maintenance -

Replacing home maintenance systems, like your water heater or roof, is often standard practice for most homeowners. However, when it comes to resale, you won't recoup much of your investment.

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Murals and wallpaper -

Murals and wallpaper can seem like a cheap home upgrade, but it's not the best investment if you plan to sell your space in the future. Removing wallpaper or painting can be expensive, and potential buyers may not want to invest in that.

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Design and fixtures -

Your home will lose value if you mix a bunch of different designs. Having a farmhouse kitchen and a modern living room will make your home feel inconsistent, so stick to designs and fixtures that work together.

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Specialty built-ins -

Unique items, like a built-in aquarium, may bring your personal joy, but as it requires a lot of maintenance, it can become a hindrance when selling the space.

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Converting a bedroom into a dressing room -

A separate dressing room only makes sense if you have plenty of bedrooms and it won't affect the home's value. If that's not the case, opt for freestanding wardrobes, which can easily be removed.

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Knocking down valuable walls -

Knocking down walls isn't always a smart move, especially if you're removing a valuable room from your home.

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Sun rooms -

Having a sun room can be a lovely idea, as it's a room one can use all year round. But it can take away a lot of yard space, which for some may be a negative thing.

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Building an entertainment room -

Converting your basement into a home cinema, bar, or a bowling alley might be a great idea when it comes to your entertainment, but having these large, built-in fixtures won't appeal to everyone.

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Changing the garage into a gym -

Garages and parking space are in high demand, so in the end buyers want a garage available for cars, not gym equipment. You're better off taking your gym stuff to the attic or basement.

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Sacrificing bedroom space for an en suite -

By sacrificing bedroom space for a walk-in closet or an en suite bathroom, you're inadvertently knocking money off the value of your home. This is because buyers typically prefer a bigger sleeping space over an extra bathroom.

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High-end upgrades -

Sauna and steam showers are the ultimate luxury to have at home, but it's usually wasted money, as it won't bring back money when you sell your place.

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Choosing designer tiles -

You don't need to spend a fortune on bathroom tiles. There are many great affordable alternatives that can create the luxurious finish you want.

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Covering up period features -

Older properties have incredible antique features that can be perfectly restored. So before covering the original wood flooring, for instance, think about how these features could add value to your home.

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Extending without permission -

If you have a house, extending it could add great value. But if you do it without permission, it could prove to be very costly. Make sure you go through the correct process to gain permission.

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Extensive landscaping -

You might love a beautifully landscaped yard, filled with idyllic details like fountains or rock walls. The problem is, potential buyers see a lot of weeding and other maintenance.

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Fire place mantles -

Renovating fire place mantles is a common DIY upgrade that won't add any value to your home. On top of that, cracks in the fire place can put off buyers.

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Front door -

Spending money on a new door, including hardware, won't get you much in return. You're better off spending a bit on power washing your front door clean. 

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Improving too much -

The neighborhood you live in is a huge factor when it comes to the value of your home. So if you improve your home too much, it won't necessarily make sense given the price of the neighborhood.

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Personal and custom renovations -

If you plan to sell your home one day, stay away from personal and custom renovations, like a yoga studio or a wine cellar. Buyers don't want to do renovations, so keep your space clean and simple.

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Investing too much in tech -

Fun upgrades like turning on your appliances and lights with your phone won't actually add value to your home. And it may even turn away buyers who prefer traditional methods.

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Following trends -

Following interior trends can be fun, but if you're on a budget or planing to sell your space, it's best to use trends with accessories rather than with fixtures.

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Overspending on a luxury kitchen -

It can be tempting to splurge on a high-end designer kitchen when it comes to upgrading it. But before you do a complete makeover, consider if you can give it a new look by replacing some fixtures or painting the cabinets.

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Swimming pools -

Adding a pool won't actually increase your home's value. They're expensive and require a lot of time and money to maintain.

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Over-the-top fencing -

You won't get a big return on your investment if you go for over the top fences. Concrete posts, elaborate finials, and decorative caps are nice to look at, but stick with the basics, like black steel or white picket.

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Blowing the budget on things you can’t take with you -

If you don't live in luxury, spending money on fancy fixtures and finishes is a way to lose money in the long run. It's better to stick to quality, mid-range items, as prospective buyers won't up their offer solely based on your add-ons.

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Replacing the garage door -

If your current garage door works, adding a new, fancy one that has a keyless entry won't increase the value of your home. Instead, you can clean and repaint your current one.

Sources: (Reader's Digest) (Love Property)

See also: Useless household items that you probably have 

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