The “Don’t Do It” List: Renovations to AVOID When Selling Your Home

So, you’re planning to sell your house and naturally want to make it as appealing as possible to potential buyers. While some upgrades can significantly increase your home’s value and speed up the selling process, others can be costly mistakes that don’t offer a good return on investment – or even turn buyers off.

Before you start tearing down walls or ordering that fancy new jacuzzi, take a look at our “Don’t Do It” list of renovations you should probably avoid when selling your home, especially in a market like Toronto where buyer preferences can be quite specific.

1. Highly Personalized or Trendy Renovations:

• Niche Design Choices: That bold, themed bathroom you’ve always dreamed of might not appeal to everyone. Avoid highly personal or trendy design choices that could feel dated or require buyers to renovate again to suit their tastes. Stick to neutral and universally appealing aesthetics.
• Turning Bedrooms into Hobby Rooms: While your home gym or dedicated craft room might be perfect for your lifestyle, potential buyers are often looking for a specific number of bedrooms. Converting a bedroom into a single-purpose space can limit your buyer pool.

2. Expensive Structural Changes (Unless Absolutely Necessary):

• Major Layout Overhauls: Knocking down walls to create an open-concept space might seem like a good idea, but it can be costly and may not align with every buyer’s preference. Some families prefer more defined living spaces. Unless there’s a clear structural issue, avoid significant layout changes.
• Adding Extensions or Sunrooms: These are significant investments that might not be recouped in your sale price. Buyers might have their own vision for additions or prefer a different type of outdoor space.

3. Over-the-Top Luxury Upgrades:

• High-End, Niche Appliances: While a gourmet kitchen is appealing, extremely expensive, specialized appliances might not be a priority for all buyers and could price your home out of their range. Focus on clean, functional, and well-maintained appliances.
• Lavish Bathroom Fixtures: That gold-plated faucet or ultra-modern smart toilet might not be everyone’s cup of tea. Stick to stylish, yet practical and universally appealing fixtures.

4. Covering Up Potential Issues:

• Superficial Fixes Over Core Problems: Don’t try to hide underlying issues like a leaky roof, foundation problems, or outdated electrical systems with cosmetic fixes. Buyers will likely uncover these during inspections, leading to distrust and potentially lost deals. Address these fundamental issues instead.

5. DIY Gone Wrong:

• Amateur Workmanship: While DIY can save money, poorly executed renovations can be a major turn-off for buyers. If you’re not skilled in a particular area, it’s often better to leave it to the professionals. Sloppy work can raise red flags about other potential issues with the home.

Instead, Focus on These Value-Boosting, Budget-Friendly Renovations:

• Fresh Paint: A fresh coat of neutral paint throughout the interior can make a huge difference.
• Updated Flooring: Replacing worn or outdated carpet with neutral, modern flooring (like laminate or hardwood) is a good investment.
• Kitchen Refresh: Clean countertops, updated cabinet hardware, and a fresh backsplash can make your kitchen more appealing without a full remodel.
• Bathroom Spruce-Up: New lighting fixtures, a modern vanity, and updated faucets can refresh a bathroom on a budget.
• Curb Appeal Enhancements: As discussed in our previous post, a well-maintained exterior makes a fantastic first impression.

The Bottom Line:

When it comes to renovating to sell, think smart, not extravagant. Focus on addressing any glaring issues, making necessary repairs, and presenting a clean, neutral, and well-maintained home that allows potential buyers to envision themselves living in the space. Over-investing in highly personalized or overly luxurious renovations might not yield the return you’re hoping for and could even hinder your sale.