So you’ve decided to sell your home, but you want to get every dollar of what it’s worth. We’re in a seller’s market (in case you haven’t heard) so that likely won’t be too difficult. But these conditions won’t last forever. And as we recently discussed, there’s really no market where you should simply rest on your laurels. You wisely start poring through lists of home renovation ideas. Maybe you want to get your curb appeal up to scratch. Perhaps the interior could use some fresh paint. And you’ve been planning on updating the electrical panels anyway. Not so fast. That last one won’t likely do you many favors when it comes time to review your offers. So what home renovation ideas are a waste of your resources? 

New Roofing Shouldn’t Be at the Top of Your Home Renovation Ideas

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The roof is an admittedly important part of your home. After all, what is a home really worth if it’s not effectively providing shelter from the elements? There’s a reason the term “a roof over your head” has endured. So, when you decide to sell your home, you may think roofing repairs would be chief amongst the best home renovation ideas.

But roofing repairs don’t help much beyond the inspection process. “It’s important to understand that making any updates to the roofing won’t help you when it comes to resale value,” explains our CEO, founder, and principal broker Harout Keuroghlian. “Will it help you speed up the inspection process? Sure. But it’s such a huge and expensive undertaking that it’s really not worth pursuing.”

Sometimes the Little Things Don’t Count

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It’s not much of a secret in real estate that everyone loves a swimming pool. So, when you’re on the cusp of listing your home, you may think some new pool equipment is a sage move. But you’re better off chasing more immediately rewarding home renovation ideas.

“I’ve seen people mistakenly sink money into buying all new pool equipment before listing their homes,” explains Harout. “These kinds of improvements won’t recover the money that you put into them. Buyers just see a swimming pool and that’s all they care about. They’re not thinking about cleaning the pool. They’re thinking about swimming in it.” 

Air Conditioning is a Conditional Home Renovation Idea

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If you don’t already have central air conditioning, an install could give your home’s appeal a boost. But what if you have an older central air conditioning system? Is it worth it to upgrade to a more state-of-the-art model?

“Updating the air conditioning is sinking money into details that buyers simply won’t process,’ cautions Harout. “Do you have central air conditioning? That’s all they care about. Any details beyond that are superfluous.” 

Other Home Renovation Ideas That Won’t Help Your Home Sell

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While these are three of the most common missteps in home renovation ideas for home sellers, this is by no means a definitive list. Other popular renovation undertakings that cost more effort and cash than they’re worth include:

• New sprinkler system installation
• Updating electrical panels
• New security system installation

While these may be personally attractive features to you, they just don’t sell homes. Now that you know what not to do, you’re probably wondering where to start. If you haven’t already, check out our blog on 9 home renovation ideas that can skyrocket your home’s value!