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A Business Insider article describes a list of things that could lower your home's value, and many of them are outside of your control. For example, having noisy neighbors or living next to someone who prefers to store their junk on their front lawn could hurt your ability to get top dollar for your home.
However, there are a few things you might have done or are considering doing that could sink your home's value. Especially if you're the DIY type of person, you'll want to consider that next project carefully and make sure it's something that will only increase your home's value today and in the future.
Here are six DIY projects you should skip to save your home's value.
Combining bedrooms
Who doesn't love a massive, oversized master bedroom or guest suite? Well, potential buyers, perhaps. If you have plans to combine two small or moderately sized bedrooms to create one larger space—and this isn't your forever home—you may want to rethink that idea. After all, listing prices are usually determined by comparable sales in your area.
So, when your four-bedroom home suddenly becomes a three-bedroom, your home will be compared with other three-bedrooms—and likely command a lower price tag. If you're dying to create larger spaces, work with an architect to determine how to do it without sacrificing an entire bedroom.
Unprofessional painting
Painting is one of those home improvement projects that make people think, "Sure I can tackle that." After all, nearly everyone has painted something at one point or another, and how hard can it really be? Depending on the project, you might end up paying more by painting yourself when it comes to your home's resale value.
While just about anyone can roll walls, the true art of painting comes in the prep work—and the quality of paint used. No one wants to tour an open house and see peeling paint, splattered floorboards and messy edges. Additionally, poor-quality exterior paint can cause fading and peeling—which won't do anything for your curb appeal. House Beautiful recommends hiring a professional for your paint work unless your walls are in great condition (read: smooth) and you're simply looking for a color change in a small area.
Wallpapering
If history teaches anything, it's that wallpaper is certainly a trend that comes and goes. And if you've recently fallen in love with a bohemian-chic peacock blue print, that could elevate your space—or it could turn off potential buyers.
While it might seem boring, neutral paint colors and furnishings tend to sell homes, simply because they appeal to a broader audience. Even if you have impeccable taste, your taste isn't going to be for everyone—particularly if you're covering your bedroom walls in pink flamingos.
Overdoing the carpet
There's something cozy and comfortable about carpet, and it's a no-brainer for bedrooms and living spaces, where it reduces sound and warms up spaces. But don't be tempted to overdo carpet—particularly in areas where hardwood floors make more of an impact (entryways, hallways, combined living spaces, etc.).
According to Homelight, realtors agree that buyers are willing to pay more for wood flooring—even up to 10% more. So when you're considering a flooring change in the living areas of your home, keep in mind that wood or something similar is probably best.
Converting the garage
In the pandemic-driven work-from-home era, it's not uncommon to take business meetings from literally anywhere—including garages. But if you're tempted to fully convert your garage to a home office (or a home gym or playroom for that matter), you might want to reconsider it.
According to Redfin, homes across the United States sell for an average of $23,211 higher with a garage than without one. However compelling your garage conversion might be, it will likely never be as lucrative as letting it do what it was built to do—store cars and garden tools.
Doing anything unpermitted
It's tempting for a DIY-er to just pick up a power tool and start cutting and chopping, but if you cut corners by foregoing permits and inspections for projects that require them, you will likely pay the price when you sell the home. Unpermitted work can cause a lot of issues for new buyers —particularly if the work was not up to code.
If you decide to skip permits, your buyers could require the work to be permitted prior to closing the sale (which may be a difficult and costly process), or they may use the non-permitted work to negotiate a lower price. Either way, it's in your best interest to keep all work (DIY or otherwise) above board.
If you're in the mood to get your hands dirty and make something beautifully new for your home, just make sure it will stand the test of time. For any flooring upgrades you want or need, visit your local Giant Carpet One location for an expert's advice and guidance.
