Avoid These Upgrades That Can Devalue a Home

Owning your own home is a delicate balance. On the one hand, you want to craft a space that speaks to your lifestyle and personality, something that is entirely your own. On the other hand, you also don’t want to drive down the value of your home on the chance that, one day, you might want to sell it.

In the quest to add value to your home, you might think that any addition or improvement is bound to add value. You’d be wrong. Some home “improvements” will actually cause a home value decrease in Santa Fe, NM. Here are some of the worst offenders.

Don’t go big on home surveillance

You might think that your surveillance cameras are adding a blanket of security to your home, but you’d be mistaken. In fact, the opposite impression is achieved. By and large, prospective buyers find that homes equipped with too much security or surveillance make them feel unsafe or unsettled.

If you have security cameras, it may be a good idea to take them down before you try to sell your home.

Carpet is a bad idea

You might think that carpet is the only clear option for bare feet on a cold morning, but the majority of people disagree. They’d rather have hardwood floors and just keep slippers near the bed.

Think about it in pure math. Average wall-to-wall carpeting lasts about a decade. Hardwood, on the other hand, lasts at least 25 years, and often much longer. So, not only does hardwood last longer than carpeting, but it’s more attractive to the general public.

Rethink marble counters

You might think fancy kitchen or bathroom counters would add value to your home. In fact, materials like marble or slate are home remodeling upgrades in Santa Fe, NM that can backfire on you because they chip, stain and scratch unless you’re willing to do a lot of upkeep.

Quartz or granite look just as nice, but are much easier to maintain, therefore adding long-term value to your home.

Don’t get experimental with your paint colors

You might think that periwinkle paint will build a bathroom no one could dislike. Or, you might think your vibrant orange bedroom creates a fun energy in the room. That might be true for you, but when it comes time to sell your home, you’ll find that prospective buyers prefer neutral colors.

Choosing the right contractor

Finally, some home improvements can cause a home value decrease in Santa Fe, NM unless they’re done correctly. Adding a bathroom or a bedroom? Remodeling a kitchen? Redoing the decor in your living room? Any of those ideas could be a bad idea unless you’re working with a contractor who can help you steer through the common pitfalls that can derail a project.

In Santa Fe, there’s no more trustworthy team to call than Apple Construction LLC. Our highly-skilled professionals are ready and waiting to find the sweet spot between preserving your home’s value and building a place you can call your own. Give us a call or visit us online today and let’s build your dream home together.

Categorised in: Remodeling