Some home improvement projects warrant second thoughts

NORTH COUNTY - Upon buying a home, new homeowners understandably want to start making adjustments so the home is a more accurate reflection of who they are. Many of these adjustments are minor, but even minor changes here and there can give a home a whole new feel.

While there are many ways a person can turn a home into their own unique oasis, some home improvement projects may not be worth the effort, especially when homeowners decide to sell.

Some projects may prove a little too personal, making them less attractive to prospective buyers down the road. Although it’s within every homeowner’s right to make adjustments to their home, as long as those adjustments are in adherence to local laws, the following projects might come back to haunt homeowners down the road.

Sports complex

Sports fans often dream of erecting a backyard basketball court or adding a tennis court to their property. But such projects are among the more expensive additions a homeowner can make to his or her property, costing more than popular projects like kitchen remodels or room additions. What’s more, real estate professionals note that homeowners can expect to recoup little, if any, of the cost of adding a basketball or tennis court to their properties at resale, while more popular projects tend to recoup a substantial amount of a homeowner’s initial investment.

Luxury shower

Installing a luxury shower, such as a multi-headed steam shower, can add a splash of resort-style luxury to your home, but it likely won’t add much to your sale price. Though costs for such additions can vary significantly depending on how grand you choose to go, real estate professionals warn that a luxury shower is unlikely to recoup much of its initial cost at resale. If you simply must give your bathroom a more luxurious look, but still want to be a responsible homeowner, look for a low-cost addition. That can take some of the sting out of not recouping much of your investment at resale.

Fully furnished home office

More and more men and women are working from home, and some homeowners might feel that transforming a room in their home into a fully functional home office is a great investment. But some buyers might be turned off by a room that can no longer function as an extra bedroom. The cost of converting a home office into a more traditional bedroom may compel prospective buyers to keep looking or make a lower offer on your home. While a home office might be a good idea, avoid making an exclusive home office room during your renovation.

Home theater

Few homeowners would scoff at installing a home theater in their homes, but the impression of home theaters as a luxury only the super wealthy can afford might turn prospective buyers away from your home. Potential buyers may be impressed by a fully functioning home theater complete with Surround Sound, lighting, a big screen, and all the other fixings synonymous with home theaters, but when they go home to discuss their options, they may feel the home theater is a luxury they can live without and opt for a more affordable home without a theater instead.

A dream home means different things to different people, so homeowners should keep in mind the reactions of potential buyers before adding too many personal accents and additions to their homes if they plan to sell down the line.