10 Home Improvement Projects That Don't Add Value

One of the best parts of homeownership is the freedom to customize your space. However, not all renovations are created equal. If you’re planning to sell soon, it’s vital to distinguish between a passion project and a profitable investment.

Zillow research into home features that help homes sell for more — or less — than expected shows that buyer preferences change over time. So a trendy home update made today for the sole purpose of adding value can seem dated — or even detract from the value — in five or 10 years. 

Before you swing the sledgehammer, consider these 10 projects that might cost you more than they're worth when you sell.

1. Erasing any personality

A big rule in home selling is to strip away all personality and create a blank slate so buyers can better picture themselves living there. But that strategy might actually cost you.

• Why it hurts value: Standard neutrality can make a home feel forgettable. Zillow data shows that homes lacking custom features and bespoke finishes potentially leave a 3% price boost on the table — that’s $10,800 for a $360,000 home.
• Better choice: Instead of de-personalizing until your home looks like a hotel room, lean into high-quality, functional customization. Buyers are looking for a home that reflects a lifestyle, not just a floor plan.

2. Turning your kitchen into a white wonderland

While all-white kitchens were once the gold standard, Zillow research found buyer preferences have shifted toward moodier, more sophisticated tones.

• Why it hurts value: Zillow research shows a white kitchen can actually lower a home's sale price by more than $600. It can feel stark, clinical, and dated to modern buyers.
• Better choice: Opt for dark gray tones like charcoal or graphite. These colors feel intentional, modern, and high-end.

If you don’t care about trends at the time of resale, or if you plan to repaint prior to selling, you might consider how you want to feel in any given room and paint accordingly.

3. Adding high-end marble flooring

Marble floors have long been a symbol of luxury, but its fragility is a major turn-off for buyers. Zillow’s research finds that homes with marble floors see a decrease in sale price (nearly 2%). 

• Why it hurts value: Marble is notoriously high-maintenance. It’s porous, prone to staining, and can be easily scratched or etched. Buyers may view marble floors as too delicate for daily life, or simply too much work to keep pristine.
• Better choice: Consider using bluestone (1.9% price boost) or travertine (1.2% price boost). Both offer a natural stone look with a better market performance.

If you want your home to go viral, terracotta may be a good fit for you. Terracotta is associated with a 5% increase in daily views of a listing.

4. Adding a walk-in closet (by sacrificing a bedroom)

It’s tempting to turn a cramped spare room into a dream wardrobe, but the math rarely works out in your favor.

• Why it hurts value: Real estate value is heavily tied to bedroom count. Converting a bedroom into a closet removes your home from the search results of buyers looking for that extra room. Plus, Zillow data shows homes with walk-in closets sell for 0.5% less.
• Better choice: Use clever organization systems or wardrobe built-ins within existing rooms to maximize storage.

The bottom line: a bedroom is going to be more valuable to most buyers than a walk-in closet.

5. Turning your garage into a bedroom

While bedrooms are certainly important, in areas where there’s only street or paid parking, a garage is often more valuable than an extra interior room.

• Why it hurts value: A garage can add a 0.9% sales premium, according to Zillow’s research. Losing that secure parking and storage space can make your home less competitive.
• Better choice: If you need more space, consider an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU), also known as a casita or mother-in-law suite. Plus, buyers love the potential for rental income or some private guest quarters.

If you’re trying to gauge whether a garage is a must-have for most buyers in your local market, consult a local real estate agent.

6. Installing an in-ground swimming pool

This one is a mixed bag. Unless you live in a luxury market where every neighbor has a pool, this "upgrade" can be a significant financial gamble.

• Why it hurts value: Home improvement site Thumbtack says installing a pool costs up to $67,000 and fencing is another $6,000. Between that and annual maintenance, you rarely recoup the cost. Many buyers see a pool as a safety hazard or a never-ending chore.
• Better choice: If you must have a pool, go with saltwater. Zillow research shows they can add about 2% to a home’s sale price compared to chlorine pools.

Whether a pool will be an asset or a liability depends on a number of things, like the pool’s size, age, condition, location on the property, and the housing market.

7. DIY — done badly

We love DIY, and there are plenty of projects you can do yourself to improve your surroundings and save money upfront, but it often costs you double in the long run.

• Why it hurts value: Visible DIY mistakes — like uneven tiling or poorly laid floors — could mean hidden problems to buyers. They may try to deduct the cost of a professional redo from their offer.
• Better choice: Know your limits. If you don't have the skill, hire a pro for finishing work (tiling, cabinetry, flooring) where the visual quality is paramount.

If you really want to add something new yourself, and you want to see what you can pull off, make sure you have the skill to tackle it.

8. Installing laminate countertops

In an era where quartz and granite are the standard, laminate can make a kitchen feel dated to prospective buyers.

• Why it hurts value: Homes mentioning laminate sold for 2.5% less than comparable homes, according to Zillow research. On a $360,000 home, that’s a $9,000 loss.
• Better choice: Invest in quartzite for a 5.2% boost in sale price. Even a modest stone countertop provides a much higher perceived value than the best laminate.

9. Buying high-end fixtures

That $3,000 designer faucet might look like a piece of art, but it probably won't move the needle on your home's valuation.

• Why it hurts value: Appraisers and buyers rarely distinguish between a $300 high-quality fixture and a $3,000 boutique one. You won't recoup the premium on paper.
• Better choice: consider well-made, trending finishes (like matte black or brushed gold) from reliable brands. You get a nice look for a fraction of the price.

10. Installing a metal roof

While they last a very long time, the high upfront cost for a metal roof may not come back to you when you sell your home.

• Why it hurts value: A metal roof costs around $26,000 for installation, materials and labor depending on its size, according to Thumbtack. Zillow data shows homes with a metal roof mentioned in the listing are associated with a 0.42% less than expected.
• Better choice: If your roof is in good shape, focus on smaller exterior refreshes like new landscaping or a power wash. If you need an entire replacement, Thumbtack says asphalt shingle will be your cheapest option, averaging $6,800 for materials and another $7,500 for labor.

The bottom line: Maintenance wins

While flashy upgrades are fun, basic maintenance is the real hero of home value. Zillow data shows turnkey homes sell for 2.9% more than expected. Investing in basic maintenance and keeping your home in move-in ready condition is another way to boost your bottom line.

Some things to keep an eye on:

• Cleaning gutters
• Resealing grout in the kitchen and bath
• Having heating and air conditioning systems serviced regularly

To stay on track with home maintenance, download Zillow’s Home Maintenance Checklist.