Not all home upgrades are created equal—especially when it comes to increasing your home’s appraised value. While some renovations can enhance your comfort and enjoyment, they may not necessarily lead to a higher market value when it’s time to sell or refinance. Below, we’ll walk through several common home improvements that appraisers often see yielding little to no value bump—sometimes even hurting the value. 

1. Over-Personalized Renovations 

Custom touches like themed bedrooms, statement tile patterns, or unconventional floor plans might reflect your personality, but they can turn off potential buyers. Appraisers consider how the average buyer would react to the space, and highly specific choices can be seen as a negative rather than an asset. 

Why it matters: You might love your wine cellar under the stairs—but not everyone will. 

2. Garage or Bedroom Conversions 

Turning a garage into a game room or converting a spare bedroom into a recording studio might work for your lifestyle, but it could come at a cost when it comes to resale. Appraisers may not include unpermitted or nonstandard conversions in the home’s livable square footage, especially if the changes can’t be easily reversed. 

Bottom line: If you remove features buyers expect—like a garage—you could hurt your home’s value. 

3. Swimming Pools 

Pools are a classic example of an upgrade that depends entirely on location, climate, and market demand. In warmer regions or higher-end neighborhoods, a pool might be expected. Elsewhere, it can be a red flag for buyers concerned about safety, upkeep, or insurance costs. 

Value impact: Installing a pool doesn’t usually result in a dollar-for-dollar return. The cost of installation and maintenance often outweighs any value it adds. 

4. High-End Kitchen or Bathroom Remodels 

Kitchens and bathrooms do matter—but overdoing it can backfire. A luxury remodel with imported stone counters, smart appliances, and custom cabinetry might wow visitors but won’t always sway appraisers, especially if your home is in a modest or mid-range neighborhood. 

Tip: Upgrade to match your home’s price point and local expectations—not just your taste. 

5. Extensive Landscaping or Outdoor Features 

Curb appeal matters, but most appraisers won’t assign significant value to landscaping. Water features, outdoor kitchens, and expensive patios might make your home more enjoyable, but buyers may view them as extra work or ongoing expenses. 

In short: It might help sell your home faster, but it won’t always increase the appraised value. 

6. Overbuilding for the Neighborhood 

Adding square footage, building a second story, or upgrading far beyond what’s typical in your area can be risky. When your home becomes the outlier on the block, it may not appraise for as much as you’d hope—simply because there are no similar comps to support the higher value. 

Keep in mind: Appraisers compare your home to others nearby. If your improvements go beyond the norm, the market may not support the cost. 

Final Thoughts 

Upgrades do not always guarantee a corresponding increase in a home’s market value. While certain improvements—like modernized kitchens, energy-efficient features, detached workshops, pools, or generators—can increase a home’s appeal and functionality, they may not provide a return on investment equal to their cost. 

From an appraiser’s perspective, market value is based on what a typical buyer would be willing to pay—not what the homeowner spent. The value added by any improvement depends on factors like location, buyer expectations, and how consistent the upgrade is with similar homes in the area. 

If you’re planning major renovations, it’s wise to consult with a local appraiser or real estate professional first. They can help you make informed decisions, align your budget with realistic expectations, and ensure your upgrades are adding value—not just cost.