Before you start daydreaming about your next home renovation project, let’s take a moment to consider whether that “must-have” addition is really as essential as it seems.
I’ve been bitten by the reno bug way too many times. As an interior designer, I seem to change things around my house almost every year. Am I making rthe ight decisions? No, probably not. I’m learning from my mistakes.
Instead of grabbing that hammer to knock down a wall, grab a cup of coffee and sit with me as I explain to you which common home upgrades are eating a huge chunk of your budget, and not giving anything in return.
Trust a woman who had hardwood floors installed and had to do everything from scratch just because the color was off.
1. Splurging On Entertainment Rooms
Oh, an entertainment room! How cool!
I know most of you would say the same thing, but once you think it through, an entertainment room isn’t a good idea.
While they may seem like a great addition for hosting guests or enjoying movies, the cost of making one could quickly go over your budget.
Think of it as a luxury that doesn’t really increase the value of your house on the market. Let’s face it: not everyone’s after an entertainment room with a bunch of video games, surround system, movie projectors, and whatnot.
Some people actually need bedroom space and your fun zone doesn’t help at all.
2. Making Everything Open Concept
Don’t get me wrong, I love a good open-concept living room and kitchen. But, sometimes, that’s not the happiest solution at all.
When you cut down walls to create an open concept, you lose privacy, and, on top of everything you increase the noise. No one really wants to hear kitchen sounds early in the morning, and that’s what you get when you purposely make your entire room an open concept.
Plus, let’s not forget the “surprise” factor. You can be mid-conversation, deep in thought, or even singing in the shower, only to have the whole family hear you when you walk into the kitchen because there are no walls to stop them.
Suddenly, every meal prep is an impromptu live performance. Who knew cooking could come with an audience?
Some people actually want their privacy, thank you very much.
3. Garage Transformations
Hmm, that garage is more like a storage unit than a garage. I already park out on the driveway all the time. So, why not transform it into something cool?
How about a home gym? Or an arts and crafts studio?
Or even a home office for those of you acting as CEOs from home
How about… NO?
Keep the garage as it is: a garage. Of course, this only applies if you’re not planning to stay in that home for the rest of your life. If you’re planning to sell, your home gym or personal office won’t increase the value of the place at all.
As a matter of fact, not having a garage by the house is considered a huge downside.
So, before you start rolling out the yoga mats or hanging up your latest art project, just remember: a garage is meant for one thing and one thing only—parking your car (or, let’s be honest, stashing half your life in boxes).
4. Replacing The Entire Roof
Unless you’re having buckets around your living room trying to catch raindrops coming down from the ceiling, through the damaged roof, you’re not supposed to waste your money on replacing the house’s hat.
Completely replacing your roof costs an arm and a leg. Honestly, who has the funds to do that these days? It’s okay to change the old roof tiles so you don’t cause more damage.
But, changing the roof just because you don’t like the grey shade anymore and want to go with something trendy? That’s just silly. And that’s just an expensive home upgrade that will drain your wallet.
5. Adding An Outdoor Kitchen
Why, just why would you do that? Who needs two kitchens? Are you feeding an army or what?
It’s okay to have a barbecue outside or even a pizza oven. But going all in and buying new counters, new dining table and chairs, all just to avoid walking in and out during your garden party? Is it really necessary?
The climate is a major factor here, too: depending on your location, exposure to the elements can lead to rapid wear and tear, requiring constant maintenance and potentially reducing the lifespan of expensive fixtures.
6. Investing In Expensive Floors
Tip-toeing around on hardwood floors sounds like a dreamy commercial. The feeling is dreamy too. Still, once again, it’s an unnecessary luxury you don’t really need.
If your home already has good hardwood floors, don’t change them just to fit the trend and have some other color palette introduced into your house. Stick with it, especially if you know you’re not gonna stay there forever.
Flooring trends can shift, and what’s considered stylish today may not carry the same appeal with future buyers, limiting its resale value.
Your floor is a statement for itself. Don’t make it an overstatement.
7. Blindly Following Trends
This year is almost over and trends for 2025 are already out.
I know you’re gorgeous emerald green sofa that screams luxury is a lovely piece, but it seems like it won’t be in a couple of months. Trends change, and what was trendy today, might not be in style tomorrow.
Apparently, such sofas won’t be a living trend for the upcoming year.
That’s why you must always keep in mind that a house isn’t fast fashion. You can’t change something you want every now and then, like a pair of boots or a new dress. Some things are meant to stay for a while.
I mean, who replaces their living room sofas every season? Even Rockefellers don’t!
Blindly following trends will get you nowhere. It will only max out your credit card and make your head hurt thinking why on Earth did I have to splurge on all these last season pieces?
8. Making Your Garden A Hard-Maintenance One
Are you entering the contest for the best garden in town? Yeah, you and which senior citizens?
All jokes aside, unless you’re an avid gardener, you don’t really need fancy topiary pieces shaped like dolphins or Cupids.
Such gardens become more of a burden than a benefit. While these elements can offer stunning visual appeal, they often require significant time, effort, and financial investment to maintain. The result is a garden that, rather than offering relaxation and enjoyment, becomes a constant source of stress and expense.
For those seeking a low-maintenance, sustainable outdoor space, simpler, native plantings and natural landscaping may be a more rewarding and cost-effective choice.