Which Renovations Don’t Add Value to Your Home?

Understanding Renovations That Don’t Add Value

At Roberts Renovations, we spend a lot of time helping clients across Yorkshire make smart renovation choices. One of the most common questions we hear is: Will this actually increase my property’s value?

While many improvements will boost your home’s appeal and market price, there are just as many that either fail to add value or, worse, actually harm your return on investment. In this article, we share our honest, experience-based opinion on what to avoid, saving you time, money, and frustration.

It's important to understand that not every upgrade needs to be about profit. Some changes are made for personal comfort and enjoyment, which is perfectly valid.

However, if increasing value is your goal, knowing where to invest your budget wisely can make all the difference.

If you’d like to know which renovations do make a difference, take a look at our guide on what adds the most value to your home.

Over-Personalised Designs

Your home should, of course, reflect your personality, but when it comes to resale, overly personal design choices can limit appeal.

Highly specific wallpaper, unusual colour schemes or themed rooms might suit your taste but risk alienating potential buyers. While bold interior choices can work in private spaces, we always recommend keeping main living areas neutral and flexible.

Prospective buyers often prefer spaces they can easily imagine themselves living in. Highly personalised décor can make it harder for them to visualise the potential of the space, and this hesitation can lead to reduced offers.

For help creating timeless, market-friendly spaces, explore our interior design services.

Poor Quality DIY Work

DIY projects can save money upfront, but poor finishes and structural mistakes often cost more to fix later. Buyers quickly spot uneven paintwork, badly fitted flooring, or awkward kitchen layouts.

Small details like poorly aligned skirting boards or untidy sealant around sinks can erode trust in the overall quality of a home. Buyers may assume other, less visible issues exist, prompting them to lower their offer or walk away entirely.

In our view, if a job is going to be visible and permanent, it’s worth getting it done properly. You don’t have to go over budget, but good workmanship pays off at resale.

Take a look at our home renovation services for ideas and inspiration.

Excessive Luxury Upgrades

High-end upgrades might seem tempting, but swimming pools, saunas, and elaborate home cinemas rarely add value to the average home.

Buyers often view them as costly to maintain or too extravagant for their needs. According to Hamptons, while luxury features can enhance lifestyle, they do not usually increase resale value unless you’re in a top-tier market.

In fact, features like these can actually deter buyers who worry about upkeep costs or future repair bills. What begins as a personal indulgence can quickly become a sticking point during negotiations.

If you are considering upgrades, we recommend focusing on improvements with a proven return. See our blog on what adds value to your home.

Poorly Planned Extensions

Extensions can add space, but poor design choices can backfire. In our experience, extensions that eat into garden space, create awkward layouts, or block natural light tend to reduce overall property appeal.

It's not just about adding square footage, it's about how that space functions. Poorly integrated extensions can disrupt the flow of your home, making it feel disjointed rather than enhanced. Losing too much garden not only limits outdoor living potential but can also reduce desirability, especially for family buyers.

At Roberts Renovations, we always consider how an extension will work with the existing structure and outdoor space. For better-planned alternatives, explore our home renovation services.

Overbuilding for the Area

One of the biggest mistakes we see is overbuilding beyond the expectations of your local market. Pouring thousands into top-spec kitchens, underfloor heating, or high-end bathrooms in modest areas will not necessarily increase the sale price.

This mistake is particularly common when extending too much and significantly reducing the size of the garden, which, as we’ve discussed, can put off future buyers.

The property may end up priced well above similar homes in the neighbourhood, making it harder to sell competitively.

Understanding local market value is critical. Use data from sources like Zoopla and speak to local estate agents to see what buyers expect.

If you are considering investment projects, our property investment pages for Leeds and surrounding areas are a good place to start.

When Energy Efficiency Improvements Go Too Far

We’re firm believers in improving energy efficiency, and we’ve done this across our own projects. However, it is possible to overspend.

For example, investing heavily in solar panels for a small, lower-priced property may not be cost-effective. Buyers appreciate eco-friendly upgrades, but only if they see clear, affordable benefits.

It’s about balance. While features like new insulation or double glazing usually offer good returns, more expensive technologies may take years to pay back, especially in areas where buyers are less focused on energy performance.

If you’d like guidance on smart energy upgrades, visit our blog on how to improve energy efficiency.

How to Avoid Low-Value Renovation Mistakes

Before you start any project, ask yourself: Is this for lifestyle, or is this an investment?

If it’s purely for your own enjoyment, the return on investment may matter less. But if you’re hoping to add value, always:

• Understand your local market

• Prioritise quality over quantity

• Avoid personal taste dictating major decisions

• Speak to property professionals early

There’s no harm in seeking professional guidance early on. We often work with clients in the planning stages to assess whether their renovation ideas align with local expectations and market trends.

Propertymark’s guide to adding value is a helpful resource, and we’re always happy to share our honest advice.

FAQs: Renovations That Do Not Add Value

Do all renovations increase property value? No. Some, like poor DIY jobs or overly specific designs, can even reduce your home's value.

Should I build an extension to add value? Only if it’s well-planned and suits the property. Extensions that reduce garden size or create awkward layouts may not add value.

Are luxury upgrades worth it? Rarely. Features like pools or saunas can be expensive to maintain and may not attract buyers.

Can too much renovation hurt resale value? Yes. Over-specifying finishes and spending beyond the ceiling price for your area can limit your return.

What renovations should I focus on instead? Prioritise well-designed kitchens, energy efficiency, and layout improvements. See our guide to value-adding renovations.

Final Thoughts on Renovating Wisely

At Roberts Renovations, we’ve always believed that good renovations start with clarity of purpose. Some changes make your home more enjoyable, while others help you achieve better value on the market. The smartest renovations do both.

Before starting any project, take the time to research, speak to local experts, and weigh your priorities. Saving thousands of pounds while keeping your home market-ready is entirely possible with the right guidance.

Our team is here to help. Whether you’re renovating to sell, let, or simply improve your home, get in touch with Roberts Renovations today.