If you’re looking to add value, you can forget these major projects!

Whether you’re looking to sell your home, or want to add value for the future, you’ve probably considered some major improvements. Perhaps you’ve looked at increasing your property’s energy efficiency or adding a new kitchen or bathroom. Or maybe you want to go big and add an extension.

The question is, will taking on potentially disruptive and expensive work actually be worth it? Will your home improvements have a big effect on the value of your house?

GoCompare, has come up with a new property investment calculator. You can use it to see whether your planned improvements will have the desired effect on your home’s value. But as a heads up, these are the projects with the biggest potential losses according to online estate agents Strike and GoCompare.

Quickly dated decor in the bathroom

Image credit: Joanna Henderson

Potential loss: $5,000

Brass fittings and stylish tiles might be bang on trend at the moment, but they aren’t to the taste of all buyers. If you are planning to sell you home stick to a paired back, a minimal scheme that will appeal to a wide range of people. You can always jazz the space up with houseplants and other accessories until you sell.

Converting a garage

Image credit: David Giles

Potential loss: $7,500

Converting garages into living rooms, gyms and other extra rooms to increase space in the home have been a popular project for many houses in Lockdown. However, doing so purely to boost property value is misguided.

Many home hunters will simply be looking for a garage they can use as extra storage space for bulky appliance or items. Or simply for parking the car. Converting it could leave you with a potential loss of $7,500.

Upgrading the utilities

Image credit: Colin Poole

Potential loss: $15,000

Upgrading the boiler, installing new plumbing and updating electrical wiring are all important improvement for any house. However, these renovations won’t add any value to your home.

If these home systems are already in a good condition, save your money and focus on other more affordable updates such as a new coat of paint.

Building an extension

Potential loss: $18,000

A popular project, but you may be surprised to learn it’s often a loss-making one. ‘Most buyers prefer to pay for the opportunity to be able to add an attic conversion, kitchen extension or convert a basement,’ says GoCompare’s Henry Pryor.

‘Getting planning permission to do the work is frequently the best investment you can make. That leaves the actual choice of layout, decoration and equipment to the next owner.’

Adding a home cinema

Potential loss: $25,500

Even the most avid box set fans should think twice about this one. Installations can be pricey, especially if you want a state-of-the-art projector, Dolby surround sound system and plush seating. And as you can see, you’re likely to end up way out of pocket.

Putting a tennis court in the back garden

Potential loss: $30,000

This is a project you should only consider if you are planning to live in the property for a good long time. And have recently given birth to the next Andy Murray. Don’t expect it to be something buyers will pay a premium for.

Splashing out on a swimming pool

Image credit: Adrian Briscoe

Potential loss: $33,000

We were surprised at how high this came on the list – especially given the recent pool float explosion! Then again, the British climate doesn’t really serve a swimming pool well.

Installing a wine cellar

Image credit: Tim Young

Potential loss: $46,075

Digging out your basement – or assigning a room – to create storage for your finest vintages is not the way to go if you’re looking to add value.

So what improvements will pay off? ‘Improving the green credentials of a house usually pays,’ says Henry. ‘A new boiler, insulation or energy saving measure along with security improvements will usually pay off. But some additions like solar panels will be hard to get a payback on immediately.’

‘My advice is usually “spend money on the things that you want and leave other improvements to the next person who may not share your taste”,’ Henry says.

‘The best investment homeowners can make is to buy a bucket, sponge and some cleaning materials. Unless you really know the market and what people really want, you’re better off making clear the potential in your property and letting their imagination do the rest. A clean, tidy property will always command more than a scruffy home that looks like a skip!’

Original Post Credit: idealhome.co.uk written by Amy Cutmore