# 5 Renovations That Don't Increase Your Resale Value
Not all home improvements pay off when you sell. Some renovations eat money without boosting your home's market value, leaving you stuck with the bill.
Wall insulation ranks among the renovations that don't deliver returns. The author and her husband invested in insulating their 1921 Craftsman bungalow in Columbus, Ohio, expecting financial benefits at resale. The reality proved different. While insulation improves comfort and energy efficiency for current residents, buyers don't value it enough to justify the upfront cost.
Other renovations that disappoint at resale include over-personalized designs, swimming pools, premium appliances in modest neighborhoods, and elaborate landscaping. These projects reflect personal taste rather than universal appeal.
The takeaway matters for homeowners planning upgrades. Before spending money, ask whether buyers in your market actually want the improvement. Kitchen and bathroom renovations typically recover 50 to 80 percent of costs. Wall insulation and pools recover far less.
Smart homeowners renovate for their own enjoyment first and financial return second. Pursue upgrades that solve real problems. Make decisions based on how long you plan to stay in the home, not just resale potential.