Turning a house into a home is much more than moving your belongings into it. It’s about adding your personal touch, designing creative features, and making it unique to you and your family. Many renovations begin with good intentions, but it’s common to regret these major home decisions later.
Whether it is splurging on a pool, over-paying for appliances, or installing the new trendy cabinets, homeowners may discover what “upgrades” to their home they wish they had passed on. Can you relate to any of these renovation remorse?
1. Concrete Countertops
Concrete countertops have been the trend for modern kitchens for the past few years. It provides the perfect hipster, industrial trend that home renovation TV shows have showcased in their renovations. But, if you stop to think about it, you might regret this massive undertaking.
The fact is that trends change. Concrete could be outdated in the next ten years, and the sheer weight of the building material makes redoing this kitchen a nightmare. Plus, concrete is porous and holds stains, so be prepared for glass rings and spills to remain visible for the lifetime of that countertop.
2. Tree Removal
Growing up in the nineties, it seemed like every home had trees on its property. We used to lounge in the shade, climb the limbs, and carve our names into the trunks. So, why are people so quick to remove trees from their yards in 2024?
Unless the tree is a risk to your home, let it stand tall! It can actually help cool the air around your home and potentially save you on energy expenses. Plus, it gives your place a touch of character and helps it stand out in the neighborhood.
3. Glass Shower Doors
Glass shower doors can give your bathroom an open, airy look and make the space seem bigger than it really is. While that sounds like a fantastic idea for a home upgrade, fellow renovators have voiced their discontent over what seems like an easy upgrade.
What people quickly realize is how often these doors need to be cleaned. To keep away streaks and soap scum, they need to be sprayed and wiped almost daily. Plus, you lose any form of privacy, which could be a problem in a household where multiple people share a bathroom.
4. Koi Ponds
Do you want to have a tranquil sanctuary in the middle of your yard? A koi pond is a perfect feature to transport you to a relaxing retreat just steps away from your living room. And, with proper maintenance, it can add resale value to your house. Sounds lovely, right?
The problem is that these ponds require a ton of maintenance. Constant cleaning, water testing, feeding, and protecting these fish can cost as much as $3000 a year, not to mention the start-up cost. Did you know some adult fish can cost over $500?
5. Billiard Table
A game room, or a “man cave,” is often on the short list of wants when someone purchases a new home. Billiard tables are usually associated with hanging out with your buddies on a Friday night, shooting some pool, and having a good time. How awesome would it be to have one of these in your home!?
The idea sounds great, but the initial appeal and excitement for your new toy can fade pretty fast. Unless you’re an avid player, the table can become a burden, taking up too much space and being a catch-all for jackets, books, and other junk.
6. Outdoor Kitchens
Everybody loves an outdoor cookout in the summer. You gather with your friends, crack open some cold ones, and grill some burgers and hotdogs while the kids run around and play. These days can be such a blast that you may decide to invest in one of the fancy outdoor kitchens and BBQ islands. But let’s think it over first.
How often do you really have guests over to justify this pricey build? What is the climate like where you live? Does it rain or snow for half of the year? If so, this might be a luxury that just isn’t practical. Save money and buy a quality grill instead of the entire outdoor kitchen.
7. Dark Stained Hardwood Floors
Dark-stained hardwood floors can instantly give a home a classy, sophisticated look, one that is home to a collection of leather-bound books and a wine cellar. They can also be a pain in the rear to keep clean.
The dark stains, unfortunately, show every scratch and blemish. They are also a magnet for dust and pet hair, so be ready to sweep constantly. Homeowners recommend picking out a lighter stain to better handle foot traffic and a longer life span.
8. Smart Appliances
Over the past decade, the rise in technology has allowed almost all of our day-to-day items to become “smart.” Everything from our watches to our garage doors has internal AI and apps that help make our lives easier. While these features are great for some items, the number of “smart” appliances on the market might be getting out of hand.
Do we really need to spend north of $5k for a refrigerator when one that is a quarter of the price does the job just as well? Considering it worked for generations before us, I would say no. After the novelty wears off, you simply have another app to take up space on your phone.
9. Wall to Wall Carpet
There was a period when almost every home had carpet covering the entire floor. I’m sure most of you can remember your grandparent’s house and their off-colored shag carpeting. What were they thinking?
Luckily, this trend is so outdated that I probably don’t have to explain why it’s a bad idea in too much detail. Simply put, carpet houses dirt, absorbs stains and odors, is hard to clean, and can trap allergens. Stick to hardwood floors and purchase a nice area rug if you are looking to add a comfy touch to your room.
10. Home Gyms
When the pandemic hit and we were all quarantined, home gym equipment became one of the hottest-selling online items. Brands like Peloton and NordicTrack provide workouts in the safety of your home. But many of these bulky fitness machines have also been collecting dust and taking up space in your home.
There is something to be said about leaving home for a workout. It frees you from the distractions of home, where you could be interrupted by parental duties or the appeal of lounging in front of the TV. More power to you if you use your Peloton daily; I’m just saying there could be some buyer’s remorse.
11. Open Shelving
The recent desire for a farmhouse kitchen has homeowners replacing cabinets with open shelves. I’ll admit, these shelves do look great, but what if you want to hide a bit of clutter (don’t tell me you don’t have clutter) behind the privacy of a cabinet door?
I have cabinets full of miscellaneous Tupperware, gadgets, and appliances that I like to keep hidden, and I think others would agree. If you like having extra storage space, keep at least some of your kitchen cabinets.
12. Garage Conversions
Garages can be converted into multiple new spaces. Some turn them into homes and gyms, and others build out extra living spaces for a guest room or a rental for extra income. Now, these renovations might benefit you in the present time, but what happens if you decide to sell your home in the future?
That’s when regret comes into play. Future buyers might not be too thrilled about losing out on garage space. These re-builds could knock off thousands of dollars in home value that you will never be able to recuperate.
13. Pools and Hot Tubs
While I disagree that anyone should regret building a swimming pool in their yard, I can see where some could. The pros are obvious: it raises your home value, provides a fun place for gatherings, and can be a relaxing place to unwind on the weekends.
Still, you need to live in a warm climate to avoid being stuck with a costly and time-consuming burden for half the year. Also, some homeowners claim the novelty of a pool wears off and becomes rarely used, and they are stuck cleaning it begrudgingly for the rest of the time they live there.