Homeowners considering renovations should be mindful of choices that could inadvertently reduce their property's value or deter potential buyers, according to Jordana Ashkenazi, Founder and Design Director of Element One House. She advises that if there is any chance of selling in the short to medium term, renovations should cater to the next occupant's potential vision for the home.
Ashkenazi highlights 21 common renovation choices that may negatively impact a home's marketability. These include alterations that disrupt the flow and natural light of a property, such as chopping up open-plan spaces with unnecessary walls. Conversely, removing original period features like fireplaces, cornicing, doors, or floorboards can strip a property of its character and historical appeal.
Design Choices to Reconsider
Replacing original windows with inexpensive, poorly proportioned uPVC units can undermine a property's architectural integrity, even with modern interior upgrades. Similarly, highly expressive or bold designs in kitchens and bathrooms, while personally appealing, can be a significant drawback for future buyers due to the high cost of replacement. Ashkenazi suggests opting for more muted or classic color palettes, like butter or terracotta instead of vibrant yellows or reds, and considering materials with greater longevity for permanent fixtures over trendy high-gloss finishes.
Over-reliance on a single color, such as ubiquitous grey, can also make a home appear dated. Ashkenazi notes that a monochromatic scheme across floors, walls, and furnishings can trap a property in a specific era. For families, replacing the home's only bath with a shower can reduce appeal, as can converting a bedroom into a permanent dressing room, which impacts how buyers search by bedroom count.
Bespoke joinery, while potentially adding value, can become a deterrent if it is overly elaborate or trend-led, especially if it consumes significant usable space. Large media walls, while popular, can dominate a room and be difficult to adapt. Replacing functional cupboard space with open shelving may look appealing when curated, but it can be impractical for everyday living, as buyers need storage for common household items. Minimalist interiors, while visually striking, also require careful consideration of practical storage solutions for life's clutter.
Ashkenazi also cautions against poorly designed extensions that negatively affect natural light and flow, and advises that knocking down walls for open-plan living should consider practicalities like furniture placement. Dramatic changes to a property's exterior that clash with its original architecture can be off-putting. Similarly, extensive use of busy wallpaper or bold colors throughout a house can make it difficult for buyers to envision themselves living there.
External and Lighting Considerations
Paving over an entire front garden for parking, while offering convenience, can make a property feel harsh and uninviting, and a balance with some greenery is recommended. Overly complicated lighting systems with excessive switches and fixtures can make a room feel restrictive, and rows of downlights across every ceiling can create a clinical rather than cozy atmosphere. The expert suggests a layered lighting approach using pendants, lamps, and wall lights to create ambiance.
Ashkenazi's advice centers on balancing personal taste with the broader appeal required when a property is intended for sale. She emphasizes that while homeowners should enjoy their space, decisions made for renovations should consider the potential buyer's perspective to avoid costly and unappealing changes that will need to be undone.