Homeowners undertaking renovations may inadvertently decrease their property's value or make it harder to sell if renovations don't appeal to future buyers, according to Jordana Ashkenazi, Founder and Design Director of Element One House. She advises that if there is any possibility of selling in the short to medium term, homeowners should consider the tastes of potential buyers.
Ashkenazi outlines 21 renovation choices that could negatively impact a home's marketability. These range from altering original features to making bold design statements in key areas like kitchens and bathrooms.
Design Choices to Reconsider
Chopping up open spaces with unnecessary walls can make a home feel smaller and less practical, as buyers often prefer light-filled, open-plan living areas. Ripping out original period features such as fireplaces or cornicing can strip away a property's character, and it is often advisable to balance old with new rather than removing historical elements.
Replacing original windows with cheap uPVC alternatives, especially if poorly proportioned, can undermine a property's overall character, regardless of interior upgrades. Expressive or bold choices in kitchens and bathrooms, while personally appealing, can be problematic for future buyers as these are expensive rooms to refit. Ashkenazi suggests opting for more muted tones like butter or mustard over vibrant reds or lime greens.
High-gloss finishes and ultra-trendy materials can quickly become dated, making timeless materials a safer bet for permanent fixtures. While grey can be a classic, overuse of a single shade throughout a home can make it appear stuck in a particular era. Warm neutrals, stone, timber, and subtle colors tend to create more depth.
Replacing a home's only bath with a shower might appeal to some, but it can deter families with young children. Similarly, sacrificing a bedroom for a permanent dressing room can reduce a property's appeal to buyers searching by bedroom count.
Structural and Aesthetic Considerations
Overly elaborate or trend-led bespoke joinery can be difficult for buyers to adapt to, particularly if it consumes usable space. Large media walls with integrated televisions can dominate a room and be hard to change as tastes evolve. Replacing ample cupboard storage with open shelving can make kitchens less practical for everyday living, as buyers need places to store items not typically displayed.
Mínimalist interiors, while visually appealing, still require practical storage solutions for everyday clutter. Investing in cheap flooring in an otherwise expensive house can undermine the overall impression of value. Poorly designed extensions can negatively affect natural light and the flow of the original house.
Knocking down walls for open-plan living requires careful consideration of furniture placement to avoid creating awkward, unusable spaces. Dramatic changes to a home's exterior that clash with its original architecture can put buyers off before they even enter. Overuse of busy wallpaper or bold color schemes throughout a house can make it difficult for potential buyers to envision themselves living there.
Exterior and Lighting
Paving over an entire front garden for parking can make a property feel harsh and uninviting; maintaining some greenery can significantly improve curb appeal. An excessive number of lighting fixtures and switches can make a room feel unnecessarily complicated, and rows of downlights across every room can create a clinical rather than cozy atmosphere. Ashkenazi recommends a layered lighting approach with pendants, lamps, and discreet architectural lighting to create atmosphere.