House Flop: 4 Trends to Avoid for Successful Home Renovations

By Brooke Chaplan

Houses tend to be huge investments, whether you're talking about your personal home or a house that you're planning to flip. Renovating those houses is an equally big investment of both time and money. If you're going to put in that effort, you want to be sure that the house is going to gain value because of the renovations. Avoiding these four home renovation trends will help your home gain value instead of turning into a house flop!

Funky Kitchen Trends

It's often been said that the kitchen is the heart of the home—and many renovators try to make the most out of that critical space. Designs like microwaves that go over the range or hanging pot racks in the middle of the kitchen, over the island, however, are on their way out—mostly because of practicality. Most homeowners, especially families, want convenience that is equally accessible to every member of the family. While it's nice to use those options to save space, it also makes it difficult for some family members to reach and effectively use those important items.

Expensive Countertops

Granite countertops in kitchens and bathrooms have been all the rage for years, especially among first-time home buyers. There's just one problem with this trend: it's not always practical! Dark or bright patterns on countertops tend to be a personal decision, and you can't know what the taste of your buyer will be until they come through the door. Instead, choose neutral surfaces to make it easier for your buyer to redecorate according to their personal color preferences. Ideally, you also want to choose low-maintenance countertops that are easy to clean, long-lasting, and tough enough to stand up to daily use.

Room Conversions

You have a huge garage that would make an excellent man cave or gym. Perhaps you have a divided living room and family room that you think would make a better single room if you just knocked down the wall between them, or you've decided that the best way to create more living room space is to take out a bedroom. While all of those are valid decisions for a home that you're going to be living in, if that's the way you want to use the space, consider carefully before converting rooms and spaces within a home that you plan to sell. Many people, for example, prefer a garage for their car or for storage over a garage that's been converted. Save the room conversions for the person who is going to live in the house long-term!

Custom Basement Renovations

There's a great unfinished basement on your property. You've always imagined it as a great playroom, game room, or man cave. Unfortunately, that's an expensive proposition for a room that you're not going to get the chance to use. If you're remodeling your home with an eye to selling, keep in mind that buyers may prefer doing their own basement remodel—and keep in mind that you may not be able to recoup the full price of this particular project when you sell. Instead, expand some storage space or add shelving in the basement to make it more practical in the short-term and allow buyers to decide what they want to do with the space long term.

There are plenty of potential renovations that will help increase the selling price of your home. Some of them will even be worth more than you'll spend to make them happen. In order to make the most out of your renovation budget, however, make sure you carefully consider how your renovation will benefit you financially before you begin. Consider watching videos, TV shows, or finding courses to take like Success Path that can teach you more about how you can improve your home.