In
this two-minute read, we look at the home renovations that don’t add value – and
can make it harder to sell your property.

If
there’s a chance you could sell your Kent home in the
next few years, think before you rush into making any major home renovations.

While
you might read about celebrities investing in fancy wine cellars (David
Beckham’s building one for his 7,000 bottles of plonk) or bespoke nature ponds
(Ed Sheeran’s has a jetty), the reality is that pet projects rarely pay off.

What
one enthusiastic home renovator sees as original and bold, could seem dated in
a few years’ time.

Of
course, your home should reflect who you are – there’s more to life than
nondescript neutral palettes.

But
there are ways to personalise your property without harming your chances of
securing a good selling price further down the track (unless you’re David
Beckham or Ed Sheeran and money is no object).

Steer
clear of spending big on features or structural changes that the next owner
might find difficult or expensive to remove.

Instead,
put your stamp on your home through colourful photo galleries, eye-catching
artworks and bright feature walls (that you can paint over further down the
track).

Common
renovation mistakes

1
Adding a tiny bathroom

An
additional bathroom can add real value to a property – but size really does
matter. If you need a shoehorn to wiggle your way in and out, it’s more trouble
(and money) than it’s worth.

2 Hot
tubs

Hot
tubs are the Marmite of the garden world – people either love them or hate
them. For some, a hot tub is the height of luxury; for others, it screams ‘wife
swap’. It’s a question of personal taste but be aware that would-be buyers might
have concerns about costs, upkeep, and nosy neighbours.

3
Other outdoor statement pieces

Expensive
climbing frames, ornate water features and fountains might be a turn-off as
they can be costly and cumbersome to remove.

4 Bold
coloured kitchen cabinets

A
fresh and modern kitchen can be a worthwhile investment but be wary of getting
carried away with current trends. Install neutral-coloured cabinets as they
won’t date as quickly. If you want to make a statement, do so by hanging
eye-catching artworks or a bespoke splashback that you can remove at a later
date.

5 Single
bedrooms

If
you’re tempted to convert a generous bedroom into two smaller rooms, think
carefully. Parents of young children may believe that creating two smaller
rooms that can accommodate single beds is the perfect antidote to sibling
arguments. But potential buyers may find itty-bitty spaces that don’t serve a
clear purpose (and are too small for at least a double bed and some storage) off-putting.

If
you’d like more advice about selling your Kent home, or
to tell us your views on hot tubs, get in touch with us here at CWB
Property.

COPYRIGHT CWB
Property 2021