JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – When you become a homeowner you quickly realize there are countless projects you can make to your home. But before you go into project-planning overdrive, it's important to be selective because some changes can actually devalue your home.
Whether you're planning to sell in the near future – or you just want to grow your investment – you want to make sure you are investing in projects that add value.
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Home improvements not only make your house livable, but certain projects can garner a high return on investment.
Angie's List Home Improvement Tips: 3 Blunders to avoid
Some improvements may detract from your home's value.
- Unless yours is the only house on the block without a pool, don't dive in! In most cases, you won't get back even half of the money you spent when it's time to sell the house.
- Home offices and sunrooms aren't a good idea either. A buyer may want that space for something else – like a bedroom or playroom. The return on the investment for these projects is about 60 percent or less.
- Sprucing up the garage is fine but don't go wild. Again, unless you're the only house with a 1 or 2 car garage, adding another bay won't be worth your money when it comes to the re-sale value of your home.
"Remember kitchen and bathrooms are the best things to invest in because they get the best return on investment, usually around 85 percent. But don't over-invest here. The goal is to keep up with the Jones, but don't be the leader in your neighborhood. If your neighbors all have two bathrooms, don't put three in your house," advised Angie Hicks, founder of Angie's List.