You might be surprised to learn that renovating your Roanoke-area or Smith Mountain Lake home doesn't automatically add value. The value is connected to what the changes are and whether they'll make the home more appealing to a buyer. 

In fact, what may seem like a worthwhile improvement to you could make your home more difficult to sell. That doesn't mean you shouldn't do it, especially if you plan to be in your home for a long time. But, before setting out on any renovation project, it pays to consider the unintended consequences. 

1) Removing walls 

Knocking down an internal wall to enlarge a room is a double-edged sword. While it may, for example, make a master bedroom more spacious and appealing, it's at the cost of removing a room from the home.

For example, combining two bedrooms into one could actually decrease the value of your home, especially if your total number of bedrooms drops below three. 

2) Hanging wallpaper 

Although it's much less drastic than removing a wall, adding wallpaper during a decor update is usually a mistake if you're planning to sell anytime soon. Choices in wallpaper design are highly personal, and it's unlikely potential buyers will share your taste.

Most home buyers don't want to face the prospect of tearing wallpaper down straight after moving in. This potential hassle reduces the desirability of your property. If a move is on the horizon, stick to plain decor using light, neutral paint colors which form a blank canvas for a buyer to work with.

3) Poor garage conversions 

Although converting a garage into a usable room can add substantial value, it needs to get done correctly. For example, if there are no windows in the new space, it may not be legally classed as a bedroom, and so will have little positive impact on value.

And remember that most buyers will still want garage space. If you reduce this without a solid benefit to make up for it, the property's value will take the hit.

4) DIY projects 

Always be wary about doing renovations yourself if you're planning on selling. Smart buyers will want to see certificates and guarantees for any significant work done. If you can't provide these, they'll be reluctant to go any further.

Also, no matter how enthusiastic and skilled you are, DIY work is rarely as polished as a professional job. A home showing clear signs of DIY improvements leaves the worry there might be hidden problems lying in wait.

5) Improvements above local value 

A modern, upscale kitchen might be a great selling point, but it needs to fit into the overall value of a home. Buyers aren't going to pay a premium for expensive renovations if the property is in a relatively low-value area.

Most buyers will instead choose a more basic home in a more upmarket area, and then do the renovations themselves over time. On the other hand, those looking at your area will be put off your home if you raise the listing price to cover the renovation costs.

Unless you find the right balance, you may find expensive upgrades are an active deterrent rather than an attractive feature.

If you're planning to stay in your home for years or decades, then it makes sense to make whatever renovations will improve your quality of life. But if you plan to sell in the short to medium term, choose renovations wisely to avoid a value hit. 

I'd love to talk with you about your home and the improvements that can add real value for buyers. Contact me at sonya@sonyadickinson.com or call 540-353-0123.