Before You Renovate, Read This: Not All Home Projects Are Created Equal

Whether you’re gearing up for a move or just nesting deeper into your current place, there’s one truth that applies across the board: not every home upgrade is worth your blood, sweat, and budget. Before you grab a sledgehammer or greenlight a backyard pool, pump the brakes and think strategically.

As U.S. News Real Estate puts it:

“. . . not every home renovation project will increase the resale value of a home. Before you invest in a swimming pool or new addition, you should consider whether the project will pay itself off by getting prospective buyers in the door when it’s time to sell.”

In other words: just because you can doesn’t mean you should.

Renovation with Intention

Thinking about selling soon? Now’s the time to start ticking things off that to-do list. Even if selling feels like a someday plan, life moves fast — babies arrive, jobs shift, priorities change. It’s far better to prepare now than panic later.

Spreading out the work makes it easier to manage financially and emotionally. And bonus: you actually get to enjoy those updates instead of just renovating for someone else.

High-ROI Projects (and the Ones That Fall Flat)

Not all upgrades are created equal. Some are return-on-investment rockstars. Others are expensive energy drains that buyers won’t even notice.

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) regularly surveys which home projects offer the best bang for your buck. 

If your dream upgrade happens to line up with one of those high-ROI items, that’s a win-win. But don’t rely solely on national data. Markets vary wildly.

As Ramsey Solutions advises:

“The best way to gauge what you can expect in terms of resale value on home improvements—especially if you’re planning to sell soon—is to talk to a real estate agent who is an expert in your market…”

Local expertise matters. An agent can tell you if quartz countertops or a home office is what buyers are actually hunting for in your neighborhood. They’ll also help you avoid becoming that house — the one with all the bells, whistles, and no buyers because it’s priced above what the neighborhood can carry.

Don’t DIY Your Strategy

Whether you're remodeling a bathroom or repainting the front door, think of each project as part of a bigger picture. Your time, money, and energy are limited — make each decision count.

And don’t go it alone. Your local agent isn't just for when the “For Sale” sign goes up. They can (and should) be your renovation consultant, value whisperer, and market reality check.

Final Thought

You don’t need to be moving next month to start thinking like a seller. Smart updates now make for smoother transitions later — and a more enjoyable home life in the meantime.

So what’s one project you’ve had on your mind lately? Before you break ground, let’s talk about whether it’ll actually move the needle when it’s time to sell.

Graham Team Real Estate • (702) 930-9551 • Team@grahamteamnv.com

3007 W Horizon Ridge Pkwy, Ste. 210, Henderson, NV 89052