What NOT to Buy for Your House: 24 Regrets from Homeowners

I’ve been a real estate investor and landlord for more than half my life. Over the years, I’ve seen it all when it comes to home improvement decisions, the good, the bad, and the downright regrettable. 

It’s no wonder a recent survey revealed that 75% of homeowners admit to regretting some of their home improvement choices. Even more surprising, 69% of respondents feel embarrassed to welcome guests into their homes because of their aesthetic decisions. 

Trust me, I’ve made my fair share of mistakes too. That’s why I’m here to share some hard-earned wisdom and help you avoid the common pitfalls many homeowners fall into. 

In this article, we’ll take a close look at 24 things homeowners often regret spending money on. This information comes not just facts and figures, but real-life experiences of homeowners just like you. 

So, let’s jump in and learn from others’ mistakes to make your home improvement journey a smoother one.

High-End Appliances

Many homeowners believe that spending more on appliances means they’ll last longer and work better. Sadly, this isn’t always true. Expensive appliances can break down just as often as mid-range ones, and repairs often cost much more. 

For example, a fancy refrigerator with a built-in touchscreen might look impressive, but when that screen malfunctions, you could face a hefty repair bill. Instead of going for the priciest option, look for reliable brands with good customer service and reasonable repair costs. 

You’ll likely be happier in the long run with a dependable appliance that doesn’t break the bank.

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Overly Customized Renovations

It’s tempting to make your home uniquely yours, but going overboard with customization can backfire. Imagine turning your spare bedroom into a fully equipped movie theater, complete with tiered seating and a popcorn machine. 

While it might be your dream come true, potential buyers might see it as a space they’ll need to redesign. This can lower your home’s appeal and value when it’s time to sell. Instead, aim for personalized touches that can be easily changed. 

Use paint, décor, and versatile furniture to create a space that reflects your style without permanent, costly alterations.

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Luxury Landscaping

A beautifully landscaped yard can be a source of pride, but it can also become a source of regret. Picture spending thousands on exotic plants, intricate water features, and elaborate hardscaping. It looks amazing at first, but then reality sets in. 

Those rare plants need special care, the water feature requires constant maintenance, and the fancy patio needs regular sealing. Before you know it, your dream garden becomes a costly, time-consuming nightmare. 

Consider low-maintenance alternatives that still look great. Native plants, simple water-efficient designs, and durable materials can create a beautiful outdoor space without the ongoing hassle and expense.

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Swimming Pools

Many homeowners dream of having their own backyard oasis, but swimming pools often lead to buyer’s remorse. The initial cost is just the beginning. You’ll face ongoing expenses for chemicals, cleaning, and higher utility bills. 

In colder climates, you might only use it a few months each year. Safety concerns can also be stressful, especially for families with young children or pets. Plus, some potential buyers see pools as a liability rather than a feature, which could make your home harder to sell. 

If you’re craving water fun, consider less permanent options like above-ground pools or investing in a community pool membership.

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Saunas and Hot Tubs

Saunas and hot tubs seem like luxury additions that will turn your home into a spa-like retreat. In reality, they often become expensive dust collectors. These features require regular maintenance, use a lot of energy, and can lead to higher utility bills. 

Many homeowners find they don’t use them as often as they thought they would. The novelty wears off quickly, but the costs keep adding up. If you’re looking for ways to relax at home, consider more versatile options like a deep soaking tub or a comfortable outdoor seating area. 

These can provide relaxation without the ongoing commitment and expense.

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Sunrooms

A sunroom might seem like a great way to enjoy nature year-round, but it often becomes an underused space that costs more than it’s worth. These rooms can be challenging to heat and cool, leading to high energy bills. 

In summer, they can become unbearably hot, while in winter, they’re often too cold to use comfortably. Many homeowners find they don’t use the space as much as they anticipated, especially if it’s not well-integrated with the rest of the house. 

Instead of a full sunroom, consider adding large windows or a well-insulated patio enclosure to bring in more light and create a connection with the outdoors.

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Luxury Bathroom Renovations

Transforming your bathroom into a high-end spa retreat sounds amazing, but it’s often not a wise investment. Fancy fixtures, premium materials, and luxurious features might make your daily routine more enjoyable, but they rarely add equivalent value to your home. 

For example, that $10,000 smart toilet or $15,000 steam shower might not appeal to potential buyers who are more concerned with the basics. Focus on quality mid-range fixtures and timeless designs instead. 

A clean, well-designed bathroom with reliable fixtures will serve you well and appeal to future buyers without breaking the bank.

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Excessive Furniture

It’s easy to get carried away when furnishing your home, but too much furniture can make your spaces feel cramped and cluttered. Buying that extra-large sectional might seem like a good idea for family movie nights, but it could overwhelm your living room. 

Similarly, filling every corner with accent pieces can make rooms feel busy and small. Aim for a balance of function and space. Choose versatile pieces that serve multiple purposes, and leave some empty space to help rooms feel open and inviting. 

Remember, you can always add more later if needed, but starting with less allows your rooms to breathe and feel more spacious.

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Specialty Lighting

Unique or trendy light fixtures can quickly turn your home into a dated space. That avant-garde chandelier or those ultra-modern sconces might look cutting-edge now, but they could seem outdated in just a few years. 

Plus, unusual fixtures often come with hefty price tags and can be difficult to replace or repair. Homeowners frequently regret investing in these statement pieces when they realize how quickly they fall out of style. 

Instead, opt for classic, timeless lighting designs that complement your home’s architecture. You can always add personality with less permanent options like lamps or easily changeable shades.

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Overbuilt Garages

Building a bigger or fancier garage than you need might seem like a good idea, but it rarely pays off. That extra space for a workshop or to store your rarely-used camping gear could end up being wasted square footage. 

Large garages can also make your home look unbalanced design-wise. Many homeowners regret the high cost of construction when they realize they don’t use the extra space as much as they thought they would. 

If you need more storage, consider less expensive options like a shed or better organization systems in your existing garage.

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Smart Home Gadgets

While smart home technology sounds impressive, it can lead to frustration and wasted money. These devices often become outdated quickly, requiring frequent replacements or upgrades. 

They can also be complicated to use, especially for less tech-savvy family members or guests. Imagine spending hundreds on a smart thermostat or lighting system, only to find it doesn’t work with your other devices or becomes obsolete in a year or two. 

Before investing in smart home tech, carefully consider which features you’ll actually use regularly. Start small with one or two devices and expand slowly if you find them truly useful.

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High-Interest Loans for Renovations

Taking out expensive loans to fund home improvements can lead to serious financial regret. The allure of a dream kitchen or perfect master suite can blind homeowners to the long-term costs of high-interest debt. 

You might end up paying far more than the renovation is worth, especially if the improvements don’t significantly increase your home’s value. This added debt can strain your monthly budget and limit your financial flexibility for years to come. 

Instead of rushing into costly renovations, save up for projects or look for more affordable financing options. Consider doing improvements in stages to spread out the cost and avoid taking on too much debt at once.

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Home Gym Equipment

Buying expensive exercise equipment for a home gym often leads to buyer’s remorse. That treadmill or weight machine might seem like a great way to save on gym membership fees, but many homeowners find they don’t use the equipment as much as they anticipated. 

These bulky items take up valuable space and can be difficult to move or sell if you change your mind. They also require maintenance and can be noisy, disturbing other family members or neighbors. 

Before investing in a home gym, try out different exercises with minimal equipment. If you stick with a routine, gradually add pieces that you know you’ll use regularly.

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Professional Organizing Services

Hiring a professional organizer might seem like a quick fix for clutter, but many homeowners regret this expense. While these services can provide helpful tips, the results often don’t last if you don’t change your habits. 

You might spend hundreds or even thousands of dollars, only to find your space cluttered again in a few months. A professional’s organizing system also might not work with your lifestyle or preferences. 

Instead of hiring someone, try tackling organization projects yourself. Start small, focusing on one area at a time. This approach allows you to develop systems that work for you and saves money in the process.

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Seasonal Decor

Going overboard with seasonal decorations can lead to both financial and storage regrets. Those elaborate Halloween displays or extensive Christmas light setups might look festive, but they’re used for only a short time each year. 

The rest of the time, they take up valuable storage space and gather dust. Seasonal decor can also be surprisingly expensive, especially if you buy new items every year. 

Instead of investing heavily in seasonal items, choose a few high-quality, versatile pieces that can work for multiple seasons. Focus on creating a festive atmosphere with simple, easy-to-store decorations rather than elaborate setups.

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Pest Control Services

Regular professional pest control services might seem necessary, but they can be an unnecessary ongoing expense. Many common household pests can be managed with simple DIY methods and basic preventive measures. 

Professional services often use strong chemicals that some homeowners prefer to avoid, especially those with children or pets. Instead of committing to regular treatments, learn about common pests in your area and how to prevent them. 

For most situations, keeping your home clean, sealing entry points, and using natural cleaning solutions can be just as effective as professional services.

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Customized Closets

While beautifully organized closets are appealing, many homeowners regret splurging on custom closet systems. These can be surprisingly expensive and may not be as flexible as your needs change over time. 

That perfect setup for your current wardrobe might not work when your style or storage needs evolve. Custom closets also don’t always add significant value to your home when it’s time to sell. 

Before investing in a custom system, try out different organizational tools and techniques. Adjustable shelving, versatile storage containers, and thoughtful organization can often achieve similar results at a fraction of the cost.

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Upgraded Flooring

Installing high-end flooring throughout your home can lead to disappointment when you realize it doesn’t add as much value as you hoped. Expensive materials like imported marble or exotic hardwoods come with high price tags but often don’t provide a proportional increase in home value. 

These premium materials can also be difficult to maintain and may not stand up well to daily wear and tear, especially in high-traffic areas or homes with children and pets. Consider using high-end flooring as an accent in smaller areas while choosing more practical, durable options for most of your home. 

This approach can give you the luxury look you want without the hefty price tag or maintenance headaches.

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Luxury Outdoor Features

Fancy outdoor kitchens, elaborate fire pits, or high-end water features often seem like great additions but can lead to regret. These expensive installations are frequently underused, especially in areas with short outdoor seasons. 

They also require ongoing maintenance, which can be time-consuming and costly. Many homeowners find that simpler, more versatile outdoor spaces get more use and enjoyment. 

Instead of investing in permanent, luxury features, consider creating a comfortable seating area with a portable grill or fire pit. This approach gives you flexibility and avoids the long-term commitment of built-in features.

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Interior Decor Trends

Following the latest interior design trends can be tempting, but it often leads to costly updates and dated looks in just a few years. Remember when everyone wanted shag carpets or avocado-colored appliances? 

Trendy decor items can be expensive and lose their appeal quickly. This constant need to update can become a financial drain and a source of stress. Instead of chasing trends, focus on creating a timeless base with neutral colors and classic furniture pieces. 

You can then add trendier elements through less expensive, easily changeable items like throw pillows, artwork, or small decor pieces.

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Home Staging for Selling

While home staging can help sell a property, some homeowners regret the expense, especially in a seller’s market. Professional staging services can be costly, and there’s no guarantee they’ll result in a higher sale price or faster sale. 

Sometimes, the staged look doesn’t appeal to all buyers or can make the home feel less lived-in and welcoming. Before hiring a professional stager, try some basic staging techniques yourself. 

Decluttering, deep cleaning, and arranging your existing furniture to highlight your home’s best features can often achieve similar results at a much lower cost.

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Pool Tables

A pool table might seem like a fun addition to your home, but it often becomes a source of regret. These large, heavy items take up a lot of space and can limit the functionality of a room. 

Many homeowners find they don’t use the table as often as they thought they would, especially as novelty wears off. Moving a pool table is also difficult and expensive, which can be a problem if you decide to rearrange your space or move to a new home. 

If you enjoy playing pool, consider visiting a local pool hall or game room instead. This way, you can enjoy the game without the commitment and space requirements of owning a table.

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Lawns

While a lush, green lawn might look nice, many homeowners come to regret the time, money, and resources required to maintain it. Lawns need regular mowing, watering, fertilizing, and weed control, which can be both expensive and time-consuming. 

In areas with water restrictions or drought conditions, maintaining a lawn can be particularly challenging and costly. The environmental impact of traditional lawns is also causing many homeowners to reconsider this landscaping choice. 

Instead of a full lawn, consider alternatives like native plants, ground covers, or xeriscaping. These options can create an attractive outdoor space with less maintenance and lower water usage.

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Fancy Rugs and Faux Finishes

High-end rugs and trendy faux finishes on walls often lead to buyer’s remorse. Expensive rugs can be difficult to clean and maintain, especially in high-traffic areas or homes with pets and children. They can also show wear quickly, losing their luxurious look faster than expected. 

Faux finishes, like textured wallpapers or specialty paint techniques, can be costly to apply and even more expensive to remove or change when styles shift. These finishes can also make rooms feel dated quickly. 

Instead of investing in these high-maintenance options, consider more durable, easy-to-clean rugs and classic paint colors for your walls. You can add texture and interest with artwork, throw pillows, and other easily changeable decor items.

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Smart Spending for Happy Homes

Making smart choices about where to spend money on your home can save you time, stress, and financial regret in the long run. The key to avoiding these regrets? Think long-term and practical.

Remember, your home should be a place you love living in, not just a showcase. Prioritize improvements that bring real value to your life. Choose classic over trendy, practical over flashy, and always consider the long-term impact of your choices.

Smart homeownership isn’t about having the fanciest features or following every trend. It’s about creating a space that truly works for you and your family. 

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AI was used for light editing, formatting, and readability. But a human (me!) wrote and edited this.