When investing in your home it is natural to want improvements that boost comfort and style and ideally your property value too. Some popular home improvements can cost thousands of pounds without adding much (or any) value to your home.
At SolarTherm UK, we’ve seen it time and again – homeowners pouring money into renovations and upgrades and overlooking the one improvement that actually pays off long-term. So here it is – five home improvements that don’t add much value (and one that does).
High-end Kitchen Remodels
Why it doesn’t always pay: a beautiful kitchen, while a selling-point, doesn’t always get you your money back – ultra-premium finishes, luxury appliances and bespoke fittings are expensive. If they don’t match the rest of your home or the local market, it could be money thrown away.
Better choice: focus on a fresh look – new paint, new cabinet handles and energy efficient lighting.
Lavish Bathroom Upgrades
Why it doesn’t always pay: like kitchens, bathrooms while important don’t need big money spent on them. Spa-style extras like a jacuzzi bath, heated flooring or designer tiles don’t guarantee a return. Many buyers will prefer a clean, functional bathroom over an over the top renovation.
Better choice: aim for modern but modest – updated fixtures, improved lighting and neutral finishes.
Converting a Bedroom into a Home Office or Walk-in Wardrobe
Why it doesn’t always pay: turning a bedroom into something else can actually reduce your home’s value. In most cases more bedrooms means more value.
Better choice: use flexible furniture or temporary room dividers to create multi-purpose spaces without changing the layout permanently.
Expensive Landscaping
Why it doesn’t always pay: a tidy garden can add curb appeal, but a lavish landscaped garden with water features, outdoor kitchens and custom patios can be expensive and bring little to no return, often seen as extra maintenance and cost by potential buyers.
Better choice: simple is often better, well-kept, low-maintenance gardens tend to work best.
Swimming Pools
Why it doesn’t always pay: swimming pools are costly to install and maintain, taking up valuable garden space and aren’t used year-round.
Better choice: consider an above-ground or temporary pool option for guaranteed fun without the price tag.
The One Home Upgrade that Does Add Value: Solar Panels
If you’re looking for an upgrade that adds real, lasting value and gives you savings on your energy bills, solar panels are it. A solar installation with SolarTherm UK can help you add market appeal to your property and increase your EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) rating. Solar PV systems future proof your home against rising and volatile energy costs, saving you instantly up to 70% on your energy bills. Solar doesn’t just add value, it reduces your carbon footprint and gives you more control over your energy.
Ready to Make the Smartest Upgrade?
At SolarTherm UK we install high-quality solar PV systems and battery storage to help homeowners take control of their energy futures. Contact us today for a free bespoke design package, tailored to your home, usage and future energy needs. No hard sell, just honest, expert advice. Don’t waste money on the wrong upgrade – go solar instead.
Your home. Your power. Your future.
