DIY can be a great way to save money on home upgrades—but some projects actually hurt your resale value. If you ever plan to sell, avoid these mistakes:
1. Overly Personal Paint Colors
💀 Black ceilings, neon walls, or dark purple kitchens might be your vibe, but buyers prefer neutral tones. Stick to whites, greiges, and soft blues/greens for a wider appeal.
2. Garage Conversions
🚗 Turning your garage into a home gym or extra bedroom might seem like a great idea, but buyers want a garage. If they have to convert it back, that’s a turn-off.
3. DIY Tile Work
🧱 Uneven grout lines, mismatched patterns, or poorly laid tile = a nightmare for future buyers. If you don’t have pro-level skills, it’s better to hire out.
4. Removing Closets
👗 That walk-in closet you turned into an office? Bad move. Storage sells. Buyers want closets, not extra rooms with no place for their stuff.
5. Bad Landscaping Choices
🌳 Love those high-maintenance exotic plants? Future buyers might not. Overgrown gardens, weird water features, or fake grass can turn buyers off fast.
6. Permanent Built-Ins
📚 Custom built-ins look amazing—but only if they fit the home’s style. If they’re too niche or overwhelming, buyers may see them as a problem, not a perk.
Before you start a DIY project, ask yourself: Will this make my home harder to sell? If the answer is “maybe,” think twice!