24 Regretted Home Purchases Shared by Real Homeowners

I have been a real estate investor and landlord for more than half my life. Over the years, I have seen all kinds of home improvement decisions, the good ones, the bad ones, and the ones people really wish they hadn’t made.

A recent survey showed that 75% of homeowners regret some of their home improvement choices. Even more surprising, 69% feel shy about having guests over because of how their home looks.

I’ve made plenty of mistakes too. That’s why I want to share what I’ve learned and help you avoid common problems many homeowners face.

In this article, we will look closely at 24 things that many homeowners wish they hadn’t spent money on. This comes from real experiences and useful facts.

Let’s get started and learn from these mistakes to make your home projects easier and better.

Swimming Pools

Many homeowners wish to have a nice backyard with a pool, but pools can often cause regret after buying a house. The first cost is only the start. You will have ongoing bills for chemicals, cleaning, and higher energy costs.

In cold areas, you might only use the pool a few months each year. Safety can also be a worry, especially for families with young kids or pets. Also, some buyers think pools are risky instead of a plus, which might make selling your home harder.

If you want water fun, think about less permanent choices like above-ground pools or joining a local community pool.

Saunas and Hot Tubs

Saunas and hot tubs look like fancy extras that will make your home feel like a spa. In truth, they often end up as costly items that just gather dust. These need regular care, use lots of energy, and can raise your utility bills.

Many home owners find they do not use them as much as they expected. The newness fades fast, but the bills keep growing. If you want to relax at home, try more useful choices like a deep soaking tub or a cozy outdoor seating spot.

These can help you unwind without the ongoing cost and effort.

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.

High-End Appliances

Many homeowners think that paying more for appliances means they will last longer and work best. But this is not always the case. Expensive appliances can break just as often as mid-priced ones, and fixing them usually costs a lot more.

For example, a high-end refrigerator with a touch screen may seem very cool, but if the screen stops working, the repair bill can be very expensive. Instead of picking the most costly choice, choose trusted brands that offer good customer support and affordable repair fees.

In the end, you will be happier with a reliable appliance that does not cost too much.

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.

Luxury Landscaping

A nicely designed yard can bring joy, but it can also bring problems. Imagine spending a lot on rare plants, detailed water features, and fancy patios. It looks wonderful at first, but then the truth comes out.

Those rare plants need lots of care, the water feature must be fixed often, and the fancy patio needs regular treatment. Soon, your dream garden turns into an expensive, time-draining burden.

Think about easy-care options that still look nice. Local plants, simple water-saving setups, and strong materials can make a lovely yard without the constant work and cost.

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.

Excessive Furniture

It’s easy to get excited when decorating your home, but too much furniture can make your rooms look crowded and messy. Buying a very large sofa might seem great for family movie nights, but it can make your living room feel too full.

Also, putting decorations in every corner can make rooms look busy and smaller. Try to find a good balance between usefulness and space. Pick furniture that can do more than one job, and keep some empty areas so rooms feel open and welcoming.

Keep in mind, you can always add more later if needed, but starting with less helps your rooms feel bigger and more comfortable.

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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Home Gym Equipment

Buying costly exercise machines for a home gym often makes people regret their choice. That treadmill or weight machine may look like a good way to cut gym fees, but many people find they don’t use the gear as much as they thought.

These large items take up a lot of room and can be hard to move or sell if you change your mind. They also need care and can be loud, bothering family or neighbors.

Before spending on a home gym, try simple exercises with little gear. If you keep up a routine, slowly add equipment you know you will use.

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.

Seasonal Decor

Using too many seasonal decorations can cause money and storage problems. Big Halloween displays or lots of Christmas lights may look nice, but they are only up for a short time each year. Most of the year, they just take up space and get dusty.

Seasonal decorations can also cost a lot, especially if you keep buying new ones every year. Instead of spending a lot on seasonal items, pick a few good, multi-use pieces that fit different seasons. Try to make a festive feeling with simple decorations that are easy to store, not complicated setups.

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.

Smart Home Gadgets

Although smart home technology seems amazing, it can cause frustration and cost extra money. These gadgets often get old fast, needing repairs or new versions. They can also be hard to use, especially for family members or guests who are not good with technology.

Picture spending a lot on a smart thermostat or lighting system, then seeing it doesn’t connect well with your other devices or gets outdated within a couple of years. Before buying smart home devices, think carefully about the features you will really use every day.

Begin with one or two items and add more only if they prove helpful.

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.

Pest Control Services

Regular pest control services may look needed, but they can add up to a cost that is not always required. Many common home pests can be handled with easy DIY steps and simple ways to stop them.

Professional help often uses strong chemicals that some people do not want, especially if they have kids or pets. Instead of paying for regular treatments, find out about common pests near you and how to keep them away.

In most cases, keeping your home tidy, closing up places pests can enter, and using natural cleaners can work just as well as professional help.

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.

Upgraded Flooring

Putting high-end flooring all over your home can be disappointing if it doesn’t add as much value as you expected. Expensive materials like imported marble or exotic hardwood cost a lot but often don’t increase your home’s value enough to match the price.

These fancy floors can also be hard to care for and might not hold up well to daily use, especially in busy spots or homes with kids and pets. Try using high-end flooring in smaller sections as accents and pick stronger, easier-to-care-for floors for the rest of your home.

This way, you get the nice look you want without paying too much or dealing with hard upkeep.

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.

Lawns

A green, healthy lawn may look good, but many homeowners later regret the time, money, and care it needs. Lawns must be mowed, watered, fed, and kept free of weeds often, which can cost a lot and take up much time.

In places with water limits or dry weather, keeping a lawn can be even harder and more expensive. The effect of regular lawns on the environment is also making more people think twice about this choice.

Instead of a full lawn, try options like native plants, ground covers, or xeriscaping. These choices can make your yard look nice while needing less care and water.

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.

Luxury Outdoor Features

Fancy outdoor kitchens, detailed fire pits, or costly water features may look nice but can cause regret. These expensive items often get used less, especially in places with short outdoor seasons.

They also need regular care, which can take time and money. Many homeowners discover that simple, flexible outdoor spaces are used and enjoyed more.

Rather than spending on fixed luxury features, try making a cozy seating spot with a movable grill or fire pit. This way, you get more freedom and avoid a long-term commitment to built-in items.

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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.

Home Staging for Selling

Home staging can help sell a house, but some owners wish they hadn’t spent the money, especially when it’s easy to sell. Professional staging can be expensive, and it does not always mean the house will sell faster or for more money.

Sometimes, the staged style does not please all buyers or can make the home feel less warm and lived-in. Before paying for a pro stager, try simple staging ideas on your own.

Clearing clutter, cleaning very well, and moving your current furniture to show your home’s best parts can often give similar results for much less money.

Smart Spending for Happy Homes

Making careful decisions about how to use money in your home can save you time, worry, and money loss later on. The secret to avoiding regret? Think about what will last and what works well.

Remember, your home should be a place you enjoy living in, not just one to show off. Focus on changes that add real value to your daily life. Pick classic styles instead of quick fads, choose useful over flashy, and always think about how your choices will affect you long-term.

Good homeownership isn’t about having the most expensive things or copying every new idea. It’s about making a space that truly fits 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.