Never Make These 7 Costly Home Renovation Mistakes
About this video
Not all remodeling projects pay off. In this video, we reveal 7 home renovations with the WORST ROI (return on investment) so you can avoid costly mistakes that won’t add value when it’s time to sell. From luxury bathrooms to backyard hot tubs, we break down the updates that sound great but rarely give you your money back.
Key takeaways
- Seven renovations that usually return the least when you sell, according to Jason. Luxury bathrooms: spend $30,000 and you may get back half, especially in an entry-level or mid-level home.
- Over-the-top kitchens typically return only about 40% to 50%.
- In-ground pools: about $120,000 to install, but they may add only $20,000 to $30,000 at resale in Minnesota.
- Four-season porches return about 50%, and home theaters or game rooms often about a third. One client spent $150,000 on a theater that added under $40,000 in value.
- Converting the garage to living space can hurt value badly in Minnesota, where many buyers insist on indoor parking. Hot tubs ($15,000 to $20,000 or more) return close to nothing.
- Before a big project, ask an agent what it's likely to add in value.
Questions this video answers
Does a pool add value to a home in Minnesota?
Not much. Jason estimates an in-ground pool costs about $120,000 but may add only $20,000 to $30,000 at resale.
Which home improvements have the worst return on investment?
Luxury bathrooms, over-the-top kitchens, pools, four-season porches, home theaters and game rooms, garage conversions and hot tubs, according to the video.
Read more: Sell your home · Selling a longtime home
Notes written by Huerkamp Home Group from this video. Figures are as stated in the video on September 3, 2025; check the current numbers in our market reports.
