It’s easy to get carried away with renovating and redecorating when you’ve just purchased a new home. If you have the cash to spend, then go ahead… but if not, read on!
In fact, quite a few common upgrades are far from essential. Here are nine that you can live without and still enjoy a comfortable residence that will maintain its value.
High-End Appliances
Yes, smart refrigerators and high-end dishwashers are tempting, but they’re typically significantly more expensive than their mid-range market counterparts while not providing any tangible additional benefits to most homeowners. Plus, they have a relatively similar product lifecycle!
Extremely Custom Renovations
We all dream of an ultra-modern kitchen and a spa-inspired bathroom, but certain types of renovations tailored to meet very specific tastes may not offer a good return on investment. An overly personalized design may reduce the residence’s appeal for future buyers. There’s also a higher likelihood that you’ll tire of it quite quickly!
Complicated Lighting Systems
Lighting can do wonders for a home’s overall design; however, show-stopping fixtures and complicated lighting systems generally come with a matching price tag and are difficult to maintain. Choose simple, efficient and cost-effective lighting solutions instead.
Very Trendy Decor Elements and Furnishings
Investing in decor items based on short-lived trends (such as bright, bold paint colours or the latest furniture creations) may prove a superfluous expense before long. Remember, certain highly stylized accessories and furnishings epitomize their eras. A better option is to stick to timeless styles and thus avoid costly frequent redecorating.
Elaborate Landscaping
Do you love extensive, impeccably maintained gardens? There’s no need for you to embark on large-scale landscaping projects. There are many ways you can create an attractive, low-maintenance outdoor space without spending a fortune, such as choosing native, drought-tolerant plants.
Fancy Outdoor Furniture
While the idea of a lavish outdoor living room is appealing, you can usually set up a comfortable and inviting backyard space without overspending on furniture. What’s more, anything placed outside exposed to the weather will wear out more rapidly. It may therefore not be wise to invest in expensive furniture.
Complex Home Automation Systems
A connected home may be practical, but before forking out thousands of dollars on a complex automation system, consider your actual requirements. Many simpler, more affordable systems already offer everything you need for a modern home.
Yes, smart refrigerators and high-end dishwashers are tempting, but they’re typically significantly more expensive than their mid-range market counterparts while not providing any tangible additional benefits to most homeowners. Plus, they have a relatively similar product lifecycle!
Extremely Custom Renovations
We all dream of an ultra-modern kitchen and a spa-inspired bathroom, but certain types of renovations tailored to meet very specific tastes may not offer a good return on investment. An overly personalized design may reduce the residence’s appeal for future buyers. There’s also a higher likelihood that you’ll tire of it quite quickly!
Complicated Lighting Systems
Lighting can do wonders for a home’s overall design; however, show-stopping fixtures and complicated lighting systems generally come with a matching price tag and are difficult to maintain. Choose simple, efficient and cost-effective lighting solutions instead.
Very Trendy Decor Elements and Furnishings
Investing in decor items based on short-lived trends (such as bright, bold paint colours or the latest furniture creations) may prove a superfluous expense before long. Remember, certain highly stylized accessories and furnishings epitomize their eras. A better option is to stick to timeless styles and thus avoid costly frequent redecorating.
Elaborate Landscaping
Do you love extensive, impeccably maintained gardens? There’s no need for you to embark on large-scale landscaping projects. There are many ways you can create an attractive, low-maintenance outdoor space without spending a fortune, such as choosing native, drought-tolerant plants.
Fancy Outdoor Furniture
While the idea of a lavish outdoor living room is appealing, you can usually set up a comfortable and inviting backyard space without overspending on furniture. What’s more, anything placed outside exposed to the weather will wear out more rapidly. It may therefore not be wise to invest in expensive furniture.
Complex Home Automation Systems
A connected home may be practical, but before forking out thousands of dollars on a complex automation system, consider your actual requirements. Many simpler, more affordable systems already offer everything you need for a modern home.
Extravagant Garage Upgrades
Transforming your garage into a sophisticate home gym or a state-of-the-art storage space may seem like a great idea, but it’s probably unnecessary. Furthermore, such upgrades rarely pay off at resale. A clean and functional garage is usually enough!
High-End Security Systems
If your home’s security is important to you, know that ultra high-tech systems aren’t always essential. Many mid-range security systems offer the same level of effective protection as more complex alternatives at a fraction of the price.
In short, before embarking on costly home improvement projects, evaluate your needs carefully and focus on practical long-term solutions. This will not only save you money, but also time and energy. Of course, there’s no reason you shouldn’t treat yourself either. After all, the most important thing is that you feel happy in your home!