15 Remodeling Mistakes That Can Cost You Money When You Sell

"When it comes to installing an in-ground pool, the average cost is between $30,000 and $60,000," says Judy Dutton, deputy editor for Realtor.com. "But on average, the ROI (return on investment) is abysmal. Pool installation is an especially bad idea in cold areas where pool use would be limited, or in areas where nearby houses don’t have pools. Many buyers just steer clear of pools because they have young kids who can’t swim, or just don’t want to deal with the maintenance or insurance and liability issues."

While pouring sweat equity into pre-sale projects can seem like an effective way to cut costs, it’s crucial to be realistic about your skill set — and to recognize when you’re in danger of cutting corners on quality and safety. Stuart Moss, an associate broker for The Corcoran Group in New York City, considers visibly poor workmanship one of the worst ROI-related moves one can make, and it should go without saying that it’s never a good idea to take on a potentially dangerous project (such as rehabbing outdated electrical wiring) without the appropriate expertise.

Outdated refrigerators and stoves can be turnoffs for potential buyers, but tacking too far in the opposite direction and buying expensive upgrades can be just as problematic. "I once showed a customer a one-bedroom apartment that had a $30,000 La Cornue oven," Moss recalls. "[He] said that it was a waste because he expected to limit the use of the kitchen to morning coffee." Peter J. Rooney, Senior Realtor at William Raveis Real Estate in Lexington, Massachusetts, also emphasizes that less can be more: "If appliances are old and dated, it may be best to remove them altogether and give buyers an allowance to purchase their own. Builders sometimes do this, and it works."

Space-age bells and whistles that seem like "wow" factors in the moment have a pesky habit of turning into relics. Resist the siren call of integrated items that can’t be updated with ease: "Built-in electronics become obsolete very quickly, and the custom cabinetry to hold and conceal the equipment is rarely adaptable to the newest and best [products]," Moss says.