In the world of Westport, CT real estate, home renovations are getting seriously pricey. Blame it on the messed-up supply chains, worker shortages, and the never-ending inflation party. But guess what? Westport homeowners aren’t backing down. They’re still ready to make quality investments in their homes… or so they think:
Thanks to the binge-worthy home design shows on TV, everyone’s buzzing with renovation ideas. From redoing the living room to giving the kitchen a total facelift, there’s so much you can do. But hold up – major renovations don’t just cost big bucks; they’re also not the easiest to roll back, and especially painful when realizing a miscalculation – hindsight is 20/20! So, if you’re thinking of going all out with a swanky new swimming pool or a full-blown kitchen remodel, you’d better be in it for the long haul.
And here’s where the “oh-no-what-did-I-do” moments can kick in: many Westport homeowners take the plunge into a major renovation, only to wish they’d done things differently later on. So, what are the top overhauls that might make you regret your choices in the Westport, CT real estate scene? Let’s dig into the home renovations that homeowners most often wish they could take back.
#1: Taking a garage and converting it into a living space.
Thinking about turning your garage into a cozy living space? It may not be the brilliant move it seems to be. In addition to the hefty price tag of roughly $30,000, the worst news is that potential Westport buyers might not appreciate the upgrade you felt you were making. It could be a real head-turner, and not in the good way.
If you’re on the hunt for ways to improve your Westport living space without adding onto your home, this might not be the magic ticket. Converting your garage into a living room often makes for an uneven floor plan, making your space look like it’s having a bit of an identity crisis. Instead, consider some more budget-friendly options like switching up your furniture, giving the walls a fresh coat of paint, or updating your lighting and flooring. These are far more wallet-friendly routes to achieve the same objective – making your Westport home more livable without the garage conversion drama.
#2: Converting the only tub in the house to a shower.
Thinking about replacing your only bathtub with a sleek shower? Many Westport homeowners look to make this move, and it can be hit or miss. On one hand, showers save water, free up some bathroom real estate, and give your space a fresh feel. But be advised, this upgrade can hit your wallet where it hurts:
Removing the bathtub could set you back anywhere from $200 to $1,000, depending on the tub type, and throwing in a new shower? You’ll be looking at somewhere between $7,000 and $12,000. In its entirety, you may be looking at spending anywhere between $1,000 and $9,000, on average.
Regret might start knocking when you realize your relaxing bathtub time is a thing of the past. Worse yet, if you decide you want the tub back, you’re looking at another bill ranging from $4,300 to $11,800.
A smarter play here would be to go for the combo. For between $300 to $2,000, Westport homeowners can turn their tubs into versatile bathtub/shower duos, getting the best of both worlds. This way, one can either save on water or soak in the serenity of their own bathroom.
#3: Removing a bedroom in your home if the home has 4 bedrooms or fewer.
Contemplating the idea of downsizing bedrooms in your Westport home? Think twice before making such a bold move. Whether you’re tempted to transform a spare bedroom into a home office, a cozy TV room, or even an expanded master suite, it’s crucial to understand the potential consequences.
So, why is downsizing bedrooms a costly mistake? Removing a bedroom not only diminishes the number of potential buyers interested in your property but also slashes its market value. When potential homebuyers search for a new home, the number of bedrooms is a key factor influencing their decision. By downsizing, you’re immediately limiting your pool of interested buyers and risking a significant price drop. Families, in particular, value homes with multiple bedrooms, even if they are on the smaller side.
Studies show that permanently converting a bedroom into anything else may devalue your property by as much as 10%. This applies whether you’re creating a dressing room, a media room, or a home office. Even the seemingly innocent act of combining bedrooms to make a larger one can have significant repercussions.
Alternative strategies to explore include adding onto existing bedrooms, creating another bathroom, or setting up a home office. Rather than sacrificing a bedroom, look for creative solutions that enhance your living space without devaluing your home. Whether it’s optimizing existing space, incorporating smart storage solutions, or reimagining the layout, there are ways to achieve your goals without taking a hit to your property’s value.
In the world of real estate, preserving the integrity of your home’s layout and maximizing its appeal is key. Don’t let the temptation of short-term convenience lead to long-term regrets and financial setbacks. Explore alternatives that enhance, not diminish, the value of your Westport home.
Sources: GoBankingRates, Checkatrade, Decas Group
