Renovations you may want to reconsider

Custom renovations are often a great way to put your family's personal stamp on a home. However, you may want to rethink your plans if it means renovating to create something unique, like a built-in aquarium. There is nothing wrong with transforming your home to reflect your family's style, but it is important to keep in mind that customizations do not always have a positive effect on the value of your home. Consider these tips when renovating your home.

Avoid extravagant personal touches. Before choosing to install a Hollywood movie-themed room, or over- or under-height countertops to accommodate tall or short family members, remember that personal touches can potentially decrease the value of your home. Beware of changing a room's function. The most common way to decrease the value of a home is to decrease the number of bedrooms. Consider future homeowners before you renovate and change the original function of any room. Think carefully about installing a pool. If having a pool will please your entire family, then by all means, get one. But bear in mind a pool rarely adds monetary value to your home. Future buyers may view a pool as a chore, and parents with small children or pets may be hesitant to purchase a home with a pool due to safety concerns. Stay away from outdoor custom renos that will be seldom used. In Canada, the majority of homeowners can only utilize the backyard for half the year. Costly additions such as outdoor kitchens or tennis courts may not deliver your intended return on investment. Think twice about customizing a garage for specific family members. While specific family members may value a garage equipped with all the conveniences for a stay-at-home retreat, keep in mind that potential buyers may prefer a garage that can house a car or two, along with tools, garden and sports equipment.