10 renovations that don’t pay off and 10 that skyrocket your home’s value

Thinking of renovating your home before reselling it? Keep in mind that the best renovation is one that preserves the soul of the premises, while leaving room for the future occupant. Here are 10 renovation ideas that aren't necessarily useful, and 10 that will increase the value of your property.

Spas and Jacuzzis evoke luxury and offer additional comfort. However, these installations come with constraints linked to water treatment, ventilation and child safety. Likewise, they involve significant maintenance costs, which can put off some buyers.

While some households would like to have a place to relax at home, many parents now prefer to limit their children's access to screens. It's not uncommon for families to unplug the TV for good, or to reserve specific times for particular programs. Installing a home cinema is no longer such a good idea if you're planning to resell your home.

Landscaping increases the value of a property only when it is mastered. If you're lucky enough to have an empty lot, consider creating a peaceful garden or unpretentious park. Buyers will be seduced by a space they can look after with little effort and without investing in the services of a professional landscaper.

It's often a good idea to convert a garage into a music or work room. However, this type of renovation is of little use when reselling a property. More often than not, buyers prefer to have a well-secured parking space. The absence of a garage can therefore reduce the perceived value of the house

If you're thinking of selling your home one day, forget about subjective or permanent decoration. The following ideas should be avoided: wallpaper with a strong motif (tropical jungle, urban décor), atypical furniture (mouth-shaped sofa, colored resin table), bright color combinations (red wall, yellow floor and green ceiling).

In addition to being costly to install and maintain, a wine cellar is only of interest to a certain niche of buyers. As a result, it delays your sale project and doesn't add value for the vast majority of buyers. In some cases, it may even be perceived as a wasted space that needs to be redeveloped.

Carpets may have seduced us for many years, but the trend is increasingly towards soft, easy-care floors. Even high-end carpets can reduce the value of your property, or simply discourage potential buyers. Such an investment is useless.

If you're thinking of investing in the latest range of household appliances, remember to choose those that are actually useful to households. Remember that not every buyer needs an air fryer, rice cooker or food processor. These accessories don't guarantee a good return on investment and can even be perceived as cumbersome.

Finishes such as bright gilding, eccentric moldings or overabundant marble can also put buyers off. Don't forget that households prefer a sober or even neutral space that they can shape to their own taste. There's nothing to be gained by overloading your interior with such frills.

In recent years, open-plan kitchens have been a huge success, as they facilitate the circulation of light and reduce the impression of confinement. Following the same logic, some architects are experimenting with fanciful designs, creating rooms without partitions or natural separation. This is certainly not the brightest idea, given that family members value their privacy.

As part of a property resale, you may want to refurbish your kitchen to make it more functional or energy-efficient. As the kitchen is at the heart of the home, such work is often useful and can enhance the appeal of the house. For potential buyers, it's also a sign that the home has been properly maintained.

Before offering your home for sale, consider renovating your bathroom to give it a new look. Without necessarily committing to major works, you can replace the taps, install a vanity unit, a walk-in shower and a bathtub if possible. Don't hesitate to replace the tiles and light fittings if you wish.

Double glazing is one of the arguments most often used by property developers in new-build and renovation projects. You can therefore replace your woodwork and play on this aspect to get the best price when reselling your home. In fact, double glazing enhances thermal and acoustic insulation, while providing greater comfort for residents.

Most of the time, buyers ask themselves in advance what work needs to be done on their new home. Roofing is one of the biggest budgets, and if it's in poor condition in summer, they may look elsewhere. On the other hand, a roof renovated with modern, durable materials attracts buyers and boosts the value of the property.

With the rise of telecommuting, individuals and entrepreneurs are looking for a space dedicated to their professional activities from home. Don't hesitate to transform one of your rooms into an office to add value to your home. You can also opt for a library or creative space for writing, drawing or computer projects.

Since Covid, households have been placing increasing value on outdoor design. Consider creating a terrace or patio with flowers to expand outdoor living space and meet buyers' needs. This type of design is timeless and always appreciated by families.

It's perfectly possible to install a modern, efficient security system without committing a huge budget. Alarm systems, motion detectors and surveillance cameras are all appreciated by buyers, and add value when reselling.

With gas and electricity rates soaring, households are looking for ways to make significant savings on their bills. This could be the right time to re-insulate your home and install a more energy-efficient heating system.

If you have a basement, consider converting it into living space to increase the living area and therefore the value of the house. Ideally, give future occupants some leeway so that they can decide for themselves what to do with the space

The facade creates a better first visual impression and can increase the value of your real estate. If your exterior wall is covered in dirt, it goes without saying that this lowers the selling price of the house. So consider a facade cleaning and restoration, followed by a protective and embellishing coating on your main wall.