New BiggerPockets Article: 4 Types of Renovations That Are Better Left Undone

In my latest article for BiggerPockets, I discuss the types of renovations that are better left undone. Yes, these renovations may add a little value to your property, but they are almost never worth the cost. In the article, I reference my own experience as well as a 2003 study from the NAR. (Some people in the comments were giving me a bit of a hard time because the study is 15 years old, but for the most part, I think the results are still true today.) 

The study found that the following upgrades added the below percentages to the houses' final sales price, all else being equal:

• Full Bathroom: 23% increase
• Partial Bathroom: 15% increase
• Garage: 13% increase
• Central Air Conditioning: 12% increase
• Fireplace: 12% increase
• Basement: 9% increase
• Close to Golf Course: 8% increase
• Higher Ceilings (9 Feet): 6% increase
• Additional Bedroom: 4% increase
• Laundry: 2% increase
• Above-Ground Swimming Pool: 0% increase
• In-Law Suite: 5% decrease
• Professional Office: 5% decrease

I think that list alone is a good start to what makes sense to add and what doesn't. But I go into much more in the article, so it's worth reading if you're in the business of renovating houses.