5 Home Renovations That Just Aren’t Worth Your Money This Year, According to Designers

The New Year is officially here, which means many homeowners are already eagerly planning the home projects and renovations they plan to complete this year. From kitchen upgrades to bath renovations to minor cosmetic fixes and improvements, there’s no shortage of ways to upgrade your home this year.

However, not all home renovations are worth the time and money, no matter how enticing they may seem. From not providing a significant return on investment to being overly trendy and unable to stand the test of time in your space, there are many reasons that a home renovation may not be worth your money.

Before you start your 2025 home renovations, here are five projects the experts say aren’t worth trying out this year.

Overly Customized Built-ins

Built-in bookshelves and entertainment units are a big trend right now. Adding built-ins to your space can instantly elevate a room and provide extra storage and display space.

However, experts caution against going all out regarding highly customized built-ins. Not only are they expensive, but they become a problem in the future when it comes time to sell your home.

“They might feel perfect for your needs right now, but they can make a space feel rigid and less appealing to future buyers,” says Elizabeth Vergara of Vergara Homes. 

Instead, Vergara suggests opting for stylish modular furniture with the same functionality but can be easily switched out. DIY built-ins also offer a more affordable way to get the customized look at a fraction of the cost.

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Large Whirlpool Tubs

Another renovation that rarely pays off, according to experts, is large whirlpool tubs. In theory, these tubs offer a luxurious, spa-like experience enticing to homeowners in the middle of a large bathroom renovation.

However, Vergara says these tubs often collect dust in the long run since they just aren’t practical for everyday use. With their large footprint and hefty price tag, this is one home upgrade she recommends skipping.

“A better choice is a sleek walk-in shower with high-quality fixtures—it feels just as luxurious but is way more functional and universally loved,” she says.

Flashy Trends

We love a good trend moment, but when it comes to embracing trends in your home, it’s essential to be strategic about how you do it.

Trends are coming and going faster than ever these days, thanks in part to social media, so it’s probably not a good idea to jump on board the latest trend that just blew up online last week. The last thing you want is to look at your home at the end of the year and regret the projects you tackled because they are already out of style.

Instead, if you’re itching to try something new and bold in your space Vergara has a suggestion.

“Stick to timeless foundations and use accents—like paint, hardware, or decor—to bring in the trends you love,” she says. “That way, you can swap them out easily when your tastes (or the trends) change.”

Overbuilding for the Area

Unless you’re currently living in your “forever” home, this is an important consideration for any homeowner.

Experts agree that overbuilding for the market in your area is a common pitfall they see clients and homeowners fall into, and it can have significant implications when it comes time to sell their homes. Overbuilding can involve a significant addition to your home or making pricey and highly personalized customizations.

To avoid this mistake as you contemplate your renovations for the year, New York-based project manager Joe Meringolo says it’s important to consider who the next buyer of your home may be. 

“It’s generally seen as a waste of money to spend too much or too little in different locations,” he says. “If you are in a luxury home and luxury home neighborhood, then using pre-sized off-the-shelf cabinets and finishes will be a waste of money. Conversely, If the home and neighborhood are more modest, then elegant finishes will not be good money spent,” he says.

Built-in Home Theaters

Along the same lines, Meringolo points to extensive home theaters as a home renovation that likely won’t be worth the money in the long run. Aside from the hefty initial investment required to obtain all the equipment, some substantial integration is required to install everything correctly.

“In addition to the equipment, you must build in acoustically rated infrastructure,” he says.
This usually involves new walls, ceilings, floors, angled sound attenuation, and even sound dampeners.

This doesn’t mean you can’t have the home theater of your dreams. It just means that instead of opting for extensive built-ins to make it happen, the smarter option would be to outfit an existing area with a better sound system and projector without any major tear-downs.