The Bathroom Upgrade That Could Be A Total Waste Of Money

Upgrading your bathroom can do a lot to add value to your home, not to mention make it a more comfortable place to live. But before you dive into a major home improvement project that could lose you money, it's good to know what to spend your money on to get the most bang for your buck. Specifically, there's one bathroom upgrade that could be a total waste of money, especially if you only have one bathroom in your house: Removing the bathtub to put in a shower stall could end up making your home less desirable when the time comes to sell.

Having a bathtub is non-negotiable for many first-time homebuyers looking for the ideal house. So, removing your only bathtub could put your home at the bottom of a potential buyer's list, or take it out of the running altogether. A bathtub can be an excellent place to relax after a long day at work, and people with kids or pets need a tub where they can perform essential bathing duties. If your home has two bathrooms with tubs, then by all means add that elegant shower stall you've been dreaming of. Otherwise, that particular investment could be a waste of your time and money.

In addition to wasting money removing your only bathtub, there are a few other home upgrades you may want to steer clear of in the long run. On his website, HGTV's Mike Holmes strongly recommends against doing your own tile work. Laying tile takes skill, expertise, and some very particular gear, and it's something that's better left to professionals if you want the job to look good and last.

Painting and replacing flooring shouldn't be done if you're simply trying to hide other obvious problems. Attempting to mask major issues with a new coat of paint or stylish wood flooring planks is definitely a big waste of money. The truth will come out during a home inspection anyway, and putting money into cosmetics instead of your home's structure could cost you dearly.

Adding a swimming pool isn't cheap, and while it might seem like one of the upgrades that actually adds to your home's resale value, it can hurt it in some contexts. Many people searching for a new home include younger families with kids and pets, and a pool can add an extra layer of danger — and some expensive maintenance to boot — that might turn certain buyers off. Always consider how an upgrade to your home will affect its resale value, even if you plan to live in your home long term.