Posted March 16, 2025

The Ugly Truth About Cheap Home Renovations – And What to Do Instead

Renovating a home can be an exciting yet daunting task, especially for homeowners hoping to increase their property’s value before selling. While some upgrades undoubtedly enhance a home’s resale value, others can be a waste of money—or worse, reduce the appeal of the property altogether. Many homeowners fall into the trap of opting for quick, budget-friendly renovations, assuming they will yield high returns. However, the reality is that not all home improvements are created equal.

Cheap renovations often lead to subpar results, causing issues such as poor craftsmanship, non-compliant materials, and outdated designs that turn off potential buyers. In some cases, hasty or ill-advised renovations can even lead to structural problems or costly repairs down the line. The South Australian property market is competitive, and buyers are becoming increasingly discerning. A poorly executed renovation may result in a home sitting on the market for longer than necessary, or worse, selling for less than expected.

So, what’s the right approach? Instead of opting for budget renovations that may devalue your property, it’s crucial to focus on strategic upgrades that genuinely enhance your home’s appeal and resale value. In this article, we’ll explore which renovations are worth investing in, which ones to avoid, and how to maximise your return on investment when selling in South Australia. Whether you’re looking to freshen up your home or undertake major upgrades, understanding the dos and don’ts of home renovations will help you make informed decisions that pay off in the long run.

Renovations That Enhance Resale Value

If you’re considering renovating your home with the intention of selling, it’s important to focus on upgrades that will attract buyers and add genuine value to the property. Some renovations offer a strong return on investment (ROI), making your home more appealing while also increasing its market value.

Modernising Kitchens and Bathrooms

The kitchen and bathroom are two of the most influential areas in any home. Buyers pay close attention to these spaces, and modern, well-designed kitchens and bathrooms can significantly impact a property’s sale price. A full-scale kitchen renovation can be expensive, but small, cost-effective updates like new benchtops, splashbacks, and cabinetry handles can create a fresh, modern look without breaking the bank. In bathrooms, replacing outdated fixtures, regrouting tiles, and upgrading vanities can have a transformative effect.

Enhancing Street Appeal

First impressions matter, and the exterior of your home plays a major role in attracting buyers. Simple changes like repainting the front door, upgrading outdoor lighting, maintaining the garden, and repairing fences can make a significant difference. Landscaping improvements, such as planting native Australian flora, can also boost a home’s kerb appeal while keeping maintenance costs low.

Creating Open-Plan Living Spaces

Modern buyers tend to prefer open-plan living areas that maximise natural light and create a sense of space. Knocking down non-load-bearing walls to merge the kitchen, dining, and living areas can make your home feel more spacious and contemporary. This is particularly valuable in South Australia, where homes with seamless indoor-outdoor flow are highly sought after.

By focusing on these key renovations, homeowners can make their property more attractive to buyers while ensuring a solid return on their investment.

Renovations with Limited ROI

While some home improvements can significantly boost your property’s resale value, others may not provide the return on investment you expect. Certain renovations, while visually appealing or personally satisfying, might not align with buyer expectations or market trends in South Australia. Understanding which upgrades offer a limited ROI can help homeowners make more informed decisions when preparing their property for sale.

High-End Kitchen Appliances

While a kitchen upgrade is one of the best ways to increase your home’s value, investing in top-of-the-line appliances may not always be worthwhile. Many buyers appreciate a modern kitchen but aren’t necessarily willing to pay extra for high-end brands like Miele or Smeg. A practical, stylish, and functional kitchen is more important than one filled with luxury appliances that may not suit every buyer’s preferences.

Extensive Landscaping

A well-maintained garden can certainly enhance a home’s kerb appeal, but elaborate landscaping projects often fail to provide a high return. Features like intricate water fountains, exotic plants, or complex garden layouts may require too much maintenance for potential buyers. Instead, simple, low-maintenance gardens with drought-resistant Australian plants can appeal to a broader market while keeping costs down.

Luxury Bathroom Upgrades

While an updated bathroom is attractive to buyers, over-the-top renovations—such as spa baths, saunas, or designer tapware—may not be worth the expense. Many buyers prioritise practicality over luxury, so sticking to a sleek, modern design with functional features is a safer bet.

By avoiding these costly yet low-return upgrades, homeowners can direct their renovation budget towards improvements that will truly increase their property’s market appeal.

Renovations That Could Deter Buyers

While some renovations add value to your home, others can make it harder to sell. Certain upgrades may be too personalised, impractical, or even off-putting to potential buyers. Before making major changes, it’s important to consider how they will be perceived by the broader market.

Converting Garages into Living Spaces

While adding extra living space may seem like a good idea, converting a garage into a bedroom, gym, or office can actually decrease your home’s value. Many buyers in South Australia prioritise secure off-street parking, especially in suburban and metro areas where parking space is limited. A converted garage may make the home less appealing to families with multiple vehicles or those who need extra storage.

Removing Bedrooms

Some homeowners choose to combine smaller bedrooms to create a larger master suite or repurpose a bedroom as a study. However, reducing the total number of bedrooms can significantly lower a property’s resale value. In most cases, homes with more bedrooms attract a wider range of buyers, including families who require multiple rooms for children. A three-bedroom home will generally sell for more than a two-bedroom home, even if the remaining rooms are more spacious.

Installing a Swimming Pool

While a swimming pool may be a desirable feature for some buyers, it can also be seen as a liability. Pools require ongoing maintenance, cleaning, and additional safety measures, which can deter buyers who don’t want the hassle or added expense. In many cases, the cost of installing a pool far outweighs any potential increase in property value.

By avoiding these renovation missteps, homeowners can ensure their property appeals to the broadest possible audience when it comes time to sell.

Cost-Effective Improvements That Maximise Value

Not all home improvements need to be expensive to make a big impact. Some of the most effective upgrades are relatively simple and budget-friendly, yet they can make a home feel modern, well-maintained, and more attractive to buyers. By focusing on cost-effective improvements, homeowners can maximise their return on investment without unnecessary expenses.

Fresh Paint and Flooring

One of the easiest and most affordable ways to refresh a home is with a fresh coat of paint. Neutral colours such as whites, greys, and soft beiges appeal to the widest range of buyers, making rooms feel bright, clean, and spacious. Avoid bold, personalised colours, as they may turn buyers off.

Flooring upgrades can also have a major impact. If carpets are stained or outdated, replacing them with modern flooring options like laminate, vinyl planks, or polished timber can instantly revitalise the space. Even deep-cleaning existing carpets can help improve the overall presentation of a home.

Upgrading Lighting Fixtures

Lighting plays a crucial role in how a home feels. Dated, dim, or mismatched lighting can make a property look unappealing. Swapping out old fixtures for modern, energy-efficient LED lighting creates a bright and inviting atmosphere. In particular, downlights and pendant lights in key areas such as the kitchen and dining room can make a significant difference.

Minor Kitchen and Bathroom Updates

Rather than a full-scale renovation, small but impactful updates in kitchens and bathrooms can make a home look more modern. Replacing old cabinet handles, updating tapware, installing new splashbacks, and regrouting tiles can freshen up these spaces without the high costs of a complete remodel.

By prioritising these cost-effective improvements, homeowners can enhance their property’s appeal while keeping renovation costs under control.

Understanding the South Australian Market

When considering home renovations, it’s important to understand what buyers in South Australia are looking for. The local property market has its own trends and buyer preferences, and aligning your renovations with these can maximise your home’s value and appeal.

Local Buyer Preferences

South Australian buyers often seek homes with open-plan living, energy-efficient features, and outdoor entertaining areas. The state’s climate makes alfresco dining and seamless indoor-outdoor living highly desirable. Investing in features like bi-fold doors, deck extensions, or covered patios can enhance a home’s marketability. Additionally, properties with solar panels and water-saving systems tend to attract eco-conscious buyers who appreciate lower energy bills.

Economic Considerations

Before undertaking major renovations, homeowners should consider current market conditions. If the real estate market is slow, spending a large amount on upgrades may not be financially worthwhile. In a strong market, however, well-planned renovations can significantly increase a property’s resale value. Consulting with a local real estate expert can help homeowners determine which upgrades will be most beneficial in the current climate.

Matching Renovations to the Neighbourhood

Overcapitalising on renovations is a common mistake. If a home is significantly more upgraded than surrounding properties, it may not achieve the expected return. Buyers looking in a particular area often have a price range in mind, and excessive renovations can push a home beyond what buyers are willing to pay.

By keeping these factors in mind, homeowners can ensure their renovation choices align with market demand, increasing their chances of a successful and profitable sale.

Renovating a home can be a smart way to increase its market value, but only if done strategically. Many homeowners fall into the trap of cutting corners with cheap renovations, only to find that these upgrades do little to improve their home’s appeal—or worse, turn buyers away. Understanding which renovations genuinely enhance a property’s value and which ones have a limited return on investment is key to making informed decisions.

Focusing on cost-effective and high-impact improvements, such as modernising kitchens and bathrooms, improving street appeal, and creating open-plan living spaces, can make a home more attractive to buyers. On the other hand, expensive but unnecessary upgrades—like luxury appliances, extensive landscaping, and swimming pools—may not yield the financial returns homeowners expect. Similarly, removing bedrooms or converting garages can negatively impact resale value.

For South Australian homeowners, tailoring renovations to local buyer preferences and market conditions is essential. Energy-efficient features, well-designed outdoor living spaces, and low-maintenance gardens are often highly valued in this region. Avoiding overcapitalisation by ensuring renovations match the expectations of the neighbourhood can also prevent financial loss.

Ultimately, the best approach to home renovations is a well-planned, strategic one. By making smart investment choices, homeowners can not only enjoy a beautifully updated space but also maximise their property’s resale value when it comes time to sell.

Cart