Buzz
Every aspect of a home carries a price tag—both the initial installation cost and the anticipated return on investment when selling. While some features might be worth the extra expense for you (like a house with a fully-equipped bomb shelter), others often fail to justify their cost due to ongoing maintenance, upkeep, or the sheer effort required.
Here are seven home features you might admire but should think twice about paying extra for.
Custom home theater setups
Once considered the pinnacle of home luxury, professionally-installed home theater systems were a symbol of opulence. Imagine a massive screen, surround sound embedded in walls and ceilings, a projector, and plush seating—this was how the affluent lived. While the allure of a home theater remains, it’s not a feature worth paying extra for. These systems quickly become outdated, often looking obsolete even if installed recently. With TVs growing larger and more affordable, streaming devices offering endless platforms, and soundbars being widely available, home theaters lose their appeal.
At best, you’ll need to invest time and money to modernize your home theater. At worst, you’ll face significant costs removing it entirely.
Extravagant outdoor landscaping
A sprawling outdoor area can be visually stunning, transforming your backyard into a luxurious resort or a serene garden paradise. It’s easy to envision hosting unforgettable parties or enjoying peaceful evenings with a drink in hand.
And you might! However, lavish landscaping and oversized outdoor spaces come with a major drawback: upkeep. Most landscaping services charge by the hour or square footage, meaning the larger the space and the more intricate the design, the higher your monthly expenses—or the more time you’ll spend maintaining it under the sun.
The issue with high-end landscaping is that without consistent upkeep, it can rapidly deteriorate into a patchy, overgrown eyesore you’d rather keep hidden.
Steam showers
Steam showers exude opulence—picture unwinding in one after a stressful day, enveloped by a soothing sauna-like atmosphere. These luxurious features come with a hefty price tag (up to $14,500!), making their presence in a home seem like a worthwhile investment. However, owning one means committing to significant upkeep.
Acquiring a steam shower means embracing a rigorous maintenance routine. Extensive maintenance, to be precise. Due to their nature, steam showers are highly susceptible to mold, requiring near-daily cleaning. The steam generator also demands regular inspection and cleaning. Even with diligent care, leaks can develop, potentially causing costly water damage. In short, don’t pay extra for a steam shower upfront—you’ll be covering its costs for years to come.
Backyard swimming pools
If you grew up with a backyard pool, you likely have cherished memories you’d love to recreate in your new home. If you didn’t have one, you might recall envy as your neighbors splashed in theirs, making the idea of owning a pool now feel thrilling.
While pools are undeniably enjoyable, they’re not worth paying extra for. The added value of a pool is a debated topic among real estate experts, but the main consideration is maintenance: You’re committing to significant labor or recurring expenses (around $1,500 annually, on average). If the pool isn’t heated, you’ll also need to close it for much of the year—and possibly install a fence.
There’s nothing wrong with enjoying a pool or even desiring one. Just avoid paying extra for it.
Built-in appliances
A kitchen featuring built-in, integrated appliances can achieve a sleek, futuristic aesthetic. For a short while, it may even feel like a cutting-edge, high-end space. However, these appliances often become outdated in both style and functionality within a few years—if they aren’t already.
Built-in appliances are challenging to replace and repair, often requiring additional expenses for trim work or cabinet removal just to access them. Given that kitchens are typically remodeled every 10-15 years, paying extra for these features is likely wasteful, as they’ll probably be replaced during renovations.
Whole-house vacuum systems
Central vacuum systems are regaining popularity due to their convenience—instead of hauling a bulky vacuum from room to room, you simply connect a lightweight hose and start cleaning. While they do make housekeeping slightly easier, they’re not worth paying extra for unless you’re truly committed to the idea.
For starters, installation costs are relatively low, ranging from $800 to $3,500, meaning even a new system doesn’t significantly boost home value. Additionally, while they offer some convenience, they’re not entirely hassle-free—you’ll still need to connect the hose in each room. Repairs can also be costly, up to $500, compared to simply purchasing a new standalone vacuum.
Wall-to-wall carpeting
Wall-to-wall carpeting is often marketed as a premium feature, and if you enjoy the sensation of plush carpet beneath your feet, it might feel luxurious. However, it’s rarely worth paying extra for. Unless the carpet is brand new, expertly installed, and matches your preferred style and material, you’re essentially inheriting someone else’s carpet, which may not meet your cleanliness standards.
Carpeting generally contributes to a lower resale value for a home, especially when compared to hardwood floors, which boost property value. This fact alone speaks volumes about its overall worth.
