8 Home Upgrades You’ll Regret (And What to Do Instead)

Some home upgrades look stunning in photos, model homes, and social media posts—but once you actually live with them, they can turn into daily frustrations. After years of working with buyers and sellers, industry experts see the same design mistakes come up again and again. These choices often don’t age well and, worse, can hurt resale value.

Even if you’re not planning to sell your home anytime soon, it’s smart to think ahead. In today’s competitive real estate market, a single poorly planned upgrade can make buyers walk away from an otherwise great home.

Here are eight common home upgrades homeowners regret—and smarter alternatives that stand the test of time.

1. Open Shelving & Glass Cabinet Doors

Open shelving and glass-front cabinets look beautiful in staged kitchens, but they’re rarely practical for everyday living. Dust, grease, fingerprints, and clutter show instantly, and everything inside has to look perfectly arranged at all times.

Better option: Use a small section of open shelving or a single glass cabinet for display pieces, but keep most kitchen storage closed and functional. You’ll get the airy look without the constant upkeep.

2. Overly Open Floor Plans

Open floor plans remain popular, but taking them too far can make a home feel chaotic and exposed—especially in smaller houses. With no separation, noise travels easily and privacy disappears, which is a dealbreaker for families and people working from home.

Better option: Aim for balance. An open kitchen flowing into a family room works well, but retaining some walls or defined spaces improves functionality and comfort.

3. Garage Conversions & Poorly Planned ADUs

Converting a garage or squeezing in an ADU may seem like an easy way to add square footage, but it often removes features buyers value more—secure parking, storage, and usable yard space. Many buyers won’t even consider a home without a garage.

Better option: Think about the overall function of the property. Extra living space should never come at the expense of storage, parking, or outdoor living areas.

4. Freestanding & Jacuzzi Tubs

Statement tubs look luxurious in magazines, but they take up valuable bathroom space and are often awkward to use and clean. Jacuzzi tubs, in particular, frequently go unused and become maintenance headaches.

Better option: A deep soaking tub or a high-end walk-in shower with modern features delivers a spa-like feel with far less hassle.

5. Marble Countertops

Marble countertops are undeniably beautiful, but they’re also high maintenance. They stain, scratch, and etch easily, making everyday cooking stressful instead of enjoyable.

Better option: Quartz countertops with marble-style veining offer the same elegant look with superior durability and low maintenance—ideal for busy households.

6. Dedicated Home Theater Rooms

Home theater rooms were once a status symbol, but today many buyers see them as wasted space. Most prefer flexible rooms they can use as bedrooms, offices, or guest suites.

Better option: Create a multi-purpose media room or bonus room that can easily adapt to different needs without locking future buyers into a single use.

7. Oversized or Poorly Designed Kitchen Islands

A kitchen island should improve workflow—not block it. Oversized islands can restrict movement, prevent appliances from opening fully, and make kitchens feel cramped. Trendy features like waterfall edges also chip easily and add significant cost.

Better option: Ensure proper clearances (at least 42 inches around the island) and focus on functionality over size or trends.

8. Over-Customization

Highly personalized upgrades—like removing bedrooms or creating hyper-specific layouts—can significantly limit your buyer pool. Bedroom count and flexible layouts are major drivers of home value.

Better option: Make changes that are easily reversible or don’t permanently alter the home’s structure. Flexibility protects resale value while still letting you enjoy your space.

Final Thoughts

Your home should absolutely reflect your lifestyle—but smart upgrades balance personal enjoyment with long-term value. Many features that feel exciting today can become red flags tomorrow if buyers see them as projects instead of perks.

By focusing on functional design, flexibility, and timeless materials, you can enjoy your home now without regretting your choices later—or hurting your future resale value.