Home improvements can enhance your enjoyment of your space and increase your property's value. While many types of projects have a reasonable payoff, there are some that may be worth reconsidering due to the amount of time, money, and other resources they require compared to their return on investment (ROI). Additionally, some renovations can easily go wrong if attempted as do-it-yourself (DIY) projects.

In the spirit of the spooky season, here are some of the "scariest" home renovations and some less-scary alternatives.

ROI? More Like RIP!

Many homeowners undertake home improvement projects to increase their home's value before selling. However, according to the Journal of Light Construction's 2025 Cost vs. Value Report, many popular home renovation projects return less than 75% of their costs when selling a home. If your goal is to renovate your house to sell it for a higher price, there are a few renovations that have a notably low ROI.

• Additions: While adding an extra bedroom, sunroom, or other addition to your home can increase its value, the cost of building is typically higher than what buyers are willing to pay extra for.
• Swimming pool: Pools are expensive to install and maintain, and some buyers may see them as a liability or safety concern. The ROI may be better if you live in a warmer region, but pools are considered more of a luxury than a value-booster.
• Upscale bathroom or kitchen remodel: High-end finishes, appliances, and cabinetry can dramatically raise costs while not yielding a very high return. Mid-range updates usually have a better ROI.
• Special amenities: Adding special areas and features in your home, such as a home theater or wine cellar, are considered luxury and niche upgrades. They are great for personal use, but buyers usually won't pay extra for features they don't see as essential, especially if the space could be used more flexibly.

While these renovations can beautify your living space and add enjoyment to your home, they are expensive and may provide a low return when you decide to sell your home.

Terrifyingly Pricey Projects

These renovations are some of the most overall expensive home improvement projects out there. If you're not in a position to fork out a large amount of cash, these projects might be a bit scary.

• Additions and structural work: Because you're altering your home's structure, you need foundation work, permits, structural framing, roofing, and integrating systems like electrical, plumbing, and HVAC, which quickly add up.
• Kitchen remodel: Kitchens are labor-intensive to renovate. Plumbing, gas/wiring, cabinetry, countertop materials, and appliances can be expensive to purchase and install, especially if you go for high-end products.
• Bathroom remodel: Similarly to kitchens, bathroom renovations typically involve expensive fixtures, plumbing, tiling, waterproofing, and proper ventilation.
• Swimming pool: Adding an inground swimming pool to your property can be expensive even for the simplest pools due to the materials and labor involved.

These projects can add enjoyment and utility to your home and will likely increase its appraised value to some degree. However, compared to other project opportunities, they can really run up your bill.

Hexed Home Improvements: Don't Try These Alone (DIY)

According to data from CivicScience, 55% of homeowners have renovation plans for their home in 2025. Among those tackling a project, nearly 33% plan to do it completely themselves, as opposed to the rest who are either completely relying on professional services or utilizing a mix of professional and DIY work. DIY home projects have gained more momentum over recent years due to economic strain.

While DIY projects can end up saving money, there are several projects that are risky to do on your own if you don't have prior experience.

• Structural changes: Attempting to make structural changes to your home, such as altering walls or adding rooms, risk damaging your home's stability. These projects require permits, engineering knowledge, and precise execution.
• Systems (electrical, plumbing, and HVAC): Mistakes in wiring, plumbing, or HVAC can cause fires, flooding, or major inefficiencies in your home. These systems are complex and dangerous without proper training or certification.
• External replacements: Installing roofs, windows, or siding requires precise fitting and weatherproofing to avoid leaks or drafts. These projects also might involve working at dangerous heights, making them risky without proper equipment.
• Sanding floors or tiling: Floor sanding and tiling require precision and the right tools. Errors like uneven surfaces or crooked tiles are hard to fix and very noticeable.
• Tree removal: Removing trees, especially large ones, from your property is dangerous and unpredictable. Falling limbs, power lines, and chainsaw usage make this a job best left to the pros.

These renovations, if attempted without proper experience, can cause immediate or resurfacing issues, which can be detrimental to your home's livability and value. Some even run the risk of personal injury or legal complications.

Frightfully Good Fixes

Now that we've looked at some of the scariest home renovations, let's check out a few of the most worthwhile improvement opportunities that might just bewitch you.

Best ROI Projects

These projects add value and appeal to your home for the best price.

• Manufactured stone veneer: This project gives your home's exterior a luxury look by replacing siding (usually vinyl) with stone, appealing strongly to buyers.
• Garage door replacement: This project can increase curb appeal, improve energy efficiency, and enhance your home's security.
• Front door replacement: This project replaces an older wood or fiberglass door with either a full or partial steel door, increasing perceived home security and aesthetics.

Most of these projects typically return close to or over 100% of what you pay to have them done, so if you're looking to directly increase the appraised value of your home, these renovations might be the right choice for you.

Best DIY Projects

These projects add value and enjoyability to your home and are the most straightforward for an amateur to DIY.

• Landscaping: Simple landscaping projects like planting flowers, adding mulch, or trimming hedges can instantly boost curb appeal.
• Interior painting: A fresh coat of paint is one of the most cost-effective DIY upgrades and can give any room a clean, updated look.
• Updating light fixtures: Replacing older lighting fixtures and using consistent lightbulb colors can give your house a modern yet homey look.
• Power washing: Power washing your home's exterior, driveway, or deck can dramatically improve its appearance.
• Deck refreshing: Updating your deck or porch with staining or replacing a few boards can extend its life and improve visuals without major construction.

Consider these projects if you have a smaller budget or if it's your first time undertaking a home improvement project.

What if I don't have the funds available for renovations?

If you're worried about how you'll manage to pay for home improvement projects, your house itself can be used to your advantage. You can leverage your home equity to access funds to help you make renovations. A couple main ways to do this is through a cash out refinance or a home equity line of credit (HELOC).

A cash out refinance allows you to replace your current mortgage with a new, larger one and take the difference in cash at closing. A HELOC, on the other hand, lets you keep your current mortgage and borrow against your home equity as a second loan. Both options are great ways to access funds to use toward home renovations.

The "BOOttom" Line

When it comes to investing in your home, the best ROI is ultimately to keep up routine maintenance. While certain projects do provide a high ROI on paper, your home will be comfortable and likely get a better appraised value when you pay attention to details over the years. That's where those simpler DIY projects come in handy. A fresh coat of paint, oiling those squeaky hinges, or some thoughtful yardwork can go a long way.