One of the joys of owning your own property is the freedom to give it a makeover whenever you like, to make it more comfortable or convenient for your family and your lifestyle. Or perhaps you've bought an investment property, either to rent out for regular income or to renovate and flip for a profit. However, in all 3 scenarios, you'll want to upgrade features that increase the property's value.

Whether it's something as simple as new tiles and fresh paint, or as complicated as a complete kitchen makeover, home renovations are a chance to revitalise your space. But not every addition to your home is an investment − some reno choices could make your home harder to rent or sell at the price you want.

Before you pick up a sledgehammer, learn more about some home reno no-nos.

Home upgrades to think twice about

1.    Overly bold design choices

You might love emerald-green walls and checkerboard floors, but how many potential buyers will share your taste? Trendy, unusual, or over-the-top design elements might impress your guests, but buyers tend to prefer neutral palettes and classic finishes that they can build on according to their own tastes.

If you're upgrading with resale in mind, it's best to stick to timeless aesthetics, rather than making bold statements.

2.    Luxury features in the wrong area

A custom wine cellar or high-spec outdoor sauna sounds impressive. But does it make sense for the area you live in? Some upgrades, while beautiful, can push your home's price beyond what buyers expect in your suburb.

This is called overcapitalising – spending more on upgrades than the amount they will add to your home's resale value. Avoid overcapitalising by chatting to a local estate agent before you start spending – or work with a financial partner who understands the property market in your area.

3.    Pools and hot tubs

Once considered a dream feature, pools and hot tubs are increasingly being viewed as expensive to maintain, especially with rising electricity and water costs, and frequent water shortages. In some suburbs, buyers may even factor in the cost of removing a pool.

This doesn't mean you shouldn't install one if you'll use it, but if it's part of a value-boosting plan, it's worth checking how similar homes in your neighbourhood are selling.

4.    Tech upgrades that age fast

Built-in smart fridges, voice-controlled lighting, integrated speaker systems – what felt like the future 5 years ago may now feel outdated or clunky. Buyers might even worry about the cost of replacing these systems if something breaks.

It's often better to invest in infrastructure that'll last – like updated wiring, energy-efficient appliances, or a solar geyser.

5.    Lifestyle-specific renovations

If you're thinking about turning your garage into a fully kitted home gym or converting a bedroom into a walk-in closet, do so with caution. These features are great for you, but they might not suit everyone's lifestyle.

Most buyers still value the basics, like:

• enough bedrooms,
• secure parking, and
• functional living spaces.

Rather than fully committing to a niche layout, look for flexible solutions. Temporary conversions or improvements that can easily be reversed offer the best of both worlds.

6.    Low-quality DIY

YouTube makes it look easy. But if that tiling or cabinetry isn't up to standard, prospective buyers will notice. They may even assume that the rest of the maintenance has been DIY too – and that's not the impression you want to give them when you're trying to get the best price.

If you're experienced and skilled, DIY can save you a good deal of money when you're upgrading a home – but remember that cutting corners usually costs more in the long run. If your DIY efforts look like amateur jobs, you'll be better off hiring professionals to get a result that's worth the money you're spending.

7.    Unapproved extensions

Adding an extra room or an outbuilding can increase your living space significantly, but if you don't have the correct plans and municipal building approval in place, unapproved additions to a property could stall your sale. Worse still, banks might refuse to finance the home for a potential buyer.

Before starting any big project, make sure your plans are above board and that you have a certified contractor to do the renovations.

8.    Going green without certified installations

Sustainable upgrades like solar panels and water tanks can absolutely increase a home's appeal, but only if installed correctly. Buyers will want to see warranties and compliance certificates from certified installers, not just a few solar panels bolted to the roof.

If you're considering energy-efficient upgrades, platforms like Avo Solar can help connect you to all-in-one solutions that include vetted service providers, a thorough assessment of your power needs, and great deals on systems and installation.

Make upgrades that buyers will love

The best renovations make your home more comfortable now and more valuable later. That might mean focusing on energy efficiency, modern bathrooms, or simply freshening up tired finishes with a clean, timeless design.

Nedbank can help you finance your home reno though several convenient options – like a home loan with HomeVision, a building loan, further lending options if you’re an existing client, or a personal loan for home improvement. When upgrading a property, the key is to match your spending to your home's long-term potential.