Home Upgrades People REGRET After Moving In

[@slimeypuma]

I had professional landscaping installed 6 years ago. Was worth every penny! The house looks amazing and i enjoy it every single time i arrive home

[@stephenross4333]

I agree with you, especially if you enjoy it. It can definitely be overboard where you won't get the ROI, but it also definitely adds to curb appeal.

[@jaydobbyn3975]

Outside, bathrooms and kitchens sell houses

[@catlas_]

Been doing my own landscaping over the past 2 years of owning my home and have received countless compliments from neighbors, delivery and postal workers, visitors, etc. I find it difficult to believe that some cost-effective landscaping that is done well and evokes positive feelings wouldn't increase property value and make the home stand out.

[@jaydobbyn3975]

@ I agree 1000% it does add value. I always leave enough space for a trampoline and hot tub

[@laurachristianson1688]

As someone who did the landscaping at a country club as well as having a side business doing the same, all of my designs were created to be beautiful, low maintenance, and easy to maintain. As a horticulturist I knew beautiful low maintenance plants, could plant them allowing for future growth, flowering at different times of the year, etc. My greatest joy is googling landscapes I designed and planted 20+ years ago and see how well they’re getting on even without my care……..

[@hejshari]

I’m nitpicking here, but it’s bugging me: pink tile was popular NOT in the 70’s, but in the late 40’s to early 60’s, and it was due to First Lady Mamie Eisenhower’s love of the color. Pink bathrooms are polarizing for sure, but people who love them REALLY love them…especially if you also have the pink fixtures as well.

[@katydid2877]

True. My parents house was built in the 40s. Their bathroom had white fixtures but lots of neighbors had pink or turquoise. I would love a bathroom with color.

[@TreXsJournal-Coming-Soon]

​@@katydid2877Yeah, but the reality is less people like the pink

[@uninsurable9028]

Love the pink

[@beckyforbis4858]

Agreed! I’m 62 and my grandparents had pink & black tile in the bathroom.

[@user-hm5zb1qn6g]

My parents' house was built in 1965. Pink toilet, bathtub and sink. Black tiles.

[@cocokai9661]

Free standing tubs (like vessel sinks) are a nightmare to clean. They're usually placed too close to the wall to allow access to the one side. And even if you can reach the wall side, it's still extra bending, kneeling and scrubbing. Like vessel sinks, dirt and grime collect around the bottom. Also great place for spider webs and bugs to nest and live. But if that's not enough to turn people away, it's also one of the leading problem areas for mold growth. Water splashed, humidity settles and those hard to reach areas act as a paradise for mold growth. This is why free standing tub removal is one of the top renovations in houses.

[@TreXsJournal-Coming-Soon]

Why don't people just place them where a tub would usually go? Wouldn't that get rid of any extra cleaning?

[@ruthspillman546]

No you for your so truthful and very informative comments.

[@linda123]

Our local ReStore will no longer take the large tubs people are ripping out - too many coming in and not enough selling.

[@ruthlafler5622]

I don't understand "wet rooms" and tubs inside the shower enclosure. Every time I see one, I think "who wants to try to clean that?" For that matter, oversized showers. Just more glass squeege and tile to clean.

[@GrannyLinn]

Long handled scrubber.

[@southernfriedkiwi7726]

Just be aware that a pool will increase your home insurance costs. I've heard from people that it went up by 20% and from others, that it doubled. Contact your insurance company BEFORE you build. Stay away from expensive appliances, especially ovens and any refrigerators with water lines attached to them. People still have $9,000 Sub Zeros etc, that leak water all over their floors. Also, having non certified repairmen, working on your $11,000 oven can void the warranty. Make sure that there are certified repairmen in your area for your high end appliances and find out what their lead time usually is. It could be five days or multiple weeks.

[@xopi2521]

Re: pools. Absolutely wrong in California. I grew up with a pool and have one now. I have three locked gates (I chose no fence or cover) which the insurance came and checked and I don’t pay any extra. Nothing. 20%? Doubled??? Huh? You’re taking out your rear end.

[@katydid2877]

@@xopi2521 Same in AZ.

[@joannlarson6386]

We never paid more for a pool in insurance where I lived. My neighbor said their insurance gave them a discount being in a fire area.

[@scottishdude9682]

Just don’t build the pool yourself. You more than likely will not recoup the cost. Pools dont make the home go up that much. Best bet is to buy a home with a pool already.

[@uninsurable9028]

I would never get a refrigerator with water or ice maker. I’ve seen too many claims for leaking water lines.

[@maranatha256]

I use my grill all the time. I use my pool every day. We are currently re-tiling it. My previous house had a Jacuzzi bath tub and we used it and loved it. I am tired of renovating a house for others. It's MY time now. I am renovating a home for me. He'd probably hate my library.

[@philipwalsh28]

Hi Kevin! Lots of good sense here. I had a neighbor convert a bedroom into a bath/spa with freestanding tub and giant glass-walled shower. As soon as I saw it my desire for one of my own vanished. I am grateful to this day. As for turning a third bedroom into an into anything that does not easily convert back to a bedroom, it's a is bad idea. In many real estate markets in the US, if a house does not have three bedrooms and two and a half baths, it's just not a house. Reading the comments I'm really surprised at how threatened people are if their choices don't align with your suggestions. You give off-ramps every time. ("if you really love.x, go for it.). Guess there's a lot of repressed remorse out there. Thanks for the well-structured and well-paced video.

[@richarddebeer9081]

I'm 80 years old and have bought and sold about 15 houses. I couldn't agree more with you about every item you have mentioned. I even put a swimming pool underneath two Oak trees so the pool was a 24 / 7 cleaning headache. I got zero extra when I sold the house.

[@JB-3794]

Yes. In fact some won't consider buying a house with a pool. It's a burden to those people.

[@franksargent71]

That’s on you.

[@MimiH1959]

Y’all must not live in FL. Selling a house without a pool is damn near impossible. Everyone wants a pool and it adds $100,000-200,000. I don’t want a pool but you can’t sell a house without one in FL. Unfortunately

[@franksargent71]

@@MimiH1959 I do not, but I would remove trees around a pool that are messy. I live in AZ and have trees on the golf course that blow stuff into my pool when the wind blows a certain direction. The pool was here, I didn’t build it, but I never would have if I had known what I do now; however it is nice when it’s hot! Sorry, my succinct remark was a little snarky.

[@philipwalsh28]

@@MimiH1959 exception that proves the rule here. Yes, a pool in Florida is an asset.

[@mikefromvernon]

Totally agree on following trendy colours. We recently redid counter tops and went with quartz. We could have gone black with sparkles or something else like that but said no. We picked a nice off white with some grey colouring. It actually looks like marble that has been restored in roman baths. Looked good 2000 years ago, looks good today and should look good years down the road.

[@joannlarson6386]

Until everyone does it, then it get just like the black with sparkles.

[@annemurphy9339]

True, you can never go wrong with the classics.

[@brucknerian9664]

Bought an old home eastcoast/Canada; did what renovations really needed to be done myself--full upstairs bathroom reno, floor wasn't level; master bedroom raised celing front porch rebuilt, contractor put on steel roof with 40 year guarantee. Helps to do whatever you can yourself but think ten times before every move; plan it all out, respect the laws of physics.

[@nogames8982]

I have a little tiny house, 690 ft.². I updated it over the last three years or so. Every single thing I did was because I liked it not because of resale value or return on investments, etc. But I also didn’t do anything crazy. Probably the craziest thing I did is I put a nice bright bolt colors throughout the house. Few cans of paint will fix that if anybody wants to change it when I move out of this house.

[@freeheeler09]

Games, I’ve built a number of homes. Building for myself has been a second job. Smaller homes cost far less to build, maintain heat, cool and furnish. Just the fact that they are quicker to build can save a year or more and s hundred thousand dollars of living expenses during construction compared to a big home!

[@nogames8982]

You are not kidding about the appliances. I do have a washer and dryer set that I’ve had for 30 years and they’re still going strong. My refrigerator just died. It’s two years old. And of course, the warranty is only one year. So now I have to go buy a new fridge. It’s crazy. And extremely irritating.

[@alexandraboaru]

I just bought a new house and was orienting what brands are doing best type of appliances that would have a longer life without breakdowns or repairs by watching youtube videos. Bosch rules the dishwasher market in overall quality for example, and even if is not made as good as ma y years ago, is still better than the rest. It also matters if in your area you have licensed mechanics or electricians that work with certain brands for parts, so even if you take a risk with a pretty Samsung or LG, at least you can repair it fast and easy. Is quite insightful and j learned some pretty good tips in dos and dont’s with appliances where they break from our misuse and which parts need our annual maintenance and so on. Some of them you may already do correctly, but hearing it from a professional that you are doing right by cleaning the back of the fridge (for example) makes you feel better and not just feel awkward due to ocd

[@MaureenGlynn-x1w]

Liked your comment. Our washer was purchased in 1964 so we've got you beat. Sounds like a tank but cleans clothes.

[@Ang.0910]

Lol true. I bought a house and specifically looked for old washer dryer and fridge used. I hate the new dishwasher that came with the house. Takes 2.5hrs for a normal load. My old white turn dial was amazing in my townhouse. 45 mins and done. I miss it.

[@joemancurreri6635]

Well Kevin.. unfortunately you are looking at a home as an "investment".. it's a HOME! Our homes should reflect what we want and what we want to enjoy.. Life is really short. I have a pool, an amazing kitchen, beautiful landscaping - it's ALL for our family to enjoy. We are the only country in the world that looks at our homes as an Investment! My family will always remember our pool gatherings, cooking in our beautiful kitchen and enjoying our gardens. I don't care if I don't get my money back ... I don't expect to get my money back on a car... clothing, vacations - they are because we want to enjoy life!

[@WrestlingMoM-gr6it]

A lot of what I built into our house and even our yard (large pergola gazebo etc) is for me. Maybe some other buyer down the line might not love it or value it but I didn’t build my house for someone else. I built it for our family & I’ll not be unhappy for the 20+ years we live her with our kids and soon coming first grand baby in hopes we make more money when we are old.

[@Anggea]

I’m a bath person. My townhouse still has the deep soaker tub from the 70’s when it was built and when I upgrade the bathroom eventually, I’ll plan things around keeping the original tub because it’s awesome. But I also can’t imagine having to clean around a free standing tub and dusting/vacuuming behind it.

[@eattherich9215]

🎯 '... I also can’t imagine having to clean around a free standing tub and dusting ...', especially if you can't reach all the corners.

[@Anggea]

My bathtub is an almond coloured resin marble effect tub. I’ll get it to work with whatever reno I do. That tub covers my boobs and knees when I have a bubble bath and is in amazing condition for its age. So I’ll get it to work because I have tried to find a replacement and it’s just not worth it/isn’t readily available. And fortunately I’m a creative person so I know I can make it work when I do a reno to keep the original and give it a modern twist.

[@Anggea]

@@eattherich9215 agreed!!!!

[@Tammy-wu1xb]

I live in Dallas, and pool homes usually sell within a day or two with multiple offers above asking.

[@bz09034]

Yes, in the south but not in Minnesota or Wisconsin.

[@MB-uy5kh]

Not anymore. Maybe this was the case last year. Ask me how I know? My family has four real estate agents in the metroplex (Plano, Irving, Westlake and Highland Park). Interest rates are slowing things down.

[@shelleygiles8692]

Location, location, location.

[@suran396]

Outdoor landscaping. .... we live in the woods and I'm trying very hard to minimally landscspe. Only foowers and shrubs that are indigenous and keeping the whole look as natural and informal as possible while adding a few splashes of color. With the help of my teen son, (he and I did all the manual labor and installation ourselves), I did splurge on a water feature....a 3 foot tall waterfall to a small pool with a frog fountain, spill over to small stream to a collection pool. Nothing over 100 gallons, and we used natural rock we hauled over from the cliff. The frog fountain was one I bought 15 years ago and never used. Two small water pumps, about $100 total, some tubing and a few sheets of waterproof pond liner, a water tub from the tractor farm supply store ..... we have a beautiful water feature for under $300.

[@Mehwhatevr]

8:22 yep. the ideal is probably a bath/shower combo. It’s what I’ve had in my house. It doesn’t take up additional space, and if you are or the new buyers have small children it is nice.

[@face2lune]

Big return comes from investing big. Investing big comes from building conviction, conviction comes from understanding, understanding comes from doing your homework and research beyond surface level.

[@coolben854]

I agree with you and I believe that the secret to financial stability is having the right investment ideas to enable you earn more money, I don’t know who agrees with me but either way I recommend either real estate and stocks.

[@Aimee966]

I’ve been diligently working, saving and contributing towards early retirement and financial freedom, but since covid outbreak, the economy so far has caused my portfolio to underperform, do I keep contributing to my 401k or look at alternative sectors to meet my goals?

[@face2lune]

I've always delegated my investment decisions to an advisor, since suffering major portfolio loss early 2020, amid covid outbreak. I'm now semi-retired and only work 7.5 hours a week, with barely 25% short of my $1m retirement goal after subsequent investments to date.

[@Aimee966]

I would not mind looking up the professional that helped you. I will be retiring in two years and I might need some management on my much larger portfolio. Don't want to take any chances.

[@face2lune]

*Mr Gary Mason Brooks* a highly respected figure in his field. I suggest delving deeper into his credentials, as he possesses extensive experience and serves as a valuable resource for individuals seeking guidance in navigating the financial sector.

[@Mary-tj5qx]

I’m about to buy a condo. I will redo the kitchen and bathrooms because they need it. I will also do a few other expensive upgrades. I will put fairly high end fixtures in this condo, way more than the value of the place suggests I should. I don’t care. I don’t consider homes an investment, they are a lifestyle choice. I want my modest condo in a fantastic location to have high end finishes, because that’s how i want to live. I am confident i won’t get the money back. I don’t care. I’ll have the pleasure of living in a home i love.

[@pionus3651]

I did my kitchen with high end, and I did my bathroom with a huge tiled in soaking tub that I use more than the shower.

[@pdblouin]

It's an annoying double standard. People are like "Why would you rent? With owning you have the freedom to do what you want with the place." But every non-standard reno I propose, my parents are like "Think of the re-sale value." So am I buying for me, or for other people? If someone wants to renovate for other people, cool, but that's not me.

[@sandragiven4752]

We recently remodeled our master bathroom, closets and bedroom. We did it based on what we love! No pink, green, etc., but did it our way. We plan to stay here forever and don't care about resale! My son will inherit a beautiful place and if he decides to keep it or sell it, it's here!. Peace

[@cdixon2011ify]

Exactly what I told my contractor. Im in the process of adding a walkin shower full bath on suite. I want to age in place. I told him the last box that's leaving this house I'm going to be in it. I guess he saw my house as an investment property he wanted to buy,since he is a realtor. Wasn't even in my house 10 minutes. Anyway other houses on my block have been adding full bath in suites too. I want what I want because I deserve it.

[@r.m.1284]

One kitchen item I so cherish is the pot filler, out of fashion nowadays for alleged lack of need or use. I use mine every single time I need some water when cooking. It's esp. useful when sink is little far away from stove.

[@davisholman8149]

My daughter is a medical pro at the children’s hospital. Soaking in that very kind of tub soothes her stress after 12 hours on her feet - sometimes in extreme emergency situations. + operating theatre. She also has 3 little girls’s who enjoy a bubble bath in it for fun.👧👶👶

[@cappyroo]

I hear you. A soak in a hot tub is one of life's great pleasures.

[@michellepreston9799]

I have a Swim Spa and I live in Pittsburgh PA. If you need that water therapy all year long than it definitely is worth it.

[@jekalambert9412]

All the things you mention could be done in a regular built in bathtub. He wasn't saying don't have a tub, he was saying avoid free standing tubs.

[@AmirRezaie-d2h]

Hit 220k today. Appreciate you for all the knowledge and nuggets you had thrown my way over the last months. Started with 34k in November 2024

[@AdamSilbert]

I would really love to know how much work you did put in to get to this stage

[@AmirRezaie-d2h]

I will be forever thankful to you, you changed my life I will continue to speak on your behalf for the world to hear that you saved me from huge financial debt with just a little trade, thank you Jihan Wu you're such a life saver

[@HollyGarwell]

As a beginner in this, it’s essential for you to have a mentor to keep you accountable. Mr Jihan Wu is also my invest analyst, he has guided me to identify key market trends, pinpointed strategic entry points, and provided risk assessments, ensuring my investment decisions align with market dynamics for optimal returns.

[@haldorsonsmolarek]

Jihan Wu Services has really set the standard for others to follow, we love him here in Canada 🇨🇦 as he has been really helpful and changed lots of life's

[@PaulJackson-x8e]

His guidance allowed me to restructure my retirement plan, resulting in an estimated $700,000 more by the time I retire.

[@makdaddy8399]

Good advice. One thing most homeowners don't do is stay up with maintenance...i.e paint areas that get used/abused most often, paint exterior trim etc....

[@TreXsJournal-Coming-Soon]

As it wouldn't make sense to repaint a heavily used area eveytime it gets used. Makes sense to me 🤷🏿‍♂️

[@richj120952]

I do not regret in any way the xeriscape landscaping I did when I moved into my home. Maintenance, no problem at all. After 6 years, other than fill in growth and the loss of a few plants, it looks even better.

[@jaydobbyn3975]

Tubs do help with families. I usually have one in the house definitely.

[@TheresaTV1]

Yeah, the standard ones with the lower front side are great for bathing kids or shaving legs. I have a Jacuzzi tub and it’s so tall and slippery that it’s not really safe for me to use as I’m getting older.

[@lllmmm3572]

The pink tile bathrooms like the one you showed aren't from the 70s. They date back much further than that.

[@Mr_Kenneth]

Outdoor kitchens are gaining in popularity in the UK, but you only get a couple of months. We recommend looking at garden rooms as you can enjoy all year with friends and family. You can also place a hot tub inside so itll be used all year.

[@marksizer3486]

I love being in the outdoor hot tub when it's below zero (Fahrenheit). Just don't grab the door handles on the way back inside.

[@barbarasoutas4510]

I'm not and never wanted to be a real estate investor. I am a home owner. And like pets I'm here for life. I fo what makes me happy

[@margiemachado4951]

Agree. Not looking at my home as a cash cow.. it’s where we live.

[@kevinfestner6126]

I will take out the developer tub and put in a mid priced free standing tub, with the minimal plumbing headache. I love the foot print of my place and will not be moving walls. Doing no structural changes. I will remove the developer fiberglass shower and tile, albeit, conservatively. Certain tile do stand the test of time. Around the fireplace, venetian plaster is far less expensive than tile; tile can be trendy. It's easier to paint over, than to re-tile. Floor tile is to be neutral. Now for the powder room. I do plan on being a bit more baroque. I've learned you can be a bit more 'designy' in powder rooms.

[@Mondaycat7]

Had 2 houses built and found 2 great builders never had a problem. It pays to get everything done right the first time so you don’t need a second

[@RB-je3yj]

The only upgrades I would ever do are: Roofs, windows, kitchens and bathrooms! Possibly Electrical and Plumbing!

[@globalfamily8172]

Electrical safety is important.

[@motherhenn8850]

Floors, because old carpet is disgusting, and decks when the old one is falling apart.

[@shelleygiles8692]

Those are all the items on the repair and maintain list. The "do these things first" list.

[@ld3418]

At 65 having grown up and lived poor in old farm houses and ancient apartments made from old houses, I had the original of these "fashionable" retro things. It is hilarious kids want what we already knew were impractical. Free standing claw foot tubs, no shower, wood and linoleum floors needing wax, chair rails and fancy baseboards collecting dust, cracking bead boards, farmhouse sinks with curtains underneath (kept pig slop from dishwater with no running water in house behind that curtain), behind the curtain on the doorless closet was the chamber pot for night time needs.

[@GrannyLinn]

THESE are the good old days!

[@j2o829]

Thanks for the video, Kevin. We live in the south and recently renovated/ extended our outside kitchen living space. It's a covered space that flows nicely with our home. We went with just a flat top grill for easier cleaning, but did splurge on full-size sink, small fridge, and even a garbage disposal, and we LOVE IT! Definitely not stressing who will purchase in the future if we ever decide to sell.

[@davidtydeman1434]

I have always upgraded the kitchen in my homes. It is the hub of the home. It is used multiple times a day and is a key reason my houses have given high resale values

[@comment6864]

You should have at least one tub in the house. For many family buyers that need to give kids baths this may be a deal breaker if they find another similar house that has a tub, unless they're willing to do modifications to put one in, which is not a trivial thing. It's really not practical to give small kids baths in a shower.

[@helenhyatt1539]

Great vid. We bought our body bag home 10 years ago, and decided to renovate without worrying about who wanted it after us. So far so good. Got rid of the pink bathroom, and granddads shifty effort at a downstairs bathroom. Took out the tubs, BAD MOVE. I miss sitting in a tub so much, but I have to get over it. My only regret was not doing the project holistically. We pieces mealed it. Lets fix this, ok great. Now I really hate that, lets fix it, okay. What about this horrible thing lets fix that, ok. Well shoot we should have done that. Contractors, wow, there are some duffers out there. We went through 5 before we found a good one, now I will wait for 6 months to get on his schedule. The other point you should make is always make sure you renovate in the right order. Dont paint before you fix the floors, or the ceiling. Or you just have to do that job twice. Great advice. Thanks

[@KStef28]

I live in Illinois and agree on the outdoor kitchen. Outdoor water pipes freeze, etc but we do have a pool that we love and have never regretted the investment or the maintenance. The pool has provided countless hours of enjoyment with family and friends. Gotta pick and choose what works for you!

[@kt9495]

I bought a home for 40k less than listed. They wanted to be done with it. They did a beautiful interior remodel 7 years prior. I didn’t touch a thing on the inside. Outside, I refinished the wood garage doors and front door, stained the wood fence, replaced the roof, and laid flagstone in the back while removing 75% of the grass and put in gravel. I added lush plantings and a decorative metal screen. The home sold in 4 days for 20k over ask. I did 95% of the work myself.

[@jekalambert9412]

Gravel is NOT a good "solution" under any circumstances. It looks sterile. It's painful to walk on. The gravel always finds its way out of the area which can be especially damaging to lawn mowers/garden equipment and can be a hazard if the mower/weed eater/blower sends it flying. It's hard to keep it free of debris. In a few years, the plastic sub-strait decomposes and weeds sprout through - then it becomes a MAJOR problem because it's a huge chore and very expense to remove it - not to mention that the soil is permanently degraded by the little pieces of remaining plastic.

[@kt9495]

@ Well, looks are subjective. You’re entitled to your opinion. There are different ways of doing things and ways to mitigate. I didn’t lay down any plastic. I did 3” of decomposed granite, tamped it and then spread the gravel. I used 3/8” and had no problem walking on it barefoot. I used metal edging to keep it where I wanted it. Debris was easily raked and blown off without it going everywhere. I used a low setting on my Ego electric. So, for me it was the perfect solution. And the people that bought my home loved it too. Edit to add: weeds are easily taken care of with a mix of water, vinegar and salt. Just a spritz on a hot sunny day will do it. Rock insulates and also holds moisture. It doesn’t break down or need replacing.

[@MaureenGlynn-x1w]

Loved your video. Absolutely agree with all you said and have lived most of it, and have the back(s) and knees to prove it. Bravo. Young 1976 marrieds, first house little ranch $34,000. We opened up spaces, inserted pocket doors, husband built "teeny" pantry between 2x4 clearance(!) and I loved it. Sold 9 years later for $50,000 w/three offers over the asking price even though we had taken it down from 3 bedrooms to two. Turned around and purchased current house for $55,000 and we were able to put everything we owned into one room. Again, did most of the work ourselves. Loved your account of refinishing your first wood floor; we followed same steps but were stopped cold when our floor sander gummed up because original finish was shellac; finished that project on hands and knees dragging scrapers. We opened up rooms. We have pets so removed all carpeting and never looked back. From kitchen to sun porch all ceramic tile; rest is hardwood, some original w/the house, some we did. House built in 1950 and has the PINK BATHROOM, ha. Matching green one upstairs. Husband figured out how to plum washing machine for use in the kitchen instead of basement. Basement is now full of model trains and we are both happy. Thanks for the great video. You know your stuff.

[@ranrunnn5280]

Spot on video! I focus on LOCATION (OMG View) and ENERGY (Solar, efficient appliances) Then spend money on comfort. (High end furniture and Art)

[@pamelaallen6895]

This is such great advice. I have renovated a couple of areas in my first home and we did a total renovation of our second home and I would certainly do some things differently but no major regrets. But you have hit on all the best points for someone about to embark on the home renovation journey. We are pleased with our end results but are now looking to want move and want a ranch style home so, if we find the one we are looking for, I will certainly take some of this advice into consideration.

[@eattherich9215]

A two bedroom home is great for those downsizing or people who simply don't need a useless empty room. Never follow trends. People who started to work from home, discovered that a giant kitchen/living/dining room with family life going on in the background, was not great. If your only focus is the ROI, then you are going to end up with a HGTV house and not a home.

[@aitorbleda8267]

I live on a two bedroom house. The price to be paid to live quite close to the center of the city, inside the city. I would like a third one, but on balance it is fine.

[@ruthspillman546]

❤❤❤My Daughter bathroom had pink tile, and the housevhad dark green carpet over beautiful hardwood floors. Her husband took up all that horrible carpet after they moved in. Crazy trends on TV shows are expensive and won't be the things when the next trend is in on TV!!! Go with nutral cokors and appliances which will last for years.

[@Black-ig6vh]

❤I love my hardwood floors. They (and the gas stove) are probably the main reasons I fell in love with my house.🥰

[@ceciliabruck3570]

If there are little kids' buyers won't bite. My sister did that and a buyer really wanted the home. She didn't buy because of the tub. They took out the only tub in a family neighborhood.

[@TheresaTV1]

We just removed glass shower doors from the only tub in our house to make it more user-friendly. Can’t bathe kids or shave your legs if there’s a door track on the edge of the tub. And the standard tub was one of the criteria for our house search.

[@aryllkowallis3777]

I bought a house 4 yrs ago that in my opinion didn't have any upgrades in the 54 yrs of its conception. Sorry except for one. They took the laundry room, a 6x8 nook out and installed a bar and a cheep one at best. The house is a 4 Muti-level single family home that is connected by the stairs in the center of the house on a corner lot. Relocating the laundry room to the bathroom on the same semi-underground floor, thus taking out the only bathroom on that floor. Instead of punching a hole in the side of the house for venting like you should have they went though the 1.5x2' window redesigning it with plexy glass and duct tape. Oh I can't forget in the same window ran the lines for the AC condenser outside. The floor drain in the laundry room hadn't been used in years so I had to get that opened back up. This house is equipped with a 100 amp box but the dryer was meant to be electric. Sense I am handy I brought back the laundry room to its original place and installed a gas line for the dryer, changed out the electric 130 amp plug from the now bath. The shower still needs to be renovated (changing out the baby blue and white tile) inset shower pan and walls to a Rosen foe carrara white marble finish. I had to get a vanity and the same foe marble finish for the sink top. Yes inhome bars are for drunks and passing fads. You also mentioned don't take out a garage. Well the garage is a single car garage and that is being turned into my new master bath and bed. Since the garage is ground level I have to elevate that floor and am going to run the AC lines out that side of the house under the floor to the condenser. I am doing this to expand my back patio/deck to the backyard. I previously mentioned I am on a corner lot so I am going to build a detached double garage with a mother-inlaw apartment above it. It appears that the prior residence owned the house since it was built and couldn't decide what to put on the side yard but rocks. I am also leveling out the yard with a retaining wall and the going to add a sprinkler system. Is that a passing fad or will it add to my ROI?

[@dannycarrington1601]

My cousin is a contractor, ever since we came out of the Covid lockdown, most of his jobs include adding walls. During the lockdown people came to realize how little privacy they have in open concept houses.

[@LifeIsButADreem]

I don't care what you say, I LOVE a big tub and will always walk away from any house without at least a bathtub. More points for a soaking tub. Not a fan of the free standing type and really don't like the 1990's style with the huge platforms, but I could live with either. I cannot stand "trends". Every single one of them needs redoing in just a few years. I've lived in my 1915 shingle cottage for 30 years - first home - and I love it because it is mostly original and everything here is perfect for the house. Dude, pink tile was from the 50's NOT the 70's. The 70's was foil wall paper, shag carpet, avacado green and burnt orange.

[@Tomes23]

I use my tub every day. I don’t like the freestanding tubs.

[@shirleyackerman-bethel1073]

Tubs are great for younger ppl but tubs old ppl have issues with getting in and out of them. So easy for accidents. What one find good at 40/50 or younger do not have any idea howb70’s hit you. One expects to feel the same as you do then. Good luck, as an incredibly active person, swimming a mile a day my 70’s suck. So if you plan on staying think old ppl.

[@LifeIsButADreem]

@@shirleyackerman-bethel1073 I agree with you. However, IMO, any home with 2 bathrooms should have 1 tub. And BTW, I'm 69 and still able to easily step into and out of my tub.

[@angelasepi657]

I needed a tub after surgery on my foot. It saved me. Im sure tubs are easier for people who have disabilities or the elderly.

[@Michellerosecusack]

I think a lot of these tips are advice about the US suburbs. A lot of them don't precisely fit Europe or other cultures. Case in point: the tub. Tubs in Europe are used as places to let your washing dry. The washing machine is typically in the kitchen. It is short on space, and most people don't have an air dryer that takes maybe 60 minutes to complete a load. Instead, having a condensed dryer that takes three-plus hours to dry a load 1/4th of the American sized load. Plus, heat and electricity are more expensive in Europe. So, for economic reasons, the tub is part of the washing and drying laundry station (especially in the winter) to conserve space. Also, many homes(newly built) don't have showers; they have an adjustable hand-held spray head for rinsing out the tub. Plus in passing conversation, many European friends once you live here a awile will point out that a 15-minute shower is less eco-friendly than a full bathtub. Not to mention that it is more budget friendly then a shower. Same for gardening space. Gardening in England is very important and will be a big selling or non selling point in homes because space is so limited.

[@josephinebournes8212]

Well this video was made by American so of course, recommendations will be based on the US market. Europeans: make your own videos!

[@Michellerosecusack]

@josephinebournes8212 Well, I thought you meant to speak more universally about all homes. (Hence why I made the comment.) I am also an American. (I'm originally from Southwest Minnesota.) who has lived in multiple places worldwide. (I'm currently living in England.) I thought you and others watching this video would appreciate knowing that home value changes depending on where someone resides. It's cool if you're only interested in targeting a US audience. But maybe say something about your tips being more US-focused. This kind of cavoiit will also help those who are moving to the States.

[@alexandraboaru]

In my whole life i have taken showers less times than my all my fingers and toes together in my own house. In European houses most of the times a tub is a must and has shower head add on to it, and i would always chose a tub over a shower… even if that is happening at midnight with 6 hours left to sleep, would rather soak 30 min with some lavender or chamomile and sleep very good… idk if is just a me thing, but I feel that in an European house it would be a minus of a tub was missing. Maybe it makes sense in warm places not to need a tub, but where you have seasons, that tub gets used…

[@bz09034]

Not sure where Europe is for you but we live in Germany and remodeled our bathroom. We had a tiny shower and a regular tub. We replaced it all with a large walk in shower.

[@alexandraboaru]

@ i live in UK, i am originally from Romania and my husband is Polish. Same condition. I also said “most of the time”, so i did not say it as a rule. No need to become rude or get so offended

[@daynacjones]

Putting in a pool in the south where I am is a real plus for me, but flying in to upstate NY I saw more pools than in South Georgia. I was there in August and the water was still very cold, so no to cold weather pools.

[@susantownsend8397]

I did some extreme customization to one home. No kids, some specific tastes, everything designed to fit my lifestyle, like a kitchen with no seating because we ate in the dining room - my kitchen was designed to be a workspace for serious cooking, not a place for entertainment. The week before it was going to be listed a real estate agent declared it her dream home and bought it “as is” and at our target price. The only change she made was to enlarge the attached workshop for her husband. Yes it can happen but honestly we were just lucky.

[@eattherich9215]

'... my kitchen was designed to be a workspace for serious cooking, not a place for entertainment.' I could not have put it better. I am not a cookery teacher, so don't require an audience. It makes me boil when people say we 'love to entertain' or want to be able to 'see the kids' as if even their parents had open plan homes that enabled constant surveillance. We are raising a generation of children too scared to go beyond the front door of their suburban, sub-division home.

[@SmartHomeOwnership]

Outdoor kitchens are amazing value add it you put them in a shed type building they don't when you put them directly outside.

[@lindak1819]

Barn door should have never been a thing

[@francescotenti193]

Very good video and advice filled with common sense, something missing too often these days with people chasing the latest trends. I have never done that in my life, whether it's a home, interior decorating, bathrooms, kitchens and even clothing and cars. I am a traditionalist and everything I do is for my personal, and family, enjoyment and is never outdated 2-3 years down the road. Best of good luck on your channel.

[@user-wc5lw7ps6h1]

Just closed on my first home on the 19th. This video is great, thank you!

[@josephinebournes8212]

Congratulations 🎊

[@stephenross4333]

Using classic colors & materials is always the right move. Also classic tile/floor pattern layout. Use paint, furniture & art for the 'trends'. We did new baths, flooring & kitchen in the past year. Added radiant heat under new, wide plank solid white oak floors, solid wood bath vanities (modern, slab style doors), white quartz counters, large brown/grey rectangular floor tile & similar in showers, (arranged horizontally), Kitchen: custom solid wood black walnut cabinets, slab doors, white quartz counters. House looks really really nice and will still look nice 20 years from now. We've done multiple houses & realtors come in saying it looks like a Architectural Digest or Dwell house.

[@raquelsliwa5926]

We’re about to start building and that comment about pools hit home! Thank you! I’m thinking I can get one of those round costco pools to see if our grandkids really use it and THEN we can decide to have one built.

[@auggiedoggiesmommy1734]

Contractors love the open shelving kitchens. They charge the same and don’t have the expense of cabinets.

[@joannlarson6386]

Funny but pink bathrooms seem to be back in style.

[@annemurphy9339]

They were all the rage in the 50’s and early 60’s.

[@HMJKS2000]

2:56 Outdoor kitchens (as long as it’s in your budget) are definitely worth it. Even if you don’t use it, it’s desired by others when you do sell it. More than likely though when you have it you’ll eventually use it. Having to run inside each time you need water is a drag. Having buckets of water is annoying and even if you put a pump on a 5 gallon bucket of water is annoying and tedious task when it runs out not to mention you’ll need to dump the waste water. If it’s not in your budget but you need or want an outdoor kitchen then it can be done one a budget where you’ll use buckets under the sink, 5 gallon tubs of water with pumps, ect. As far as outdoor appliances like outdoor refrigerators, ice machines, ect. I would say make sure the utilities are there but don’t put them there unless you will use this at least once a week.

[@chargerman165]

Great video and lot of great information. Agree about the playground equipment outside and vetting your contractor had both of those issues in our previous house when we remodeled it. Sold it in August 23 for a premium price and purchased a brand new build you were right about getting rid of stuff and making house look better thanks.

[@AnnSarasvati]

Lots of good information. Thanks.

[@smaceachern1]

A house that you live in should be comfortable and make you happy. I agree with 90% of what you said. For example. Someone might not buy the house because there is not a tub. Whether you use it or not. It’s very important to a lot of families. ROI in this case is high. Pools? I agree very expensive high maintenance ROI not good and some may not buy because there is a pool.

[@Cherrysmith2809]

I have to disagree with the tub. Many people use them, and if you have kids, they are a must. Why would you eliminate everyone with children from your buyer pool except in certain markets?

[@eramorandi8123]

also 67% of women population love to relax in tubs.

[@mffmoniz2948]

He's going after the stand alone tub, not the classical tub.

[@olgatkachenko4260]

absolutely agree, Professionalism first of all .

[@jimcole5197]

So you called this video things people regret after moving in. After moving in people don't care about resale value, they care about making their home a place they want to live. Not everything has to be about a monetary value someone else put on your home, its about what you want to make yourself happy in YOUR house.

[@shelleygiles8692]

I never invest in my home with weighing how it will effect resale. If you listen till the end, getting a quick sale at your asking price or more is important! You never know what happen to bring you to a place to have to sell your home.

[@philipwalsh28]

I think he made that point. Several times.

[@robinsimons7710]

We had a contractor build an upper deck. Another way to know you have a good contractor is when the city comes to inspect and they know the quality work that your contractor does. Inspections were a breeze and we have a beautiful upper eeck to enjoy for years to come.

[@user-hm5zb1qn6g]

I have a firepit - natural gas from my house - and I barely use it. Too hot in the summer to turn it on. Not hot enough to stay out there in the winter. Small $$ commitment because I trenched myself, had a buddy run the line, and I did the patio myself. But if I had paid a contractor for it I would be severely unhappy. On the other hand, the thousands of dollars and thousands of hours I've spent on my landscaping has been worth every penny, summer or winter. Favorite part of my entire property.

[@aisl6190]

I love my tub. My favourite rental was a tiny 1950's social housing flat in Sweden... the tub was 160cm but deep. You could sit up and lean back in it. I have prioritized that over many other things ever since. I want a deep corner tub - and if I can get it in a 'wet room"... I don't need an ensuite, walk in wardrobe, attic extenstion or home gym. I still aspire to a small indoor pool and sauna... with access to an outdoor patio, and shower... but ☺

[@pamelagroves7738]

Great video! You cut to the chase on functionality.

[@blogistics6009]

Two months away from finishing a house that will stand the test of time. 3 bedroom, 5.5 bath, full masonry exterior real handmade brick, two full real masonry chimneys, real timber framed rear porch, entire basement floors, garage floors, rear porch heated with a central boiler, and did I mention the imported wood burning artisan bread oven. Great video

[@karenbochinski]

Everything you said is truth. I have had construction done so I know what you mean. Things always go wrong and it is stressful and you pay more you have to be prepared for that

[@mskimrn9636]

In California a pool is absolutely worth every penny.

[@sarahuber8567]

If I was looking for a house and it had an outdoor kitchen or a pool- I would keep looking. I would want the budget to go into other features.

[@Gukworks]

Buy 4 bedroom 2 bath home, turn one bedroom into custom cabineted closet, another bedroom into office with its closets ripped out and replaced with collectible nook, add outdoor kitchen and two pools, one in ground and another above ground.

[@cindysmith9213]

Pink tiles are older then you think. It was good from 1930 to the 1960's. That was 30th to 40 years. In the 50's it was called Mamie Pink named after the First Lady. Sure, moving forward in time the pink doesn't work with the desaturated boring beige and grey crowd.The HGTV raised buyer wants boring and bland in their home. Decide if you can live with it or if you can cheaply return it to an IKEA factory setting. They aren't their great grandparents who wanted bright bold colors in their home. They wanted their home to be positive , creatjve and energetic.

[@deltasquared7777]

A friend of mine with two boys installed a urinal in the bathroom...he says it was the best thing he ever did

[@Ayee81]

Genius idea!

[@nysteelhorse]

Yeah, but as a buyer, I wouldn't want to see that. It detracts from the aesthetic of making an attractive space, regardless of the utility.

[@deltasquared7777]

Of course it couldn't possibly be removed before placing the home on the market...or could it ??

[@richliberati2692]

My pink bathroom house sold in 4 days on the market.

[@CRISNCHIPS12398]

Great video, and nicely edited. Well done!

[@denisebradt5427]

I have to disagree about the play equipment for kids, we bought one for our four year old granddaughter. We lived on the same property. It was played on everyday by all my grandchildren and their friends. One of the best purchases we made. When we sold the property we just took it down because by then it was almost 20 years old. My grown grandchildren would climb up into the play house and chill.

[@grandsewb5452]

Location location location makes a difference for those outdoor spaces

[@ricktweden2276]

If you want a built-in grill station outside, I say go for it. A sink is a must with the grill, and a simple addition if you're handy at all. If you like puttering in the yard like l do, you'll use it daily, even if just for splashing your face and rinsing your hands. I built mine away from the house with a free-standing structure to keep the snow off (lifetime Montanan). The sink was as simple as running a water line before laying the pavers. Stub it out of the ground right under your hose bib on the house. Connect to it w/ stainless sink supply lines and viola, you have the perfect spot to blow out for winter. I ran a hot water line off of a separate hose bib, but rarely use it. I drain the sink into a simple dry well. I felt like a fridge was not needed, and now after 10 years of enjoyment out there, I still feel that way. A nice counter height cooler is perfect..

[@comment6864]

Nah, keep all washing machines in the basement or on the ground floor. A flood will be far more catastrophic on a higher floor. And if you think those don't happen, THEY DO! The reasons can vary

[@rubysilver3299]

Happened to a friend of mine with a second-floor laundry room. The washer was overloaded, it went for a walk, the drain hose pulled off, the kitchen ceiling fell down. Up until then, I’d envied her setup.

[@comment6864]

@@rubysilver3299 Yup, that's exactly what happened to someone i know - the hose pulled off! And it wasn't even during operation. Luckily theirs was located in the bottom floor of a raised ranch, so damage only local, but it did leave a mark on a couple pieces of furniture, luckily nothing overly valuable. It does happen! I've seen people place them in a shallow tub, thinking they're safe, but that won't do squat in an event like this. No thanks! I'll take the 'inconvenience' of carrying a couple baskets a flight of stairs. TBH only people who haven't ever lived in an apartment where the laundry is outside the unit would not rejoice at the simple pleasure of just having a washer INSIDE your home. Enjoy the convenience SAFELY!

[@FernandoGastelo]

A pool in Florida definetly adds 7% and more to the house value

[@brianmclean7576]

See a lot of pools in Florida / never saw 1 person swimming in one. EVER

[@TreXsJournal-Coming-Soon]

Florida is unique, but even there it's an artificial price increase people will stop falling for 😅

[@sherrygill733]

Anyone with kids - they're in it a lot. Saltwater is better​@@brianmclean7576

[@rovert1284]

Most silly to me is bathtubs in the actual bedroom, and no door on the bathroom. It is nice to have some privacy. We have a bathtub for the grandkids, but even they prefer to shower at a young age. Wife and I have never used the tub. Also strongly dislike light fittings with draping power cords. Yuk. Always looks like something you would hook up on a temporary basis.

[@betmo]

we are on house #3... we upsized and now downsized...what we determined early on is invest your money in quality things that you can take with you...if you need to replace appliances...understand the neighborhood and type of house you have...i recently downsized from a higher end home...when we bought the house almost 10 years ago...the sub zeros were from 1989/90....we got another 6 years or so out of them...let's just say that sub zero built ins are not cheap...but they're cheaper than re-doing the kitchen to accommodate huge stainless fridges...the house we are buying is mid range suburbia...regular fridge and stove...and we don't have to redo the kitchen

[@margaretrichmond4612]

Generators? What are your thoughts? Is it a +ve ROI?

[@ruthspillman546]

Good ideas. I want to redo this house before I sell it to make it more sellable. The arrangement is really bad, a bath across the hall to another bath. A badly closed-in porch which you must walk through to get to the kitchen. The arrangement of thevdoorvneedsvto be moved so the space is usuable. Master bedroom is on the opposite end of the house. Crazy!!! I have it redone in my mind.

[@PJCherry-h2q]

This is a great video VERY True from experience!!!

[@susanking5008]

This is great!

[@rileysligting539]

In Utah 5 bedroom houses are very common and almost necessary. LDS families lots of times have 4 or more children. Then you can make one of those rooms an office.

[@kristycullen8287]

I have never understood the allure of backsplashes. I only have my granite go up to the window and sill behind the sink. That way, the wall is protected and the kitchen isn't overwhelming.

[@happy_bubble7]

Adding in mobility aides like handles on the shower walls and showers without lips/edges is a great ROI because disabled is the one minority anyone can become at any time and yet houses with disability aides are worth more when reselling and it does cost much to instal properly. At the very least you'll appreciate a shower bench when you're elderly and need someone to shower you. Priorities... repairs, then updating electrical/plumbing/HVAC efficiency. Neutral tones is good for anything after that.

[@Black-ig6vh]

❤I agree. I fell in love with my first (current) home almost IMMEDIATELY; but it had no handrails for the stairs to the upper level. Having them installed was a stipulation I added before buying. Although we rarely go up there, my husband (72) and I do have to check and make sure we do not have any surprise roommates lol. We have been here for 8 months, and still figuring out what we want to do with the upstairs bedrooms. Still afraid to check inside the attic though 😕

[@cristallaprade5487]

Thanks! I'll do my own extreme, audacious landscaping myself! 😊

[@rosehennessy2517]

Excellent presentation.Very interesting video.Greetings from Ireland.

[@uninsurable9028]

Thank you for calling out those ugly bathtubs in the middle of the room. I never understood the attraction.

[@turnne]

I have a few exceptions here.....pool value in resale is very dependent on where you live. Due to the fact that so many people are watching home shows these last several years ...trends in kitchens and baths change every few years now. What ever you do in either could be somewhat dated in 10 years...However some people like that retro tile, but I am going to ssay it is a smaller group. My neighborhood was build in the 1960's and they range from all brand new to practically never been touched. Those that have never been touched do sell for significantly less since people know how much that tear out to replace all that pastel tiles and countertops costs these days

[@MaryMoller-e9q]

Half of those standalone tubs that are in the middle of the bathroom aren't even wide enough to sit in

[@smakcanada]

As a realtor my experience is pools detract from the desirability of a house. You appeal to a smaller market when trying to sell a house with a pool.