Spending on residential remodeling is at an all-time high, according to the Remodeling Activity Indicator published by Harvard University's Joint Center For Housing Studies . And with house prices beginning to increase, owners feel that home improvements are a wise investment. Some costly luxury improvements that are commonly viewed as value-builders are actually losers when it comes time to sell. Things like spas and tennis courts are very low on the payback scale. Saunas are a complete wash, as are swimming pools, except in certain regions of the county where the climate supports year round use.
Pools are a big maintenance and liability headache.
You need to have someone clean the thing, and your insurance costs may go up. Kitchen improvements are perhaps the most surefire way to recoup your remodeling costs, depending on the nature of the changes and assuming that you don't spend too much relative to the value of the home. Moreover, a remodeled kitchen can make a house sell faster. Any remodeling in the kitchen, making it lighter, brighter and a more useful room adds a lot to a home's value. Another good move is to add a bathroom.