Renovations That Don’t Add Value to Your Omaha Home

Jun 17

And Why Talking to a Realtor First Is Always the Smart Move

By The Pierce Group | Omaha Real Estate Experts

Not all home upgrades are created equal—especially when you’re thinking about resale. Homeowners often invest in renovations thinking they’ll boost their home’s value, only to find buyers just aren’t impressed.

Before spending thousands on upgrades, the smartest first step is always the same: talk to a local Omaha real estate agent. Here’s why—and what to skip.

5 Common Renovations That Don’t Add Much (or Any) Value in Omaha

1. High-End Kitchen Overhauls

Granite counters, custom cabinets, and commercial-grade appliances may look stunning—but in many Omaha neighborhoods, buyers won’t pay extra for them. A well-maintained, functional kitchen often gets the same attention at a fraction of the cost.

2. Luxury Bathroom Upgrades

Think twice before installing heated floors or a $3,000 soaking tub. Unless your home is in the luxury market (think West Omaha estates), these upgrades rarely return their cost.

3. Garage Conversions

Turning your garage into a bonus room may seem like a clever use of space—but most Omaha buyers want a garage, especially during our snowy winters. You might actually turn buyers off instead of winning them over.

4. Over-the-Top Landscaping

Beautiful outdoor spaces are great—but excessive landscaping or water features can look like high maintenance to potential buyers. Focus on curb appeal, not a botanical garden.

5. Highly Personalized Projects

Bright accent walls, themed rooms, or built-in features specific to your lifestyle (like a home gym or wine cellar) may not align with a future buyer’s needs—and may even distract them from your home’s core features.

Ask a Realtor First: Here's Why It Pays Off

Before you swing a hammer or sign off on a contractor, here’s what we recommend: schedule a walk-through with a local real estate expert—like our team at The Pierce Group.

We help homeowners across Omaha:

Identify the upgrades buyers are looking for in your specific neighborhood (Elkhorn? Midtown? Benson? Each one’s different!)
Estimate the potential ROI (return on investment)
Avoid costly mistakes and wasted time
Create a strategic plan to get your home market-ready when the time comes

🔍 Local Tip from The Pierce Group:

In Omaha, small improvements go a long way—fresh paint, updated fixtures, and neutral staging often outperform big-budget remodels. Focus on clean, move-in-ready spaces buyers can make their own.

Thinking About Renovating Before Selling?

Let’s chat first! We’ll walk you through what’s worth it (and what’s not) based on your neighborhood, your goals, and today’s market.