When considering a home’s value, most people focus on the major red flags: things like a leaking roof, aging systems or foundation issues. But there’s another category that often gets overlooked — upgrades and design choices that, while well-intentioned, can actually work against you when it’s time to sell.

Here are seven unexpected things that can quietly drag down a home's value — and what to consider instead.

A lush garden or perfectly manicured lawn might be eye-catching, but too much landscaping can be overwhelming for buyers. Elaborate water features, extensive flower beds or high-maintenance hedging often signal “expensive to maintain” — and that can turn off potential buyers who want something more manageable.

Tip: Keep your landscaping tidy, attractive and relatable. Think curb appeal without the upkeep anxiety.

Turning a bedroom into a yoga studio, home office or walk-in closet might suit your lifestyle — but if the renovation makes it difficult to revert to a bedroom, you’re potentially shrinking your home’s bedroom count in the perspective of buyers.

Since bedroom count is a major driver of home value, removing a closet, permanently altering the layout or installing built-in equipment can work against you.

Tip: If you convert a bedroom, keep the changes reversible — and hold onto that closet door!

Think: statement tile, vivid wallpaper, trendy finishes or brightly painted cabinets. While you should love your space, over-customizing can alienate buyers who would rather not budget for a cosmetic overhaul.

Tip: Keep high-impact features neutral if resale is on the horizon. Personality can be shown through furniture and décor instead.

Built-in wine walls, indoor saunas or full karaoke lounges might be your dream setup — but not everyone shares the same vision. These features can become expensive to remove or repurpose, and ultimately limit the buyer pool.

Tip: Consider resale when investing in highly specific renovations. A unique addition can be a bonus or a burden, depending on the buyer.

Buyers can spot a “good enough” patch job from a mile away. Uneven tile, mismatched paint or improperly installed fixtures raise concerns about what else might have been done on the cheap. Even if the fixes seem functional, they can create a perception of bigger issues.

Tip: If a repair is outside your skill set, it’s worth hiring a professional. Quality craftsmanship shows — and pays.

Technology moves fast — and not every buyer wants to inherit outdated or overly complex smart systems. A web of apps, security features and voice assistants can feel more like a learning curve than a selling point.

Tip: Keep tech intuitive and optional. The goal is “easy to use,” not “must read the manual.”

Transforming a garage into a space such as a bonus living room or home gym might seem like a square-footage win, but many buyers prioritize a secure place to park and keep storage items — so when the garage loses its original function, it can feel like a downgrade.

Tip: Think twice before converting a garage — or leave the structure intact so it’s easy to reverse.

Not every renovation adds value — and some well-intended updates can shrink the number of buyers who might be interested in your home. The key is to balance personalization with practicality. A home that’s clean, well-maintained and thoughtfully updated will nearly always outshine one that’s overdone, over-customized or oddly repurposed.