Planning Some Renovations? You Can Leave These Areas Alone

Are you dreaming of making some major changes to your home? While renovating is a great way to make a space truly "yours," there are some things you simply shouldn't touch. Many updates will add value to your home, but if you make one of the following mistakes, you could end up doing just the opposite.

Here are six things you should consider leaving alone when planning your home renovation.

1. Original Hardwood Flooring
   Before you do any flooring upgrades, be sure to check and see what's underneath. You would be surprised how many homeowners find gorgeous hardwood flooring buried under layers of tile, vinyl, and linoleum.
   
   Original hardwood floors are beautiful, and it's easy to refinish them and stain them any way you like. Not only will this add class to your home, but it's also a sought-after feature that will add value.

2. Exposed Beams or Mantels
   You might think your exposed beams or mantel are an eyesore right now, but homeowners often find stunning hewn wood under layers of the previous homeowner's paint. This is another highly desirable home feature.
   
   If you do discover natural wood, it's fairly simple to sand and stain it, or you could leave it as it is to create a rustic or modern farmhouse look.

3. Millwork
   Does your home have ceiling medallions, crown molding, or rosettes? If so, you may want to preserve it. This period craftsmanship is hard to come by today, and it can add a ton of character to your home.
   
   If these accents are simply not the style you're aiming for, consider finding ways to move or repurpose them. For example, you may want to move a ceiling medallion into your dining room or save rosettes for when you set up your nursery. These pieces truly are artisan treasures and should be preserved if possible.

4. Stained or Crowned Glass
   If you're lucky enough to have stained glass or crown glass (which was hand-blown in the 19th century) in your home, you'll want to make every effort to preserve it. Colored glass is particularly desirable since it diffuses light and adds extra privacy to the space.
   
   You'll need a professional's help to properly preserve old glass, but the cost is well worth it. You might be able to relocate the glass to a bathroom, entryway, or even indoors — so if it doesn't work where it is, talk to an expert about your options.

5. Extra Rooms
   Are you considering getting rid of that extra guest room to create a large master suite or a larger entertainment space? You'll want to think twice before you do. Changing the layout of a home can seem like a great idea in the short term, but it can be a long-term gamble.
   
   Trends like this tend to come and go. When it's time to sell your home, many buyers will want a certain number of designated bedrooms and may not be as excited as you are about that extra-sized room.

6. Bathtubs
   While large luxury showers are all the rage right now, make sure to keep at least one bathtub in your home. Otherwise, this could be a major turnoff to the next buyer. This is particularly true if the demographics in your neighborhood tend to skew towards younger families with small children.

When renovating your home, it's important to create the features you really want. However, before making any of the changes above, consider whether the potential impact on your home's value is truly worth it. In the end, you may decide it is, but at least you'll have made an educated decision.  

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