Should I make major home improvements?

Major home improvements should be made for your benefit and enjoyment while you’re living in the home – not at a time when you’re contemplating selling. Of course that enhance one’s lifestyle and that are useful to almost everyone add value and/or speed the sale of houses. These include central air conditioning to the heating system, building a deck or patio, basement finishing, kitchen remodeling (updating colors on cabinets, countertops, appliances, panels, etc.), and new floor and/or wall coverings, especially in bathrooms. Improvements that return less than they cost are generally items that appeal to personal tastes, like adding fireplaces, wet bars, and swimming pools, or converting the garage into an extra room.
The challenge that comes with any home improvement designed to help sell your house is recouping your investment. There is the risk of over-improving - putting more money into your house than neighbourhood prices will support.