37. Loft or Basement Conversions
Year of Popularity: 2010s-Present
Est. Cost: $20,000* (Loft Conversion), $30,000-$70,000* (Basement Conversion)
Loft and basement conversions are two things that you would think would add value onto your home. In reality, they do the opposite. Loft conversions cost $20,000 on average, and, though they could be valuable if you’re adding a bedroom, adding a home office won’t give you that same R.O.I. Your home won’t increase by $20,000, just because you added a home office.
Loft or Basement Conversions ©Klaus Wagenhaeuser /
Basement conversions are similar. Much like the garage conversion problem, most people just want a regular basement, without any specific purpose. We all use our basements for different things, and converting the basement into a gym, living space, or extra kitchen won’t add more value than it costs.