Property Brothers: stop wasting money on these home upgrades

Show summary Hide summary

• When a fireplace is more show than heat
• How gas cooktops affect indoor air quality
• Why wall-to-wall living room carpeting is a weak long-term play
• Lighting choices that age poorly — and smarter alternatives
• Why extremely bold countertops can backfire
• Practical renovation rules the brothers often repeat
• Quick decision checklist before you spend

The Property Brothers have taught millions how to turn a fixer-upper into a market-ready home. But beyond dramatic reveals and clever layouts, the twins often warn homeowners about specific upgrades that drain budgets and deliver little long-term value. Their rule of thumb: prioritize function, longevity, and resale appeal over short-lived trends. Below, designers and the brothers themselves highlight several common renovation choices to avoid — and practical alternatives that give you more for your money.

When a fireplace is more show than heat

Nothing beats the romance of a roaring fire. Yet real wood-burning fireplaces often fail as reliable heating sources.

The brothers note that many clients regret installing or keeping an open wood fireplace. Why? It can be inefficient, messy, and costly to operate.

• High fuel use: Inefficient fireplaces burn more wood and require more maintenance.
• Hidden heat loss: Chimneys can pull warm air out of living spaces when the fire is out.
• Safety and pollution: Creosote buildup increases chimney fire risk and indoor pollutants.

There are better choices. An EPA-certified wood stove reduces emissions and improves burn efficiency. Still, gas and electric inserts usually win for practicality. They offer:

• Cleaner operation
• Lower maintenance
• Consistent heat output
• Usability during power outages (select models)

If your goal is warmth plus convenience, consider replacing an open hearth with a sealed gas or electric unit. It preserves the cozy look while cutting fuel use and cleanup.

How gas cooktops affect indoor air quality

Gas ranges remain popular among some cooks. But they release pollutants that impact health and indoor comfort.

The brothers warn that gas stoves emit nitrogen dioxide and other harmful compounds. These emissions can aggravate asthma and affect young children most.

• Poor ventilation compounds the problem: Many households run exhaust fans sparingly.
• Perceived chef preference: Some believe pros prefer gas, but many restaurants use induction.

Induction cooktops heat faster, waste less energy, and keep the air cleaner. Electric glass-top ranges also remove combustion emissions from your kitchen.

Consider these practical points when choosing a cooktop:

• Induction often boils water faster than gas.
• Glass-top electric ranges are easier to clean than coil models.
• Proper ventilation is essential no matter the fuel type.

For healthier indoor air and better energy performance, the Property Brothers increasingly recommend induction or electric options.

Why wall-to-wall living room carpeting is a weak long-term play

Whole-room carpeting once signaled comfort. Today it signals outdated finishes and higher maintenance.

The twins caution that wall-to-wall carpet traps dirt, dust, and allergens. It shows wear quickly in high-traffic rooms and often deters buyers.

Better alternatives balance durability and appeal. Popular choices include:

• Hardwood floors — timeless and attractive to buyers.
• Plank-style porcelain tile — water-resistant and hard-wearing.
• High-quality laminate that mimics wood — budget-friendly and durable.

Use area rugs to bring softness into seating zones. Rugs are easier to replace and keep clean than installed carpet.

Opting for hard floors with rugs usually boosts resale potential while lowering long-term upkeep.

Lighting choices that age poorly — and smarter alternatives

Lighting shapes mood and perceived value. But some fixtures can date a room fast.

Large six-inch recessed can lights, common in older remodels, often look stuck in a past decade. They can dominate a ceiling and create a flat light profile.

The brothers suggest modernizing lighting with these moves:

• Choose smaller recessed units (four or five inches) for a subtler effect.
• Introduce fixture lighting like pendants and chandeliers to add design interest.
• Layer light with lamps and task fixtures to create warmth and depth.

Materials matter too. Brushed metals or matte finishes can make fixtures feel contemporary rather than dated.

Good lighting blends function and style — choose fixtures that enhance rooms today and in the years ahead.

Why extremely bold countertops can backfire

Countertops are expensive and highly visible. Making them the loudest design statement can hurt resale.

The brothers advise caution with very trendy or highly patterned surfaces. A bold choice might delight you now and repel buyers later.

Consider countertop selection based on three factors:

1. Durability — will it resist stains and wear?
2. Maintenance — how much care does it need?
3. Timelessness — will it still look fresh in five years?

Neutral, long-lasting materials such as quartz score highly on all three criteria. If you crave color, add it through accessories, cabinet paint, or backsplash tile. That way, updates are cheaper and easier to change.

Practical renovation rules the brothers often repeat

The twins don’t only list what to avoid. They push homeowners to think about how they actually live in a space.

• Ask how often you’ll remodel again. If infrequent, favor conservative, durable choices.
• Factor in cleaning habits. A busy family may need low-maintenance surfaces.
• Consider energy efficiency and indoor-air impacts when selecting systems and appliances.
• Choose finishes that appeal to a broad pool of buyers if resale is a near-term goal.

Smart renovations focus on usability, long-term savings, and strong resale logic. That mindset can save money and time over the life of a renovation.

Quick decision checklist before you spend

Use this shortlist to vet any upgrade that carries a big price tag.

• Will this change improve daily life or just look good in photos?
• Can the feature be easily cleaned and repaired?
• Does it increase the home’s energy efficiency or indoor health?
• Will it still appeal to buyers if you put the house on the market next year?

If the answer to two or more of these questions is no, the project may not be worth the money.