Not all upgrades are created equal—some will add definite value to your home, while you may not recoup the full costs of others. Check out these common upgrades that may cost more than they're worth.

PUTTING IN A POOL

• Unless you live in an area with year-round warm weather, the costs of routine maintenance and safety concerns for young children may keep buyers from paying top dollar for your home.

HIGHLY CUSTOM DESIGN DECISIONS

• Keep upgrades fairly neutral, as no one wants to rip out something that's been recently renovated because it's not their style.

PERMANENT BEDROOM CONVERSIONS

• Combining two bedrooms to make a mega-closet may be a good idea for your lifestyle today, but going from a three to a two-bedroom house can hurt the value when you try to sell.

INCREMENTAL SQUARE FOOTAGE GAINS

• Big changes, like converting a basement, can be a good decision. But smaller additions may create an awkward floor plan and cost more than the added value.