Home renovations are holding their value more than home prices today.  The slow housing market encourages home owners to stay put and redesign/renovate their home and make it more livable for them.  The improvements will help sell and make it more applealing to future buyers.  Without the improvements,  buyers will negotiate and chip away at the sales price by pointing out imperfections of the home. It is still smart to invest in your home especially in older more established neighborhoods by refurbishing a kitchen, master bedroom or bathroom you will recoupe your money.