One of the joys of homeownership is having the freedom to do exactly what you want with your house or apartment—as long as your spouse agrees, of course. But don’t forget that some day you’ll be selling your home, and future buyers may be turned off by built-in features they’ll need to remove.

Photo: askousa.com

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Listen to BOB VILA ON BUILT-IN MISTAKES or read the text below:

Built-in electronics, for example, can become outdated very quickly. And built-in custom cabinets to hold televisions and sound equipment will become outdated right along with them. After all, 20 years ago, who could have imagined that TV screens would become so big, and music players so small?

Likewise, a basic patio can appeal to anyone, but if you build in a barbecue or other amenities, you make the outdoor space less flexible. So a future owner who wants a place to play ping-pong won’t be as charmed as you are by the built-in wet bar.

So by all means remodel your home the way you want it, but keep your future buyers in mind when you install anything permanent.

Bob Vila Radio is a newly launched daily radio spot carried on more than 75 stations around the country (and growing). You can get your daily dose here, by listening to—or reading—Bob’s 60-second home improvement radio tip of the day.

For more on buying and selling homes, consider:

7 Renovation Tips to Boost Resale Value
10 Simple Home Staging Tips Every Seller Should Know
Bob Vila Radio: Sale Ready Homes