A kitchen upgrade can often add significant value to a home but not all renovations are worth the money spent on them, according to property experts. Kitchen and bathroom renovations generally pay for themselves when a property is sold but some other upgrades are a poor investment, said Kathy Monahan this week, an agent with Forest Hill Real Estate. She cites wall-to-wall broadloom (a type of woven carpet) as being a turn-off for many potential buyers. Although wall-to-wall broadloom was once considered a selling feature, it is now often considered as a liability in many buyers eyes. Broadloom is incompatible with pets and unhealthy for people with allergies, as well as being hard to clean. Hardwood floors are a much better alternative. Whirlpool baths, saunas and indoor hot tubs, which were once popular, are often now viewed as expensive and energy-guzzling. The estate agent says she once even saw a home with a hot tub in the living room. Expensive built-in sound systems and home theatres are another no-no, as are colourful bathroom fixtures Other features to avoid are ornate chandeliers and wallpaper. Neutral, simple dcor is far more likely to result in a successful sale. As an a side note, the most popular upgrade to update a kitchen is the sink and tap.