Passion Projects: A Personal Investment, Not Always a Financial One Passion projects are personal investments homeowners make to enhance their lifestyle—regardless of cost. These projects may include swimming pools, tennis courts, hot tubs, wine cellars, game rooms, or even decorative ponds. While these features can significantly enrich your daily life, they often do not translate into higher resale value. Take swimming pools, for example. While desirable to some, in-ground pools are costly to install and maintain. Many potential buyers view them as seasonal luxuries, ongoing maintenance burdens, and safety concerns—especially in regions with colder climates. As a result, a pool may actually limit your buyer pool rather than increase your home’s market value. Similarly, converting functional spaces into specialty rooms—such as turning a two-car garage into a game room—can backfire. If most homes in your neighborhood feature garages, removing yours may make your home less appealing to future buyers. That said, if your goal is to enhance your enjoyment of the home rather than its resale value, passion projects can be incredibly rewarding. Just be sure to strike a balance between personalization and market expectations—especially if you plan to sell in the future. 