I'm wondering if custom security bars installed on patio doors can affect the value of my house, especially since we live in a pretty safe neighborhood. My parents had these bars put in a long time ago when we moved in during the 90s, coming from a less secure area where they felt necessary. Now, over 25 years later, I find them quite unattractive, they even give the house a prison-like vibe. I'm currently assisting my parent with home renovations, and since the patio door needs to be changed, I'm trying to persuade her to remove the bars. We've had a couple of contractors previously who thought the bars were unnecessary for our neighborhood and even charged extra to reinstall them. Unfortunately, my parent is stuck in the mindset they grew up with and has found a new contractor who's fine with putting the bars back on. I'm looking for insights or evidence about whether these bars might decrease the house's value, as I believe future owners will likely want to remove them. How can I convince my parent to consider taking them off for aesthetic and value reasons?
3 Answers
Honestly, I don’t think the bars will affect the value much since they’re easily removable. A good real estate agent might even take them off to stage the house better. If it makes your parent feel secure, maybe it’s worth keeping them for now. Sometimes those old memories kick in, and if the bars provide comfort for them, it’s not a big deal. Change might be hard for some people, and aesthetics can always be updated later.
I doubt the bars will seriously decrease the home’s value, but they might make potential buyers hesitate a bit. Luckily, they can be popped off with ease when you’re ready to sell. If keeping the bars up makes your parent feel safer, it’ll probably be worth it—just take them down when you list the house. Try to find a compromise that keeps your parent comfortable while allowing for future changes.
I’d say remove them! Nothing says "outdated" like bars on the windows. They can really make a house look less appealing. If your parent is open to it, maybe consider looking at doors with built-in screens or safety features that don’t compromise the aesthetic. Keeping the house enjoyable for you both now is important, but you can always make adjustments later when you’re ready to sell.