According to a recent study done by the National Association of Home Builders, 41% of home owners said that they decided to undergo a remodeling project in an effort to increase their home’s value. Remodeling projects of all shapes and sizes are extremely common among home owners, yet only some actually reach the desired goal of increasing a home’s worth. There are several factors to consider before beginning renovations, regardless of size or cost. A little foresight can help.

One of the first things home owners want to do after buying a house is make it theirs. In other words, they want to make a personal imprint that says that this is uniquely their home. There’s nothing wrong with making changes that reflect who you are, but keep in mind, the more personal the improvement, the less likely you are to recoup the investment. The reason for this is simply a difference in taste. The unique light fixture imported from Italy that cost you a fortune may not appeal to another home owner, therefore they’re unlikely going to pay a premium for something they don’t particularly like. As a result, you won’t see a return on that spendy investment you made.

On the flip side, a great way you can express yourself is through color—choosing paint colors that reflect your personality and life style. The nice thing about paint is that it enhances the appearance of your home, but it can easily be changed by a new owner, and it doesn’t cost a fortune.

Another important factor to keep in mind when undergoing renovations is the home’s character. If you’re looking to increase the market value of your home it’s probably in your best interest to stay within the intended character of the home. And take into account the homes around you too. If you live in a neighborhood lined with Tudor-style homes, keep that in mind when making exterior renovations. Something that can effect the value of your home as much as anything else is how it fits in with the homes around it. A newly constructed home set among old Victorians probably won’t fetch the same value as it would if it were sitting among like homes.

When it comes to remodeling and renovations, you should try to balance out the changes. In other words, invest some time and money in updating the home’s invisible systems, like heating and plumbing, as well as cosmetic changes, like wall color and carpeting. If you spend all your money installing a highly energy efficient heating system and a central vacuum system, but nothing on the home’s cosmetic appearance, there’s a good chance you won’t recoup the true value of those costs. You would be better served to balance what you spend on the invisible systems and cosmetic appearance; you’re financial return is more likely to benefit from this decision.

One of the best pieces of advice anyone could offer about remodeling is this: if you’re not an architect or designer, hire one. Seriously. Yes, hiring someone to design your remodel project will cost money, but it’s usually well worth it. In addition to the aesthetics of the project, a designer or architect can assist with zoning issues, environmental restrictions, permits, licenses, etc. These hired professionals know the right channels to go through to avoid problems with building inspectors and possible financial ramifications.

Use good judgment when hiring an architect, designer or contractor. What that means is don’t necessarily go for the professional who offers the lowest price. Each of these professions is a service industry built on trust and good relationships. Interview them like you would an employee. Find two or three people that you trust and get bids from them. Remember, if the price sounds too good to be true, it probably is. You could end up overextending yourself compensating for the patchy work of a cut-rate professional.

There is a fine balance between renovating a home for personal reflection and for future return value. But one that’s easily achieved with proper foresight and planning. Your home is an investment—probably one of the largest investments you’ll ever make. So it’s wise to treat it as such.