Yes, they are. Few home improvements are considered to “pay back” in terms of an increased sale price other than very basic ones such as fresh paint or replacing damaged fixtures.
Owners should do a major remodeling project because it’s what they want, not because it’s what a potential future owner would want. Fashions in household design change so fast that everything is “dated” almost immediately.
“Few home improvements are considered to “pay back” in terms of an increased sale price other than very basic ones”
Then the only real up-sides would be that improvements, although not adding huge value, would make the property more presentable for resale. (First impressions are strong and are hard to turn around.) Also, better for owners to live in if not selling.
Both are important, I guess.