8 Budget-Friendly Home Improvement Projects to Boost Resale Value

Are you looking for an easy way to increase the value of your home without spending a lot of money? There are plenty of projects you can take on yourself that will raise your home’s value, and help you get a higher offer if you decide to sell in the future.

It’s possible to sell your home as is, but you can often get more for it if you take the time to make small improvements. Here are eight of our favorite budget-friendly tips for boosting your home’s value quickly.

1. Swap Out Light Fixtures:

Does your house have the standard “boob” flush mount lights that most builder-grade and older homes come with? You can instantly change the look of your room by swapping out your light fixtures with more modern, vintage, or visually interesting designs.

You don’t need to be an electrician to do this either, as long as you switch off the light fuse for the room you’re working in. But it’s also easy to have a handyman or someone on TaskRabbit come switch out your light fixtures for you inexpensively. In a matter of minutes, you’ll have a more elevated look. If your room doesn’t have electrical above, you can also add a plug-in pendant light to the center of the room or get creative with plug-in light sconces or wall lamps.

Tip: Don’t overlook outdoor lighting fixtures or vanity lights in your bathroom.

2. Install Ceiling Fans:

While you’re looking at the lighting, consider adding ceiling fans, especially to upstairs bedrooms or rooms with poor air circulation. This can help make your heat and air conditioning more efficient and maybe a feature some buyers are looking for.

In the summer, ceiling fans can help better distribute air conditioning throughout your home. And in the winter if your fans run clockwise, they can help circulate your heat, too, potentially saving you some money on your energy bills.

3. Redo Your Outdated Kitchen Backsplash:

If your kitchen is dating your home, swapping out an out-of-date backsplash may be a more affordable way to renovate your home without replacing countertops or cabinets. You can remove the old tile, grout, and mortar with a chisel. Then pick a new tile that will work well with your kitchen colors and help refresh your space. A neutral color or timeless pattern — like white subway tile — may work best.

Installing tile is pretty easy. You’ll add mortar to your wall, add a tile, and then spacers before adding the next tile. Repeat the process until your backsplash is covered, then add grout and sealer to finish up the job. While it’s probably a good idea to skip the peel-and-stick tile made popular by millennials and Gen Z, if you’re going for an elevated look, some stores offer peel-and-stick panels with real tile that’s already grouted, which could help speed this job up.

4. Repaint Your Cabinets:

If you’re not interested in investing in new kitchen or bathroom cabinets but know they’re making your home look older, consider using cabinet paint to give them a facelift. You can do this with a roller and paintbrush, or rent a paint sprayer for a faster, more even finish.

You’ll need to remove cabinet doors and drawers, and carefully tape around your countertops and sink to avoid making a mess. And you may need several coats of paint to get the look just right. It’s not a fast project, but it is one you can do entirely on your own. And the result could increase the value of your home if your kitchen looks more modern.

5. Replace Door Knobs and Hardware:

It might seem like a small project, but adding unique door knobs and hardware can inject charm into your home. If you have standard gold door knobs from the 90s, consider a more modern look like black lever door knobs, or go vintage with Victorian-style door knobs. Lean into your home’s natural aesthetic when choosing the right style for your house.

You can also improve your home's look by swapping out light switches and outlet covers, kitchen and bathroom hardware, and standard wall hooks.

6. Power Wash Your Exterior, Porch, and Deck:

It might be hard to see just how charming your house is if it’s buried under layers of dirt and grime. You can buy or rent a power washer and spray down the outside of your house to return it to its former glory. Be sure to go around shutters and columns to leave your home squeaky clean when you’re finished.

But don’t stop there. Power wash your front porch, back deck, driveway, sidewalk, and garage, too.

7. Replace Your Faucets:

Old faucets can be an eyesore and may hold you back from getting a higher offer if you decide to sell your home. The good news is they’re fairly easy to switch out and modernize, even if you’ve never worked with plumbing before.

First, you’ll want to find a new fixture that matches your design style. Then, you’ll need to measure and make sure you understand how many cutouts your sink has before ordering a new faucet. When it arrives, you’ll need a wrench, possibly a screwdriver, and some plumber’s tape to install your new faucet. Don’t forget to turn off the water, or you’ll have a mess on your hands.

8. Don’t Underestimate Paint:

It might seem too easy to be a hack, but paint can transform the look of any room in your house. If your home has outdated colors, it’s a good idea to go neutral or modern to attract more potential home buyers and increase the value of your home.

Paint can also help you make a smaller room look bigger — just lean into light colors. And brighter whites can help a dark room look brighter and airier. Darker colors can add charm, but be careful not to go too bold if you’re looking to sell your home soon. Instead, opt for neutral whites, creams, beiges, and grays. Ask your real estate agent for advice if you’re hoping to sell soon and are unsure what colors will work best.

And don’t forget about the outside of your home. If your exterior could use new paint or a touch-up, you can make your house look brand new by adding a fresh coat of paint or updating the color. For a less intense project, consider just painting the front door instead. This can have a similar effect while requiring a lot less work.

In Conclusion:

You don't have to spend a lot to make your home worth more. As explained in this blog, small and affordable changes can have a big impact. We can make your home look better and worth more with updates like new lights and cleaning the outside.

Whether you want to sell your home or just make it better, these eight tips are easy and useful. They include things like painting and updating the kitchen. Don't forget, making small changes to your home can make it more appealing to people who might want to buy it, and also make it a nicer place for you to live.