11 Cheap Home Upgrades

A small house on top of stacks of coins.
  • 1-40 hours
  • Beginner
  • 100-4,000

Upgrading your home can seem like a daunting and expensive task. Although renovations can add a lot of value to your home, they can break your budget if done incorrectly. Fortunately, there are plenty of affordable home upgrades that will improve the overall value of your home in the long run.

1. Updating Cabinets

A good kitchen is a major attraction to potential buyers. While installing a whole new set of cabinets can get expensive, there are several ways you can make those old cabinets look brand new. For starters, apply a few coats of paint for a cleaner and more modern look. After the paint dries, install new cabinet pulls and handles to finish the project.

2. Wall Treatments

A bedroom with wainscoting.

In addition to painting kitchen cabinets, consider giving your wall a fresh color. It's a good idea to go with natural colors as you never know who might be interested in buying. If you notice any cracks in the drywall, repair them before adding a new coat. If you have dirty or banged up wall outlets, conceal them by painting them the same color as the wall. Finally, adding panel or crown molding can really add height and texture to a room.

3. Ceiling Remodel

If your home was built in the 1980s, then you probably have a popcorn ceiling. If this is the case, you should remodel the ceiling before selling it. Although removing a popcorn ceiling is a messy job, it's a relatively inexpensive project that will pay dividends when you sell the house.

4. Entryway Appeal

A house with a red door.

Curb appeal is another big factor in selling price. The biggest key to a good entryway is making it look welcoming and clean. You can up the curb appeal by painting the front door a bold color or installing plants on the porch. Good lighting is also important as well as an established walkway.

5. Fixture Upgrades

Upgrading all the fixtures in your home would be an expensive project. You can avoid breaking your budget by simply remodeling old fixtures with a little bit of paint. Faucets and locks are easy to paint and a fresh coat can make them appear like new.

6. Bathroom Remodel

A white and blue bathroom.

You can change the look of your bathroom with a few easy upgrades. Begin with installing new caulking around the tub and sink. You may need to remove the old, worn-out caulking beforehand. You can then move to the wallboard or any tile surrounding the shower. You can also upgrade the showerhead with a new model.

7. Deck Revival

You can make an old deck look new with a little bit of sanding and a new stain. Start by power washing the surface to remove old dirt and grime. Then, lightly sand the surface with a fine-grit sandpaper. This will help remove any existing stain and stubborn dirt. Finish the project by applying a new stain to help protect the wood from the weather.

8. Kitchen Backsplash

A kitchen with a turquoise backsplash.

Adding a new backsplash can give your kitchen a beautiful custom look. You can even use peel-and-stick backsplashes to avoid having to lay down grout. These types of backsplashes come in a variety of designs and will not break your budget.

9. Lighting Upgrades

New lights can really breathe fresh life into any living space. Replacing an old light fixture is an easy process that requires little electrical work. If possible, you can also consider adding more natural light to your home by installing better blinds and window treatments.

10. Smart Home

A smart thermostat.

You can make your home smarter without expensive installations. A good place to start is by purchasing a smart thermostat. These thermostats are easy to control and can help you save money on your monthly utility bill. Of course, a smart thermostat is also a great selling point for potential buyers.

11. More Storage

Potential buyers are always on the lookout for homes that feature additional storage options. You can increase the storage around your home by installing wire storage units in every room. These simple-to-install and inexpensive shelves will give your home an extra edge in the organizing department.