It’s easy to imagine that all home improvement projects require a huge investment in both time and money. But the truth is, there are plenty of projects that can be completed with a relatively small outlay of cash. With limited funds, it’s important to choose projects that will bring the most return—yes, even around the house! Here are 10 projects that can be done for under $500 that will add value to your home and make your living space cleaner, more efficient, and more attractive.
Replace older light fixtures. One of the most visually transformative updates you can undertake is to replace older light fixtures with newer, fashionable ones. Light fixtures come in all shapes and sizes and budgets, and it’s easy to find stylish options to fit nearly any budget. Plus, the installation of new lighting fixtures will brighten up your home and give you an instant return on your effort.
Refresh your front door. A fresh coat of paint can go a long way toward giving your home a facelift—and sprucing up your front door is a great place to start. This small investment will add lots of curb appeal, and your whole home might look brand new.
Get organized with storage solutions. Even if you’re on a budget, storage solutions are inexpensive and invaluable. Strategically placed shelving can give you more storage in not-often-used areas such as closets or sprinkling them throughout the room. Additionally, hanging racks and other solutions can be purchased for a minimal investment, providing you with plenty of storage options and helping to neaten up any room quickly.
Replace cabinet hardware. New hardware can drastically change the look of your cabinetry without requiring a major overhaul. This small—but mighty—change can give your home a more modern feel, no matter what style of cabinets you have.
Re-seal your grout. Moisture can easily damage grout and make it look discolored, dingy, and just plain bad. Even with a significant amount of elbow grease, it can be difficult to get rid of the discoloration—but with the help of some sealant, you can cover up stains and damage quickly and inexpensively.
Upgrade your cabinets. If you can’t afford to completely replace your cabinets, you can still add a more modern look with some simple upgrades. This could include replacing cabinet doors, replacing drawer fronts, adding shelves, or adding decorative accents.
Add trim moulding. Despite the low upfront cost, trim moulding can bring a substantial touch of elegance to your home. Installing moulding is a simple DIY project, and it’s a great way to liven up any room and add some elegance with minimal effort.
Repaint your walls. For minimal effort and money, you can make a huge impact on the look of any room. And, don’t forget, you don’t have to stick to white paint! Considering bold wall colors or just adding some touches of color in an accent wall can easily turn any room from dull to dynamite.
Replace old toilets. While it’s true that updating toilets can require a substantial investment, it is still one of the most requested home improvements among potential homebuyers. That’s why it pays to replace old, inefficient toilets with newer options that are designed to save water.
Add art and accessories. Finally, don’t forget the power of accessories and artwork! There are many art prints and accessories out there that are both affordable and fashionable. And putting up a few pieces in key locations can give your living space a completely different look.
Highlight features with accent pieces. If you’re a fan of a minimalistic look, add drawing area five minutes to accentuate the existing features of a room or a house. This could be intensified by including floating shelves, plants, armchairs, and other accent pieces.
Make use of wall space. This is an excellent way to store all the extra stuff that you can’t find elsewhere, but don’t want to throw away. Consider adding metal, wood, or acrylic shelves to store trinkets and other items or even add a vinyl sticker to liven up the walls.
Add a rug. Believe it or not, adding a rug to any room will instantly add a boost of color and texture, making it a great value-builder. Whether you go for synthetic or natural fibers, a rug is a great inexpensive way to upgrade your living space.
Consider redoing the backsplash. An easy way to make the most of your kitchen is with a great backsplash. There are several cost-effective options available in DIY projects or tile murals. Not to mention, they are incredibly easy to clean and require minimal maintenance.
Invest in outdoor lighting. Nothing gives off a nice ambiance in the evening like outdoor lighting- especially if you’re trying to impress guests. You can add overhead lights that are capable of producing a romantic glow or string lights to a garden or porch for a more festive vibe.
Refresh wood elements. If there are any wooden elements in your home, don’t forget to keep them in good condition. That means occasionally cleaning them with the appropriate products to ensure they last longer. Consider using a resurfacing kit to get those wood elements back to their original condition.
Choose multipurpose furniture. Why buy two pieces of furniture when just one will do? Instead of simply filling up the room, opt for items that have a dual purpose- like a coffee table with a storage shelf beneath it or a pull-out ottoman that doubles as extra seating. Not only will this help free up more space, but it will also help you save money in the long-run.
Improve curb appeal. A great way to increase the value of your home is to spruce up the lighter endurance from the outside. Pressure washing the exterior, updating the mailbox, cleaning the windows, and creating a garden are all great ways to show off your home’s beauty and draw potential buyers in.
Add a wall mural. With wall murals being much more affordable and accessible than ever before, why not create a custom wall in your home? They are extremely easy to install and can range from abstract patterns to larger landscapes, giving you the extra boost of creativity you’ve been looking for.
Install window treatments. Window treatments are a great way to instantly make a room look more finished, and they come in all shapes and sizes and budgets. Not to mention, they are extremely practical, as they help prevent too much sunlight from entering a room or from fading the furniture.
Finally, invest in outdoor furniture. While this may seem like a minor fix, outdoor furniture can actually make a huge difference in the overall feel of your home. Investing in a few pieces of outdoor furniture to spruce up your patio or backyard can make your living space feel much cozier and much more inviting.