20 Affordable Upgrades to Increase Home Value

Improving your house does not necessarily require a significant financial outlay to raise its worth. Your property's market worth and charm will clearly change with simple, reasonably priced upgrades. When it comes time to sell, these little improvements—from simple cosmetic modifications to minor renovations—can pay off handsomely.

Tricia Quitales
February 3, 2025
6 min read

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This page looks at 20 reasonably priced house improvements that might raise the worth of your house without going broke. From changing fixtures to improving curb appeal, these little fixes will help your house appeal more to possible buyers. These enhancements are meant to increase functionality and visual appeal regardless of your search for simple adjustments with great impact or modest changes. With little time and money, homeowners will find significant value increase in their homes by including these reasonably priced improvements.

1. Paint Your Walls

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A new coat of paint is one of the fastest and least expensive approaches to improve a room. Buyers especially find neutral tones appealing since they accentuate the size and brightness of a place. You can handle this upgrade on your own or pay a professional a nominal fee to undergo a notable change.

2. Upgrade Kitchen Cabinet Hardware

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Your kitchen looks much better right away when you replace old knobs and handles with contemporary designs. Without the hefty cost of a complete remodeling, this minor improvement can make your cabinets seem brand fresh. In addition, this project takes little time and is easy to complete.

3. Install New Light Fixtures

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By replacing out-of-date or low-grade light fixtures, modern, energy-efficient light fixtures will significantly enhance the ambiance of your house. Well-lit, bright interiors make your living areas inviting and enhance their value. For optimum impact, use fixtures that accentuate your house’s general architectural style.

4. Add a Backsplash in the Kitchen

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Not costly and quick changes in appearance for your kitchen can come from a fashionable backsplash. You may quickly get a polished appearance using materials such as tile, glass, and peel-and-stick choices. Along with adding character, this update helps shield the walls from spills and stains.

5. Install New Flooring

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If your flooring is outdated or worn, consider substituting more reasonably priced choices like laminate or vinyl plank. These materials are robust, fashionable, and finished in a range that replicates hardwood. Changing your flooring will help your house appeal more to future purchasers.

6. Replace Old Faucets

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Without a large cost, upgrading bathroom and kitchen faucets can significantly improve things. Select elegant, contemporary faucets that enhance the look and operation of your sinks.

7. Improve Curb Appeal with Landscaping

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The first impression of your house can be much influenced by a yard kept in good condition. Easy chores that enhance the outside of your house are mulching, planting flowers, or cutting bushes. Attracting buyers depends on curb appeal; a neat yard will increase the value of your house.

8. Add Crown Molding

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Any space gains a little grace and sophistication from crown molding. This simple and reasonably priced update improves walls and ceilings, therefore giving the room a more complete look. Living rooms, dining areas, and even restrooms fit this update nicely.

9. Install a New Front Door

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Since it instantly improves the entrance to your house, a new front door is among the most powerful changes you might undertake. Choose a door with contemporary glass panels or a fresh paint job. This make-over increases security in addition to curb appeal.

10. Re-grout Tile

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Even if the tiles in your bathroom or kitchen are still in good shape, old, dirty grout can make them seem run-down. An easy and reasonably priced approach to modernize the area and give it a new look is re-grouting. This simple improvement can help your house look more appealing and cleaner overall.

11. Replace or Repair Your Roof

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Although replacing a roof might be expensive, fixing little problems or adding new shingles can be a reasonably priced approach to raise the value of your house. Function, as much as appearance, depends on a well-kept roof. Knowing that the roof is in good shape may help buyers appreciate future hassle avoidance.

12. Add a Patio or Deck

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Building a small patio or deck is an inexpensive improvement that can make your outdoor space useful. It makes your house more livable by providing a great place for leisure or entertainment. Outdoor areas are becoming increasingly appealing, so this is a great purchase.

13. Update Your Bathroom Mirror

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Your bathroom will look fresh and new if you replace a plain, out-of-date mirror with something more fashionable. Choose sleek frame mirrors or even framed mirrors to accentuate the room. Installable quickly and reasonably priced, this basic upgrade can make your house more appealing.

14. Install a Smart Thermostat

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An energy-efficient upgrade that can help save power costs is a smart thermostat. Convenience and modernism are added by residents’ ability to adjust the temperature from their phones thanks to reasonably priced technologies. Environmentally concerned consumers find a smart thermostat to be very attractive.

15. Repaint or Replace Exterior Trim

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Over time, the trim around doors and windows might fade or chip. Replacing it with a fresh, clean finish gives the outside more gloss. Repainting does the same. This update will greatly increase the curb appeal of your house and is quite reasonably priced.

16. Add Built-In Shelving

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Use built-in shelves to maximize space and provide organization. They are quite amazing. Shelves in a living room, bathroom, or hallway offer choices for storage and display that help make rooms seem more useful. This update improves the attractiveness of the house to purchasers seeking effective space use.

17. Seal Cracks and Gaps

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Sealing windows, doors, and around the foundation will help stop drafts and increase the energy efficiency of your house. This basic, inexpensive update also helps guard your house from pests and water damage. Potential tenants find a well-sealed house more appealing and pleasant.

18. Install New Blinds or Curtains

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Older or torn blinds and drapes could make even the most elegant room seem messy. Changing them for fresh, contemporary window coverings will make a room look better immediately. For a coordinated look that complements the general design of your house, pick neutral colors or patterns.

19. Refresh Your Driveway

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Should your driveway show stains or cracks, think about sealer application or resurfacing. A neat, smooth driveway improves the initial impression of your house. This improvement will raise the curb appeal and general value of your house and be reasonably priced.

20. Add a New Mailbox

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Although it seems little, a new mailbox is a reasonably priced approach to improve the front of your house. Choose a contemporary mailbox that accentuates the façade of your house. This small element can help your house seem more friendly and professional.