Did you know that about 75% of U.S. homeowners have tackled DIY projects, and for 62% of them, cost was the main motivator? In other words, many homeowners don’t have a huge budget for renovations—but that doesn’t mean they can’t boost their home’s value.
The good news? They’re right (at least partly!) While DIY projects can save your hard earned cash, it’s important to know which projects are worth the effort and how to do them properly. Below are 9 easy and budget-friendly ways to increase the value of your home:
Declutter and Deep Clean
City living means tight spaces, and clutter can quickly make a home feel cramped and uninviting. Buyers want to see potential, not piles of stuff.
Before you even think about cleaning, start by decluttering. Toss, donate, or store anything you don’t need. If big items are taking up space, consider a storage unit. Storage units in London, for example, can be found for as low as £18.65 per week.
Once your space is clear, give it a deep clean. This includes everything from scrubbing floors and baseboards to cleaning windows and wiping down walls. Alternatively, you can just hire a professional cleaner to do the job for you.
Good lighting does wonders for a space, highlighting its best features and creating a welcoming atmosphere. It can also make a room feel larger, helping to create the illusion of more space.
The most cost-effective upgrades include swapping outdated fixtures for modern ones, replacing traditional bulbs with energy-efficient LEDs, and adding floor or table lamps in dim corners. Natural light is a major selling point, so opt for light, airy curtains and keep windows spotless to maximise sunlight.
If you’re willing to invest a little more, installing dimmer switches can add flexibility, while skylights can flood a space with natural light—both great ways to elevate your home’s appeal. If you need to sell your home quickly, are selling a house with mortgage arrears, or simply want to increase its value on a low budget, low-cost fixes like decluttering and deep cleaning are excellent, affordable options to help boost appeal without major renovations.
Start Painting, but Strategically
Painting your home is one of the easier renovations you can jump on. However, it’s tempting to go all out with bold color choices. If you’re renovating to sell your home, try sticking with neutral colors instead of using trendy or unconventional shades.
Here are a few pointers for choosing the right colors:
- For small rooms: lighter shades like soft greys, warm whites, or pale beiges can make the area feel larger and more open.
- For large or open-plan spaces: Deeper tones on accent walls can add warmth and structure without making the space feel overwhelming.
- For oddly shaped rooms: Strategic colour placement can improve balance. For example, in a long, narrow room, painting the shorter walls a slightly darker shade than the longer ones can make the space feel more proportionate.
Additionally, you can use vertical stripes to make ceilings appear higher or paint trims and ceilings a lighter shade than the walls to enhance brightness. The goal is to use colour not just to refresh the space but to subtly shape how buyers perceive its size, layout, and potential.
Tidy Up the Front Garden
Curb appeal is essentially how your home looks from the street. If it looks great, you’ll have potential buyers lining up to see more. If it doesn’t, well…you might be in trouble.
If installing fancy patios or landscaping isn’t in your budget, simple tasks like mowing the lawn and trimming hedges can help. And if you’re feeling ambitious, planting some colorful flowers or adding a few potted plants can add a pop of color and make your home stand out.
Revamp the Bathroom
Buyers pay close attention to bathrooms, and just like the kitchen, a few simple upgrades can go a long way. Instead of a full remodel, try these easy improvements:
- Replace old faucets and fixtures for a sleek, modern look
- Upgrade lighting to brighten the space and enhance ambiance
- Give the vanity a makeover with new paint, hardware, or even a replacement
- Add stylish storage solutions like floating shelves or decorative baskets
Lastly, keep the bathroom clean and clutter-free during showings—buyers love a fresh, spa-like space that feels ready to use.
Redo the Flooring
Does flooring really matter when selling a home? The short answer—yes. But the impact depends on the material you choose. On average, new flooring can increase a home’s value by 2-5%, making it a smart investment.
So what flooring materials should you consider?
- Hardwood – The gold standard, offering a 106% ROI when new and even higher when refinished.
- Engineered Hardwood – A budget-friendly alternative that mimics solid wood while being more moisture-resistant.
- Tile – Ideal for kitchens and bathrooms, with durable options like porcelain, ceramic, and natural stone.
- Luxury Vinyl Planks (LVP) – A stylish yet affordable option that resists water and wear, perfect for high-traffic areas.
Regardless of the material, upgrading worn-out floors is a simple way to boost your home’s appeal and resale value.
Upgrade Your Fixtures
We’ve already mentioned swapping old lights for LED ones, but there are other fixtures in your home that could use an update too.
Start by replacing old ceiling fans or basic flush mounts with contemporary designs. In the kitchen and bathroom, upgrade cabinet handles, taps, and showerheads for a polished, high-end feel. A spa-style shower head or a statement pendant light over the dining table can add a touch of luxury for minimal cost.
Even small details matter—switching out door knobs, switch plates, and towel bars can make a home feel newer and more cohesive. These quick, affordable upgrades give your home a fresh, move-in-ready appeal that buyers love.
Tackle Small Exterior Fixes
A few quick fixes can make a big difference in how your home looks from the outside. Start by filling in bald spots on the lawn with seed or fresh sod to create a lush, well-maintained appearance. Repair any cracks in the driveway or walkway to prevent them from looking worn or neglected.
Next, clean up pathways, add fresh mulch, or line them with decorative stones for a more polished, structured look. Finally, give the front door a fresh coat of paint—a simple update that can instantly boost curb appeal and make your home feel more inviting.
Focus on the Kitchen
If you want the biggest return on investment, start with the kitchen. It’s often said that kitchens sell homes, and that’s especially true in today’s market, where open-concept living and modern entertaining spaces are highly sought after.
A full remodel isn’t necessary—small, strategic updates can make a big impact:
- Paint or refinish cabinets instead of replacing them
- Swap out old hardware for modern, sleek designs
- Upgrade to energy-efficient appliances for long-term savings
- Refresh walls and trim with a fresh coat of paint
- Update lighting fixtures to brighten up the space
Even these budget-friendly changes can make your kitchen look more modern, stylish, and move-in ready.
In conclusion, while major home renovations may be out of reach for most homeowners, there are plenty of budget-friendly ways to update your home and increase its value. We hope these tips have inspired you to make some changes and get the most out of your home.