Does your home need a refresh but worry about the cost? You have plenty of budget-friendly home improvement options that won’t break the bank. Enhance your home’s curb appeal, increase energy efficiency, and freshen the interior with inexpensive projects. Here are 10 home improvement ideas to revitalize your living space.
Seal Exterior Gaps and Cracks
Cost: Less than $25 for caulk
Benefit: 10–20% savings on heating and cooling bills
Even tiny gaps around windows, doors, pipes, and wires permit air drafts that waste energy. Caulk exterior cracks in the spring and fall before seasons change to more punishing temperatures. Quality paintable caulk costs less than $5 a tube. Take the time to close openings completely for maximum air sealing and energy savings.
Replace Air Filters
Cost: $30–$50 per year
Benefit: Extends HVAC life, saves energy
Return air filters stop dust and allergens, but over time they get clogged. Swap filters every one to three months for optimal performance. Buy filters in bulk for the best deal. When you install a new filter, write the date on the outside of the filter that faces you. Add a calendar reminder about when to change the filter again. Proper filter maintenance improves energy efficiency and prevents costly HVAC repairs.
Paint Exterior Shutters
Cost: $20–$40 per gallon of exterior paint
Benefit: Improves curb appeal, boosts resale value
Exterior paint on house shutters fade and peel from weather exposure. Refresh their appearance with a fresh coat of paint that matches your home’s color scheme. Use spray paint for metal or aluminum shutters. Follow with a clear protectant. Colorful and coordinated painted shutters enhance a home’s curb appeal.
Update Cabinet Hardware
Cost: As low as $2 per handle or knob
Benefit: Modernizes room with minimal cost
Dated cabinet hardware screams for a refresh. Change out worn knobs and pulls for an affordable kitchen or bathroom update. Spend just $20–$40 to replace 10 or 15 handles with modern brushed nickel, oil-rubbed bronze, or matte black hardware. Installation takes minutes for a transformed new look.
Install Paddle Ceiling Fan
Cost: Starting around $35
Benefit: Added comfort and lower energy bills
Paddle fans circulate air for a cooling breeze on hot days. In the winter, adjust the direction to drive warm air downward from ceilings. Install a ceiling fan for increased comfort, and lower the thermostat a few degrees to save energy. Large paddle blades maximize airflow. Installation is simple, even for novices.
Repair Concrete Cracks
Cost: $6–$10 per tube of concrete caulk
Benefit: Extends concrete life, prevents erosion
Outdoor concrete inevitably cracks because of freezing temperatures and settling. Cracks allow water to seep underneath the concrete, causing erosion and sinkhole development. Fix cracks as they appear to prevent costly slab replacement later. Fill cracks with concrete caulk for a few dollars per tube. Take time each season to inspect and seal concrete.
Refresh Window Screens
Cost: Around $15 for screen repair supplies
Benefit: Improves appearance, keeps bugs out
Over time, window screens get dirty and damaged from age and weather. Refresh them by washing them out with soap or replacing torn screens. You can repair screens as a DIY project for a fraction of the professional replacement cost. Swap out ripped mesh and spline as needed. Clean screens let fresh air flow through open windows without inviting bugs inside.
Update Light Fixtures
Cost: $25 per basic fixture
Benefit: Modernizes on a budget
Light fixtures illuminate and accent your rooms. Change dated fixtures for new ones to create an instant update. Affordable new vanity lights, ceiling fixtures, and other lighting options are widely available. However, check the electrical box compatibility before installing anything new. Improve the style and coziness of any room by replacing outdated light fixtures that may be decades old.
Replace Weather Stripping
Cost: $5–$15 per door
Benefit: Seals drafts, improves efficiency
Door and window weather stripping wears out with age. Brittle, torn, and missing seals facilitate drafts that drive up heating and cooling bills. Inspect weather stripping seasonally and proactively replace worn sections. Quality door weather stripping costs less than $15 and cuts heating and cooling costs by preventing leaks.
Brighten With Paint
Cost: As low as $15 per gallon
Benefit: Transforms the look of any room
In my experience advising homeowners, painting offers a dramatic transformation at a minimal cost. A fresh coat of paint in a bold hue brightens up tired walls and woodwork. Trending shades like sage green, pale blue, and dove gray work in many homes. Buy sample sizes to test colors before committing. For accent walls, consider paint with textured finishes like suede or sand textures. Unleash your inner interior designer.
Should You Tackle Home Projects Under $50?
Don’t let a tight budget deter you from completing home upgrades and maintenance. Many high-impact projects cost $20–$50 if you use your DIY skills and budget-friendly materials. In one weekend, you can seal drafty cracks, update lighting, or refresh cabinets for a transformed home. I recommend protecting your investment with little improvements that increase the enjoyment of your living space.
FAQs About Budget Home Projects
Where can I find cheap home improvement supplies?
Big box stores, Amazon, garage sales, Habitat for Humanity ReStores, and more offer quality products at low prices. Shop when items are on sale.
Should I replace all hardware at once when upgrading?
For a cohesive look, yes. You can stagger upgrades over time to spread out costs.
How do I repair concrete cracks?
Use concrete caulk designed for driveways and slabs. Thoroughly clean cracks first for best adhesion.
What are easy plumbing upgrades?
Swap outdated shower heads for water-efficient low-flow models. Install new sink aerators for added savings.
Where should I use caulk to seal air leaks?
All joints around windows and doors, openings for pipes and wires, exterior cracks, and anywhere drafts enter.