Inexpensive DIY Projects to Increase a Home's Value

May 29, 2019

There are many ways to improve a home’s value without spending a ton of money. We’ve listed a few, simple, methods below that make a big impact while still going easy on the wallet.

Painting

Cost: < $100

Painting is one of the most inexpensive improvements with one of the greatest rewards. The average gallon of paint costs around $25 - $30. With a budget of $100, that leaves plenty of cash flow left over for rollers, brushes, drop cloths and tape. A freshly-painted room does wonders for a home’s resale value.

Crown Molding

Cost: ~$500

The average cost to install crown molding runs from $5 - $20 per linear foot and the payoffs are rewarding. Crown molding gives a room a sense of elegance and sophistication, making it a good way to attract buyers’ attention. As an added bonus, crown molding does a great job of hiding those not-quite-so-crisp painting lines between the walls and the ceiling.

Scrub Those Carpets

Cost: < $300

First impressions are key when trying to sell a home and a dirty carpet can say a lot to a buyer about how well a home has been maintained over the years. If replacing old carpeting is not in the budget, consider purchasing a carpet cleaner and get to work. In addition to looking cleaner, much of the dust and allergens hiding in the carpet will be removed in the process, leading to higher indoor air quality.

Update Bathroom Fixtures

Cost: < $400

Nothing dates a home faster than outdated bathroom fixtures: gold shower knobs, a chipped vanity, cloudy glass from built up calcium deposits. Save money over a full bathroom remodel by replacing the worst offenders with newer alternatives. Even little changes can make a big difference in a buyer’s eyes.

Increase Curb Appeal

Cost: < $500

Messy lawns and landscaping never create a good first impression. Spend some time weeding and edging around old garden beds. Dig up any dying plants and replace them with low-maintenance options, such as mounding perennials or evergreen shrubs. Annuals, such as petunias and marigolds are pretty, but require new plantings every year. Reseed bare patches in the lawn for a more uniform look.