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15 Easy Ways to Upgrade Your Home's Value for Under $1k

By Rachel Warren - Oct 14, 2022 at 10:10AM
A person using a calculator.

15 Easy Ways to Upgrade Your Home's Value for Under $1k

You don't have to invest a lot of money or time

It's amazing how much little details can matter. While large-scale, expensive renovations can certainly upgrade your home -- and increase its worth -- you don't need to shell out thousands of dollars to make a difference in the overall value of your dwelling. On that note, let's take a look at 15 easy ways to upgrade your home's value right now for less than $1,000 a pop.

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Person painting a wall in their home a neutral color while their dog watches.

1. Revive one or more of your home's interior spaces with a fresh coat of paint

Whether it's a shade your home's former owners chose and you simply never had time to redo or a drab paint job that needs life breathed into it, something as simple as repainting one or more rooms in your house can open up and give an entirely new look to the space. The cost of putting a fresh coat of paint on your home's interior walls will depend on a few factors, including how many rooms you want to repaint, the size of each room, and the shade or shades you choose.

On average, repainting a bedroom could run anywhere from $500 to $900 (if done professionally), though much less if you have the experience, time, and inclination to do it yourself. On the other hand, repainting your home's interior can provide up to several thousand dollars of additional value for resale.

ALSO READ: Ramit Sethi Says You're Not Ready to Buy a House if You Don't Have This One Thing

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A tub sitting in front of a large window in a luxury bathroom.

2. Install a bathtub in one of your bathrooms

If you don't currently have a bathtub in your home -- or do, but it's pretty outdated -- consider installing a sleek new model. The cost will depend on the model and size you choose.

Some models cost thousands, but a brand-new tub can start as low as $300 and be an impetus for resale value that potential buyers will appreciate (and often seek).

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Person installing backsplash in kitchen.

3. Replace the backsplash in your kitchen

Sleek and timeless kitchens continue to make or break sales for many homebuyers. If your kitchen's look isn't where you want it to be, but you can't afford a total overhaul, update one element at a time.

An outdated backsplash is an instant eyesore for potential buyers and can even detract from other upgrades you've made. On average, installing a new backsplash can cost as little as $15 per square foot. The final amount you pay will depend on factors like the materials used, the shape of the backsplash you choose, the size of your kitchen, and the cost of installation.

ALSO READ: Can't Afford to Buy a House Where You Live? Here Are Dave Ramsey's Tips to Survive a Competitive Housing Market

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A hand pulling open a kitchen cabinet.

4. Paint your kitchen cabinets

Maybe your backsplash is in tip-top shape, but you feel other aspects of your kitchen could use a redo. One of the easiest ways to update your kitchen is to paint the cabinets. Neutral tones provide an elegant contrast with stainless steel or even black appliances and continue to be a popular trend that is easy on the eyes, welcoming, and appealing to homebuyers.

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Home contractor talking with homeowner.

5. Pressure wash your home

Another easy way to upgrade your home's potential value is to make sure the exterior looks as sleek and inviting as the interior. One simple way to accomplish this is to have your home pressure washed.

The average cost of getting a home pressure washed comes in around $300. Ideally, you should pay to get your home professionally pressure washed at least once a year.

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A ceiling fan.

6. Replace outdated ceiling fans

There's nothing like having a room with all the latest upgrades only to look up and see an outdated ceiling fan staring you in the face. Even if you don't have a ton of time or money to focus on major upgrades, switching out one or more old ceiling fans is a relatively easy fix. Purchasing and having a new fan installed could cost anywhere from $200 to $500 per unit, on average, but instantly change the overall look of the room it's in.

ALSO READ: 3 Reasons Not to Buy the Best House in the Neighborhood

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Person installing hardware on kitchen cabinet.

7. Replace old-fashioned cabinet knobs

This is one of the most cost-effective upgrades on today's list but quickly brings a modern touch to any room. From your kitchen to your bathroom, outdated cabinet knobs can instantly detract from the appeal of any space and are a super-simple element to change yourself. The cost of a single unit of cabinet hardware can average $5 to $20, so you don't have to break the bank to get the look you want.

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A luxury white-and-black kitchen with an island and stainless steel appliances.

8. Switch out your light fixtures

Outdated light fixtures can draw the eye immediately (and not in the right way) in any room. Thankfully, switching out an old light fixture for a new one is a relatively quick and cost-efficient project.

The light fixture itself could cost as little as $100 to $200, with the cost of professional installation depending on the size of the unit and the state of the wiring involved.

ALSO READ: This 1 Mistake Can Cost Homeowners Thousands

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A well-decorated living room with modern décor and bright paint.

9. Consider crown molding

Crown molding may seem old-fashioned, but it's a detail that still matters to many homebuyers. Even if you have no plans to move in the near future and just want to make a cost-effective, value-adding upgrade to your home, crown molding is a simple yet elegant solution.

Crown molding is most commonly installed in the kitchen, dining room, and living room. On average, the cost of installing crown molding can start around $600 for a single room.

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Luxury home with black front door.

10. Repaint your front door

If you have a few extra hours to spare one day after work or on the weekend, you can do this upgrade yourself with just a bucket of paint and a solid brush or roller. Painting your front door will likely run you no more than $100 to $200. Colors like black, charcoal, dark blue, or dark red are timeless options.

While a seemingly small detail, a front door is one of the first things a potential buyer will notice about your home before they walk through the door. Research has shown that buyers may pay anywhere from $1,000 more for homes based on the color of the front door alone.

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A ceiling with water damage stains.

11. Fix any water-damaged ceilings

It likely comes as no surprise that water damage is a no-go for boosting resale value. Even so, a small water leak may leave a stain on your ceiling that you get used to and forget over time. Cosmetic downsides aside, a water-stained ceiling can also signify greater structural concerns that may require attention.

The costs for fixing water-damaged ceilings vary widely and can require something as simple as a new coat of paint after a primer and sealer or a much more involved repair.

ALSO READ: 2 Super Quick Tricks to Decide How Much House You Can Afford

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A group of people roasting marshmallows over a fire.

12. Install a fire pit

If you're happy with your indoor spaces but want to add an extra touch to your backyard, a fire pit may be the perfect addition to your outdoor space. A brand-new fire pit can cost as little as $100 to $200. A fire pit can be not only extremely appealing to a potential buyer but also a relatively quick and inexpensive way to spruce up your backyard.

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The corner of a kitchen.

13. Consider updating outdated kitchen appliances

In addition to important features like the backsplash, countertops, floors, and cabinets, kitchen appliances can significantly impact the outcome of a home sale. If any of your appliances -- like your dishwasher, refrigerator, or stove -- are outdated or beyond repair and you have the budget to remedy that, updated appliances will not only make your life easier but can also make a vital difference for potential homebuyers.

The cost of upgrading a kitchen appliance depends on the brand, the type and size of the unit, and the installation fees. On average, a brand-new refrigerator starts at around $600 for a budget model.

ALSO READ: Dave Ramsey Says These Are All Really Bad Reasons to Buy a Home

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Two workers installing flooring.

14. Consider luxury vinyl for carpeted living spaces

There was a time when hardwood floors were the sole gold standard for homes. And while hardwood floors are always a welcome and value-adding update for any home, they aren't the only option to get the look you want with the budget you have.

Enter luxury vinyl. Not only is luxury vinyl waterproof, but it also looks and feels similar to wood but without the same price tag. The end cost will depend on the type of luxury vinyl you choose, the size of the rooms in which you want to install it, and whether you hire professionals to do the installation. The cost of the luxury vinyl flooring itself typically starts around $2 per square foot.

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Person pulling the shades down on a window.

15. Replace outdated window treatments

Finally, window treatments are another relatively simple and affordable way to upgrade your home on a budget. There are so many types of window treatments to choose from for every type of home and design style. From sleek curtains to plantation shutters to Roman shades, you can replace one or more window treatments for as little as $200 per unit to start.

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For sale sign with the words Price Reduced added.

The current real estate market

Many of the upgrades on this list could be easy DIYs for the crafty readers among you or relatively cost-effective budget upgrades you pay a professional to do. The state of the housing market is in flux, driven by factors ranging from rapidly rising interest rates to still-elevated home prices in many markets.

Regardless of whether you're planning to move anytime soon, even simple cosmetic changes can impact your home's future resale value and make it feel even more like home.

The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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