Major impact for minimal dollars. You don’t have to spend thousands of dollars on expensive renovations in order to make your home look better. Little changes — like swapping your current shower head for a rainfall version — can make a world of difference.
With that in mind, I’ve reached out to a handful of house flippers for their favorite tips when it comes to quickly (and cheaply) making any home look better. And since saving money is always a thing, the cheaper the change, the better it is, in my book. Swap out incandescent bulbs with these smart LEDs Sometimes the smallest upgrades make the biggest difference — especially when it comes to your lighting.
“As an experienced home flipper, I always look for ways to improve lighting,” explains Daniel Cabrera, owner and founder of . “Smart bulbs that can be controlled remotely are a great option under $40. I've found smart bulbs can make a space feel more modern and open without a full remodel.
” Not only are these currently available for less than $20, but there’s also no need to purchase an additional smart hub in order to get them up and running. Once paired with Alexa or Google Home, you’ll be able to adjust their color, brightness, and more using simple voice commands. Though if you don’t have either, you can also use the downloadable Kasa smartphone app to control them using your phone.
Use smart plugs to automate your home on a budget Now that your light bulbs have been upgraded, it’s time to plug your other devices into these . They’re compatible with Alexa as well as Google Home — though you can also control them using the downloadable Kasa app if you don’t have either one. You can use them to put your gadgets, like coffee makers or humidifiers, on schedules, as well as turn them on/off remotely via your phone.
Open up claustrophobic rooms with a fresh coat of paint You don’t have to knock down a wall in order to make a small room feel bigger. Instead, try repainting the walls with a light color. “When it comes to paint, satin or eggshell finishes in neutral, light colors open up a space and make it feel clean and bright,” explains Cabrera.
“A fresh coat of paint is one of the most cost-effective ways to improve a home, often only $30-$50 for a room. I once flipped a home by only painting the interior - the change was incredible.” With that in mind, this particular gallon of has a latex base that makes it suitable for use on nearly any surface, including drywall, wood, metal, and more.
And unlike some types of paint, this one is so thick that no priming is necessary beforehand — though it may be helpful if painting over a super-dark color. Swap outdated hardware with modern finishes You don’t have to spend an arm and a leg to makeover your kitchen or bathroom. According to Cabrera, “[.
..] upgrading hardware like knobs, pulls, and faucets makes a huge impact for little cost.
New hardware, especially in an outdated space, provides an instant facelift.” This particular is not only affordable, but its farmhouse style is also sure to make any bathroom feel oh-so-modern. And if you aren’t into the matte black finish, you also have the choice of three others: brushed nickel, brushed gold, or chrome.
Refresh your cabinets with a new set of pulls When in doubt, a new set of cabinet pulls is one of the most affordable ways to refresh any kitchen. “Replacing cabinet hardware and faucets was how I first got into home flipping, and I still stand by it as one of the best ways to refresh a space on a budget,” says Cabrera. But if you aren’t sure which to choose, these feature a round shape that’s great for cabinets, drawers, closets, and more.
Each one is made from a durable zinc alloy — and the deep threads make it unlikely that they’ll ever shake loose. Choose from three finishes: black, brushed nickel, or gold. Protect cabinets from damage with shock-absorbing bumpers Speaking of cabinets, don’t forget to grab these .
Their adhesive backing makes adding them to the insides of your cabinet doors a total breeze — and since they absorb shock, they can even help save your cabinet doors from damage over time. Plus, the transparent silicone gives them an incredibly subtle look. Add dampers to your cabinet doors to help prevent damage If those bumpers didn’t suit your style, consider opting for these instead.
They mount in the corner of your cabinet doors so that they’re hardly noticeable — and you can easily adjust how softly your doors close by twisting the rear screw as tight or loose as needed. Declutter messy spaces to make rooms feel more open An organized home will always look and feel nicer than one that’s filled with clutter. “Don't underestimate the power of decluttering and staging,” Cabrera tells Mic.
“Removing excess furniture and knick knacks makes a space feel open, airy and move-in ready.” But if you don’t have a ton of storage space, it’s not a problem — just move all that clutter into this . Two hooks at the top let you hang it over any standard-sized door, while five large pockets as well as 10 mesh side pockets give you ample room to stash away all sorts of items.
Throw everyday items into a rope basket for storage Some of the easiest ways to make your home look better don’t cost a single cent. “Simple steps like cleaning, organizing and rearranging can be done at no cost but significantly improve the appeal and value of a home,” explains Cabrera. “Effective staging and decluttering has allowed me to increase asking prices on homes by up to 10-15% while attracting more interested buyers.
” The only catch is that some items that get a ton of use — like throw blankets and toys — can be a bit of a pain to stash away at the end of every day. With that in mind, toss them into this . Its compact footprint fits into the corners of rooms so that all your items are easily within reach whenever you need them.
And with six colors to choose from, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding one that suits your home. Clean those dirty windows for an easy refresh When it comes to the impact a good cleaning can have, don’t forget the windows— dirty, cloudy windows are no match for this . Its telescopic handle extends out to 62 inches, making it easy to reach second-story windows without needing to break out a ladder.
The flexible head also makes it easier to clean your windows without leaving behind any streaks. Plus, each order comes with two microfiber heads that can be washed and reused multiple times. Insulate your home to help cut down on utility costs Drafty homes can lead to higher-than-usual utility bills.
According to Richard Garrett, founder of , “Insulation and weatherproofing are always a great investment. For under $30 you can buy weatherstripping, caulk, door sweeps and other supplies to seal drafts and improve energy efficiency.” Though if you remain unconvinced that insulating your home is a worthwhile endeavor, Garrett goes on to say, “On many flips, these types of improvements have allowed me to command a higher asking price because of the energy efficiency and lower utility costs.
” This this is so versatile that you can use it on everything from grout to window frames. It seals out water and air, helping insulate the inside outside of your home from leaks. It’s also mold- as well as mildew-resistant, and the long-lasting formula won’t yellow, shrink, or crack over time.
Seal leaky windows using easy-to-install weather stripping There’s no need to call a professional for help if you want to seal up those drafty windows — just grab this . It’s made from neoprene sponge that can easily be cut down to size using nothing more than a pair of scissors. And since it’s made for industrial as well as commercial use, you can use it on doors, vents, windows, air conditioners, and more.
Stop drafts from flowing under your doors by installing a sweep Add this to the bottom of any drafty doors in your home, and it’ll help seal them up so that you don’t waste electricity running your HVAC system unnecessarily. It’s suitable for use with nearly any door — and the thick thermoplastic rubber at the bottom is designed to last. Each order also includes screws for installation.
Insulate drafty doors with an easy-to-install stopper Prefer not to drill into your doors? Then this other is right up your alley. Simply peel off the adhesive backing, then press it right into place on the bottom of any drafty door — no need for any tools. And with four colors to choose from, you shouldn’t have any trouble blending it into your door for a subtle look: white, gray, brown, or black.
Makeover crummy vents with a new cover You don’t have to make big, sweeping upgrades in order to make your home look nicer. “Minor cosmetic changes also make a big impact,” explains Garrett. “Things like matching vent covers, outlet covers, cabinet hardware, and door stops cost little but bring a coherent, custom feel to any home.
” Though if you need proof, Garrett goes on to say that “[...
] on a recent flip I used $35 to replace mismatched vent covers and outlet covers in a kitchen. That small change made the whole room feel upgraded and helped the home sell faster.” With that in mind, this is available for less than the price of lunch out with friends.
Installation is as easy as dropping it into place overtop your existing vent — no tools required. Plus, its unique pattern gives a modern touch to any space. Swap out builder-grade wall plates with more modern options Now that you’ve given your vents a makeover, it’s time to swap out those builder-grade with these modern ones.
They come in a variety of styles to suit nearly any switch or outlet — and the stainless steel metal won’t rust over time. Choose from three finishes: brushed nickel, white, or black. Install door stops that match your other hardware Every home needs at least a few to help keep their walls safe from damage, and as per Garrett’s tip, matching them with the other elements in your home hardware can be an impactful change.
These are made from tough steel, and feature a rubber tip that helps absorb shock so that your walls stay safe from dings. Installation is also a total breeze, as the only tool you’ll need is a hand drill. Replace dated fixtures with modern upgrades You don’t have to hire a professional contractor if you want to upgrade your bathroom.
Garrett Ham, CEO of , tells Mic that “[...
] replacing dated fixtures and hardware can transform a space quickly without major renovation.” With that in mind, this is a sleek addition to any bathroom. Five different water spray patterns (rainfall, mist, massage, and more) make it feel like an expensive spa upgrade — and the high-pressure nozzles ensure steady and wide coverage.
The best part? Installation is so easy that no tools are required. Upgrade your outdated bathroom with a handheld shower head If that previous shower head didn’t suit your style, consider opting for this . Its hose is 59 inches long, making it easy to maneuver all around your body — and you can switch between one of six different water spray patterns simply by rotating the handle on the head panel.
Choose from seven finishes: chrome, red, gold, matte black, and more. Swap those crummy bathroom fixtures with modern stainless steel ones A modern set of will likely make any bathroom look nicer — and since these ones are made from stainless steel, there’s no need to worry about them rusting over time. Each order comes with all the screws and anchors you’ll need for a solid fit on your walls.
You also have the choice of two finishes: matte black or brushed nickel. Replace that grimy bathroom fan cover with a fresh white one Now that your towel racks have been upgraded, it’s time to swap out that crummy fan cover with this . Its fresh white color easily meshes with just about any color scheme or design style — and many reviewers found that installation typically takes 10 minutes or less.
Plus, the universal design makes it suitable for use with just about any bathroom fan. Add colorful throw pillows to bare couches If you can’t quite tell what your living room is missing, the answer could be as simple as adding a few throw pillows to your couch. “I also suggest decorative accents like throw pillows, area rugs, mirrors, and art to give spaces a stylish finish,” explains Ham.
“These kinds of small touches create a cohesive look and help buyers visualize the potential in a property.” Not only do these come in a variety of sizes to suit nearly any pillow case, but their siliconized fiber filling also rebounds quickly when squished. Though if you don’t have pillow cases for them, you can just as easily leave them bare, as they come in seven colors: wine red, orange, dark teal, and more.
Change up the textures in stale rooms with unique throw pillow covers Speaking of , these ones are made from striped corduroy, giving them a unique texture that can help make any stale room feel refreshed. They come in dozens of colors — from trendy coral to dusty blue — and each one features an invisible zipper that won’t snag on hair while you’re relaxing on them. Lay down an area rug to add warmth Laying down an might just be one of the easiest ways to tie all the elements in a room together — and this one is a chic, affordable option.
Its low pile is unlikely to snag on doors, making it great for entryways as well as living rooms. Plus, the nonslip underside also helps keep it from shifting around on smooth floors. Use peel-&-stick backsplash tiles to upgrade kitchens & bathrooms For an affordable yet impactful upgrade, Yosef Adde, owner of , recommends taking a look at these .
He tells Mic, “These tiles stick easily, last long and give an expensive look while being cheaper than traditional ones.” They’re heat- as well as moisture-resistant, so there’s no need to worry about how they’ll fare in kitchens or bathrooms. The adhesive backing also makes installation oh-so-easy — and you can even trim them to fit smaller spaces as needed.
Choose from six colors: white, gray, mint, and more. Give any room a luxe touch with peel-&-stick stone tiles If those previous tiles didn’t suit your style, consider taking a look at the . They’re made from real stone, with a 3-D surface that makes them look way more expensive than they are — even up close.
And just like the previous tiles, installation is as easy as peeling off the adhesive backing, then pressing them right into place on your walls. Use a refillable paint pen to make quick touchups You don’t have to bust out an entire can of paint if you want to make quick touch ups around the house. “Whenever I encounter minor scratches or scuffs, I find very useful,” explains Adde.
“They work great on walls, furniture or cabinets where you need to fix something quickly while keeping it looking neat.” The quick-drying formula is ready to touch within about 15 minutes. Plus, the rich, satin finish easily blends into your existing paint.
Choose from five colors: white, espresso, ruby, and more. Hide scratches on appliances using touch-up paint Speaking of making quick touch ups, this is specially formulated for use on appliances. It’s great for hiding scratches and imperfections on metal, porcelain, or even enamel — and it only takes about 10 minutes to completely dry.
The best part? You can even wash or clean your appliances without having to worry about the paint wearing away. Opt for energy-efficient LED bulbs over incandescent ones If you’ve noticed your utility bills slowly trending upwards, it may be time to swap out those incandescent bulbs with LEDs. “Switching to LED light bulbs is an easy and cost-effective way to save on electricity bills,” explains Zach Shepard, principal at .
. “They use up to 80% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and last significantly longer, making them a more environmentally-friendly option.” These particular come in three light temperatures, making them suitable for any room in your home: soft white, daylight, and bright white.
And with a lifespan of up to seven years, you likely won’t have to swap them out with new ones anytime soon. Save on water costs with a high-pressure, low-flow shower head If you’re still using the same shower head that came with your place, consider upgrading to a low-flow version. “[A] low-flow showerhead can use up to 60% less water than a standard one, while still providing a satisfying shower experience,” Shepard tells Mic.
“You can also opt for low-flow toilets and faucets to further reduce your household's water consumption.” Not only can this help you cut down on your water bill, but its rainfall style also brings a spa-like touch to any bathroom. Ninety water jets deliver a high-pressure rainfall spray — and with three finishes to choose from (chrome, brushed nickel, or matte black), you shouldn’t have any trouble matching it to your current bathroom fixtures.
Insulate drafty garages to help regular the temperature inside your home A drafty garage can cause your utility bills to skyrocket in the winter and summer. Luckily, Shepard has an easy fix. “Insulating your garage door is a great way to improve energy efficiency in your home,” he tells Mic.
“It helps regulate the temperature inside your garage, preventing it from getting too hot or cold, which can affect the rest of your home's heating and cooling systems.” With that in mind, this comes with all the materials you’ll need to seal up any drafty spots in your garage. There’s no maintenance necessary once installed — and the pre-cut panels don’t require any special tools or protective clothing when you’re setting them up.
Decorate your home with low-maintenance indoor plants When in doubt, it’s almost impossible to go wrong when decorating with live plants. “[Indoor plants] are relatively inexpensive and come in various sizes, making it easy to find one that fits your budget and interior design preferences,” explains Shepard. “Some easy-to-care-for plants include aloe vera, spider plant, and snake plant.
” This not only comes in a gorgeous pot, but it also requires hardly any maintenance, making it great for anyone whose thumb is more black than green. And if your home doesn’t get a ton of sunlight, it’s not a problem, as snake plants can still thrive when exposed to low amounts of light. Add pops of greenery to liven up uninviting rooms If you’re looking to get the best bang for your buck when it comes to indoor plants, this is a total steal.
Just like that snake plant, these spider plants require hardly any maintenance, nor do they need a ton of sunlight in order to thrive. Plus, their small size makes them great for window sills, nightstands, and other tight spaces. Replace outdated light fixtures for a modern look Replacing the outdated light fixtures in your home is one of those rare upgrades that can make a huge difference breaking the bank.
“For under $40, you can replace outdated fixtures with sleek new designs that make rooms feel more modern and open,” explains Jason Lamprey, owner of . “I often use dimmable LED recessed lights — they provide bright, warm light for a high-end feel at an affordable price.” These sleek come in a big set of 12.
Not only are they dimmable, but you can also adjust them between five light temperatures, making them great for utility rooms as well as living spaces. Plus, the LED bulbs are also anti-glare as well as scratch-resistant. Opt for shower heads that help conserve water Water bill a little too high for your liking? The solution could be as easy as installing a shower head that helps conserve water.
“WaterSense certified shower heads and faucets are another quick win,” Lamprey tells Mic. “For under $30, you can install efficient fixtures that reduce water usage up to 60% while maintaining performance. Not only do WaterSense products cut utility costs, but they’re also appealing to eco-conscious buyers.
” With that in mind, this is WaterSense compliant, making it a great pick for anyone looking to makeover their bathroom. It’s made from impact-resistant polycarbonate that won’t rust over time — and three spray settings give you options when getting clean: jet, full, or combo. Choose a faucet that won’t run up your water bill Now that you’ve installed a WaterSense-compliant shower head, it’s time to do the same for your .
This one has a polished chrome finish that blends with just about any type of decor, including farmhouse, industrial, and more. Plus, the centerset design is a classic look that will always be in style. Use warm lighting to make rooms feel welcoming Sometimes the easiest changes — like adding warm lights to your home — can make a world of difference in making a space feel welcoming.
“To enhance the visual appeal of a cookie-cutter house, the intentional use of ambiance lighting (warm, yellow tone) makes a mundane house welcoming and bigger,” explains Sal Dimiceli, owner/broker at Lake Geneva Area Realty. “Since yellow lights replicate sunlight, they uplift the interior color and accentuate the features of a home.” With that in mind, why not swap out your current bulbs with these ? They use hardly any electricity, as the manufacturer states that they’ll only cost about $1 per year to operate.
And unlike some LED bulbs, these ones won’t flicker when left on for long periods of time. Install wind chimes in outdoor areas for a touch of nostalgia Few things are as soothing as listening to wind chimes on a warm, breezy day. “Even though they are cheap (less than $10 for smaller ones), the sound takes to a place of nostalgia and helps people imagine themselves living on the property,” explains Dimiceli.
And while these particular cost a little more than $10, that doesn’t mean they aren’t worth their current price. They’re made from a combination of metal and real wood — plastic. And since they’re also weather-resistant, there’s no need to worry about how they’ll hold up throughout the year.
Drape a throw blanket over your couch for a touch of elegance If you can’t quite figure out what your living room is missing, the answer could be as simple as a lack of elegant furnishings — but that doesn’t mean you have to spend big. Dimiceli tells Mic, “When it comes to the sensory element ‘touch,’ fluffy sofa throws and smooth kitchen surfaces convert a house into a posh space.” Luckily, this is luxurious and also budget-friendly.
The plush faux fur material gives it an upscale look despite its price — and with more than 20 colors to choose from, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding one that suits your home. Hide drips by placing an absorbent mat under your coffee maker Speaking of posh spaces, don’t forget to upgrade your breakfast nook by placing this underneath your coffee maker. It’s made with super-absorbent diatomite earth, which soaks up drips and hides stains to help keep your counters looking clean.
Its nonslip underside also helps keep it from shifting around..
