12 Home Improvement Tips That Won’t Break the Bank

Looking to spruce up your home without spending a fortune? We get it — home improvements can feel overwhelming when you're on a budget. 

Whether you're planning to sell or just want to create a more enjoyable living space, there are plenty of creative, budget-friendly ways to enhance your home's value. 

Interior home improvement tips 

1. Clean and declutter 

Kicking things off with a deep clean may sound overwhelming, but it's a cost-effective task that can make a big difference. Breaking it down into manageable steps can make it easier: 

• Focus on one room at a time
• Declutter countertops, junk drawers, and other “catch-alls”
• Vacuum and steam-clean carpets and upholstery
• Dust and mop wood, tile, or laminate floors
• Organize closets and storage spaces
• Clean windows (inside and out)
• Dust those often-forgotten spots like ceiling fans, doorknobs, and baseboards 

2. Light up your life 

You'd be amazed at how better lighting can transform your space. Here are some bright ideas that won't dim your wallet: 

• Update any outdated light fixtures
• Switch to LED bulbs for long-term savings
• Add table or floor lamps to dark corners
• Install dimmer switches for versatility 

3. Paint 

While painting takes some time and effort, it’s one of the more affordable ways to transform any space. Paint and primer are typically priced around $19 to $29 per gallon at home improvement stores, which means you could refresh multiple rooms for less than $200. 

4. Peel it off and stick it 

Peel-and-stick materials are like magic for quick home updates! These budget-friendly solutions can refresh almost any surface in your home without the commitment (or cost) of permanent changes. 

• Backsplash facelift. Add instant style to your kitchen or bathroom with stick-on tiles that look just like the real thing. They're water-resistant and easy to clean — perfect for those splash-prone areas!
• Drawer and shelf liners. Give your cabinets and drawers a fresh, clean look with decorative liners. They're great for protecting surfaces and adding a pop of pattern or color.
• Countertop coverage. Yes, you can even give your countertops a temporary makeover! Peel-and-stick countertop films come in various finishes, from marble to wood grain.
• Decorative accents. Transform plain walls with removable wallpaper, create an accent wall, or add character to furniture pieces. 

Most peel-and-stick materials cost between $10-30 per roll, making them one of the most affordable ways to update your space. Plus, if you change your mind later, they're easy to remove without damaging the surface underneath — a must for renters! 

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5. Update your ceiling fans 

Investing in new ceiling fans might not be a DIY project (professional installation is a must!), but making the switch to modern fans makes sense for multiple reasons: 

• Lower energy bills. Today's ceiling fans are energy champions, using up to 60% less power than older models while moving more air.
• Better looking spaces. Modern fans come in sleek designs that can complement any décor — from farmhouse to contemporary.
• Improved lighting. Many new models feature built-in LED lights that last longer and shine brighter.
• Quieter operation. Say goodbye to wobbling and rattling; new fans run whisper-quiet. 

Pro tip: Many home improvement stores offer installation services when you purchase a fan. Ask about current promotions — you might score a deal!

6. Replace hardware 

Here's a secret that professional decorators love: updating the hardware throughout your home can give rooms an instant facelift. Consider upgrading: 

• Cabinet handles and drawer pulls
• Doorknobs and hinges
• Light switch plates
• Bathroom fixtures 

Exterior home improvement tips 

7. Love your landscaping 

Don't let the word "landscaping" intimidate you! Simple, manageable updates can make a big difference. 

Start with a basic cleanup, removing debris and trimming overgrown plants. This is also the time to haul any junk to the storage shed, curb, or landfill. 

Next, add some affordable, low-maintenance plants that thrive in your climate. If you’re trying to save on your water bill, consider drought-resistant plants. 

Finally, create defined edges around garden beds and spread fresh mulch for a professional-looking refresh! 

8. Create outdoor living spaces 

Turn your backyard into a staycation destination! Even if you only have a balcony or patio to work with, creating a cozy seating area can be a great way to maximize your space. 

Define your seating area with outdoor furniture, weather-resistant cushions, and solar lanterns or string lights. If you have an ample backyard, consider a fire pit. 

9. Pressure wash your cares away 

Pressure washing can be a satisfying weekend project that delivers dramatic results. Rent a power washer (usually around $40-50 per day) to refresh your: 

• Paved driveway
• Sidewalk
• Patio or deck
• Siding
• Fencing
• Outdoor furniture 

Pressure washing gets rid of loose paint, dirt, mud, and even mold, which is crucial for home maintenance. 

10. Shut the front door! 

First impressions matter. Painting your home’s exterior gives it an instant facelift, but doing so can be time-consuming and costly. 

Instead, give your front door a fresh coat of paint. It’s a simple $30 weekend project that makes a huge impact. 

Pro tip: Choose a bold color for the front door to make your home stand out while keeping other elements neutral and classic. 

11. Light up the outdoors 

Outdoor lighting adds both beauty and security, increasing your home’s value and your own sense of safety. With so many outdoor lighting options, you can choose the solution that best fits your budget: 

• Install solar-powered path lights (no wiring needed!)
• Add motion-sensor lights near entrances
• Highlight landscaping with affordable spotlights
• String lights for entertainment ambience 

12. Create curb appeal that wows 

Boosting your home's value through exterior home improvement is all about the details: 

• Define pathways with budget-friendly gravel or stones
• Update your garage door or shutters with a fresh coat of paint
• Decorate your front porch or lawn with potted plants, windchimes, or garden statues 

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Smart ways to save on your next home improvement project 

Let's explore some creative ways to make your home improvement budget go further. After all, being savvy with your spending means you can do more with less! 

Learn from the pros 

Big-box retailers like Lowe’s, Home Depot, and Menards offer step-by-step project guides and videos online. Some locations even host in-person workshops on basic home repair and maintenance skills. 

Is there a mom-and-pop home improvement shop in your area? See if they offer demonstrations. Or sign up for a continuing education course at your local community college. 

Take advantage of tax credits 

Depending on your income level, you may be able to claim a home improvement tax credit. According to IRS.gov, the maximum credit you can claim each year is $1,200 for energy-efficient upgrades and $2,000 for qualified heat sources. 

Shop smarter 

Saving money doesn’t mean cutting corners; it’s about being smart with your resources and planning. 

• Shop during seasonal sales (especially holiday weekends)
• Check local Habitat for Humanity ReStore locations for discounted materials
• Join store loyalty programs for exclusive discounts
• Buy materials in bulk for multiple projects
• Consider slightly imperfect items (like scratch-and-dent appliances) 

Where to find money for a home improvement 

Home improvements can’t always wait — especially if you need to pay for an urgent repair. Fortunately, there are flexible ways to help fund your projects. 

Open a Line of Credit 

A revolving Line of Credit provides ongoing access to funds up to a pre-determined limit. 

Let’s say you’re approved for a $1,000 Line of Credit from Advance America. You initially draw $800 to complete your project, which means you still have $200 available. If you don’t borrow more than that, you’ll only pay interest on the $800 borrowed, not on the full $1,000 because you haven’t tapped into that last $200. 

As you make regular payments and your drawn balance decreases, your available funds increase. So, let’s say you’ve repaid $500 over time. You still owe $300 plus interest, but you could draw up to $700 anytime you need it. As long as you keep up with your monthly payments, your Line of Credit stays open and available. 

Apply for a personal loan 

Direct lenders like Advance America offer personal loans for home improvement online or in-store. 

For a small home improvement project, a Cash Advance might get the job done. But for a larger project that costs more, an Installment Loan could be a better option. 

Look for home improvement grants 

Grants for home improvement are available through state and federal governments. They’re designed to help low-income households make much-needed home improvements, especially for safety or energy upgrades. This can include: 

• Making your home more accessible
• Adding hand bars, rails, and other safety features
• Installing solar panels and other energy-efficient features 

Check USDA.gov to see if you qualify for any homeowner programs.