8 Inexpensive Ways to Improve Your Home's Value

Whether you just moved in our have lived in your home for years, there are several easy ways to improve the value of your home. And, thankfully, you don't have to break the bank to give your home a fresh look. Improvements can be as easy as taking on a few DIY projects, like painting walls, planting trees, removing a popcorn ceiling, or installing new light fixtures. Whether you're thinking about selling or just want to enjoy your space, keep reading for eight DIY projects to improve your home's value!

1. A Coat of Paint

Yes, it really can be that simple. A little bit of paint can go a long way! You might want to start small, like changing the color of your front door. Or, you could think big, like repainting the entire exterior of your house. Just make sure you have several rain-free days in the upcoming weather forecast if you plan on painting outside.

Alternatively, you can also bring the power of paint inside to your living room, kitchen, bedroom, or bathroom. It's an easy way to give your home a bit of style and increase its value. A fresh coat of paint does wonders for making a space look new. And, if you are planning to sell your home in the future, stick with neutral colors since they appeal to are larger audience.

ReStore sells Amazon Paint in a variety of beautiful colors.

2. Plant a Tree

Trees are good for the environment, of course, but they also boost the look of your property, which could further boost your home’s resale value. Trees offer privacy, reduce noise pollution, and generally create a more pleasant outdoor space to enjoy. Shade trees can regulate your home's temperature and help save on cooling costs during in the warm summer months. A lower energy bill is highly desirable to prospective buyers! The only downside is that trees take years to grow. So, if you're thinking about adding a tree or two, better to do it sooner rather than later.

3. Low-Maintenance Landscaping

While landscaping can be expensive, doing the work yourself makes it a lot more affordable. Consider choosing native shrubs and plants that can tolerate varying weather conditions based on where you live. This will ensure that plants are relatively easy to care for, which can save you money in the future. You can also put down mulch to suppress weeds and retain moisture so you don't have to water as much. If you want to make a path from your front yard into the back, you can buy and lay paver stones - no technical skill needed.

4. Remove Popcorn Ceilings

If you have an older home, it may have popcorn ceilings, which were popular from the 1950s to mid-1980s. Removing this ceiling treatment can instantly add to your home’s resale value. But before you make this a DIY project, you need to make sure your popcorn ceiling doesn’t contain asbestos. You can purchase an asbestos test kit at your local hardware store. If the test comes back positive, call a professional to tackle this project. Otherwise, you’ll need to apply a softening solution, which you can buy from the hardware store, then gently scrape the “popcorn” off.

Leaving your ceiling as-is? Check out our guide on how to paint popcorn ceilings.

5. New Light Fixtures

Updating old light fixtures, or even replacing an old ceiling fan, can make a huge difference in your home’s value. And it's easy! Replacing fixtures can also help increase your home’s energy efficiency while giving your home a more modern or stylish look.

6. Update Old Rugs

If you're opening your home to prospective buyers, replace your old, tattered rugs first! A new rug can transform and refresh the look and feel of a room instantly. Rugs can be pricey, but there are often deals. We recommend shopping the affordable rugs at one of the Twin Cities ReStore locations! You can get a large 8'x10' rugs for $100 - much less than at big box stores.

7. Pressure Wash Your Siding

No matter where you live, the exterior of your home is going to collect dirt, dust, mold, and grime over the years. Don't underestimate the potential of a good, thorough power wash for siding. Just pay to rent a pressure washer, put in a few hours of work, and your home will be fresh and clean.

8. Upgrade Your Front Entrance

Have you heard someone say that "you never get a second chance to make a first impression"? The same goes for your house! The front door is the first thing prospective buyers (and friends and family) will see when they visit. If your current front door isn't making the impression you want, it's time to upgrade. A new (or new-to-you) door might cost more up front, but it can save you money in the long run. Newer doors are more energy-efficient, making your home more eco-friendly and saving on that energy bill. You can find a variety of great options at one of our ReStore locations.

With just a little paint, rolling up your sleeves for landscaping, or a updated entrance, you'll not only make your house look better—it will be worth more, too. And that's always a good thing, whether or not you're looking to sell soon.

Need more ideas for DIY projects? Stop by ReStore. We have plenty of DIY projects you can use for inspiration. You can also donate the materials you have left over from your last project while you’re there!