8 Fixes Under $500 to Give You the Most Bang for Your Buck

When you own a house, it seems like there’s always something to spend money on. You probably get the occasional urge to decorate and update, maybe even by season. But you also have maintenance expenses and bills to pay. With so many places to spend your money, where will see the biggest return? We’ve rounded up eight budget-friendly investments that will actually pay off.

1. Paint. paint. paint.

Paint is such a simple and cost-effective way to make a big impact in your home. Most gallons of paint cost anywhere from $20 to $60, depending on brand. So you’ll still have plenty of money to purchase drop cloths, paint brushes and rollers, tape, and other painting supplies.

Stick to neutral colors for the best value for your money and resale potential.

Christina El Moussa from the show "Flip or Flop" told *HGTV Magazine* that Benjamin Moore’s Revere Pewter was a great choice for almost any room in your home. Christina said, “We use this in 90 percent of our flips – for every room. It makes furniture look great, and buyers love it.” While wall color is important, painting trim and doors is also great way to brighten up a space and make it appear cleaner.

2. Switch our hardware.

Have you ever walked into a home and immediately felt like it was dated? One thing contributing to the less-than-modern feel was probably the old hardware.

These small pieces can give your home a welcome refresh, while making everything appear more uniform. For example, if you have brass door knobs or handles in one room and nickel in another, it can make the home feel inconsistent. Pick one finish, and update the mismatched items. Stainless steel, chrome, and satin nickel are popular choices. You can find great door knob and handle sets for under $10 each.

In addition, cabinet hardware is a great opportunity to easily update your kitchen and bathrooms. Choose simple, modern knobs and pulls to appeal to a large number of potential buyers. You can find these from anywhere from $2-$10 each, but buying them in a pack can help you save even more money.

Finish out the bath with updated bathroom fixtures and shower curtain rods. You can get new bathroom faucets anywhere from $30 to several hundred dollars.

3. Declutter your house

It might seem daunting to attempt, but decluttering and organizing your home is a wonderful way to appeal to buyers (and your friends and family) – and it’s very inexpensive. All decluttering entails is selectively cutting back on the things that would distract people from all the great things your home has to offer.

Try keeping your counters clear, put away rarely used appliances and gadgets, keep book piles tidy, and consistently limit the amount of stuff left out.

In a 2012 survey by HomeGain.com, decluttering was ranked as the top low-cost, DIY improvement project for a home seller. If you spend only $402 on decluttering, the benefit would be $2,024, giving you a 403% return on investment.

4. Get a professional deep clean

Even the most seasoned homeowner needs to invest in professional deep cleaning every now and then. It may cost you a little more than a general house clean, but those nooks and crannies need the extra attention, and it pays off big time.

No other upgrade in your home will make a difference if your house is not clean.

Dirty grout or grungy carpet may detract buyers, so taking the extra time to deep clean those hard-to-maintain areas will keep your home looking its best. Professional cleaning costs vary by company and square footage of your home, but it’s usually between $200 and $400.

5. Make your home more energy-efficient.

Did you know that most energy providers will perform an energy audit on your home for free? They’ll send a representative who can outline ways to improve your home and reduce your energy costs.

During the warmer months, clean your vents and replace your air filters for even more energy savings. Air filters are very cheap; you can get three packs for under $10, and they help your AC unit run more effectively.

While you might think weather proofing is just for the winter, it’s also great to keep heat out in the summertime. Weather stripping seals can be purchased for as little as $5, so they provide plenty of benefit without wasting a lot of money.

Also consider purchasing a programmable thermostat. You can set a schedule to cool or heat your home only when you need to, instead of wasting electricity while you’re not there. Even leading thermostats are available for $250 and under.

6. Update light fixtures (or ceiling fans).

Most interior designers can tell you that lighting is crucial to your space. Light has the ability to set the mood and tone of your home, so outdated light fixtures may be sending off all the wrong kinds of signals.

Larger light fixtures do have the potential to be pricey. So be sure to replace the most noticeable fixtures first, such as entry way chandeliers, kitchen lighting, and living room fixtures. Then work your way towards the rooms you use less often.

Lighting prices vary dramatically. But to give you an idea, you can find several best-seller lighting options from popular home improvement stores for around $200-$300.

Also consider changing your incandescent bulbs with newer, energy-efficient bulbs. This will save energy and lower your electric bill in return.

7. Spend some time on landscaping

Cleaning up your yard can make such a huge impact for only a few hundred dollars and a weekend or two. Keep your lawn mowed, trim the bushes, edge out flower beds, and even add some pops of color to your flower beds. These fixes are small, but can do wonders for the curb appeal and value of your house. A well maintained exterior gives the illusion of a loved and cared for interior.

You never get a second chance to make a first impression.

Pressure washing your walkways and driveway is also a great way to transform a drab exterior.

8. Upgrade your front door

In addition to landscaping, updating your front door can do wonders for your curb appeal. A study done by Therma True Doors revealed that a new front door can increase the perceived value of your home by an average 4.2%. For instance, a $300,000 home’s perceived value could increase by $12,600 with a new front door.

New front door estimates are around $2,500, but there are less expensive ways to make your point of entry pop. Remember number one? A little paint goes a long way.

You have lots of home improvement options that add value for your home. To get the best bang for your buck, focus on small and energy-efficient upgrades that add value and character to your home.