Does your home need a refresh but worry about the cost? You have plenty of budget-friendly home improvement options that won’t break the bank. Enhance your home’s curb appeal, increase energy efficiency, and freshen the interior with inexpensive projects. Here are 10 home improvement ideas to revitalize your living space. 



    Seal Exterior Gaps and Cracks

    Cost: Less than $25 for caulk
    Benefit: 10–20% savings on heating and cooling bills

    Even tiny gaps around windows, doors, pipes, and wires permit air drafts that waste energy. Caulk exterior cracks in the spring and fall before seasons change to more punishing temperatures. Quality paintable caulk costs less than $5 a tube. Take the time to close openings completely for maximum air sealing and energy savings.


    Replace Air Filters

    Cost: $30–$50 per year

    Benefit: Extends HVAC life, saves energy

    Return air filters stop dust and allergens, but over time they get clogged. Swap filters every one to three months for optimal performance. Buy filters in bulk for the best deal. When you install a new filter, write the date on the outside of the filter that faces you. Add a calendar reminder about when to change the filter again. Proper filter maintenance improves energy efficiency and prevents costly HVAC repairs.


    Paint Exterior Shutters

    Cost: $20–$40 per gallon of exterior paint

    Benefit: Improves curb appeal, boosts resale value

    Exterior paint on house shutters fade and peel from weather exposure. Refresh their appearance with a fresh coat of paint that matches your home’s color scheme. Use spray paint for metal or aluminum shutters. Follow with a clear protectant. Colorful and coordinated painted shutters enhance a home’s curb appeal.


    Update Cabinet Hardware

    Cost: As low as $2 per handle or knob

    Benefit: Modernizes room with minimal cost

    Dated cabinet hardware screams for a refresh. Change out worn knobs and pulls for an affordable kitchen or bathroom update. Spend just $20–$40 to replace 10 or 15  handles with modern brushed nickel, oil-rubbed bronze, or matte black hardware. Installation takes minutes for a transformed new look.


    Install Paddle Ceiling Fan

    Cost: Starting around $35
    Benefit: Added comfort and lower energy bills

    Paddle fans circulate air for a cooling breeze on hot days. In the winter, adjust the direction to drive warm air downward from ceilings. Install a ceiling fan for increased comfort, and lower the thermostat a few degrees to save energy. Large paddle blades maximize airflow. Installation is simple, even for novices.


    Repair Concrete Cracks

    Cost: $6–$10 per tube of concrete caulk

    Benefit: Extends concrete life, prevents erosion

    Outdoor concrete inevitably cracks because of freezing temperatures and settling. Cracks allow water to seep underneath the concrete, causing erosion and sinkhole development. Fix cracks as they appear to prevent costly slab replacement later. Fill cracks with concrete caulk for a few dollars per tube. Take time each season to inspect and seal concrete.


    Refresh Window Screens

    Cost: Around $15 for screen repair supplies
    Benefit: Improves appearance, keeps bugs out

    Over time, window screens get dirty and damaged from age and weather. Refresh them by washing them out with soap or replacing torn screens. You can repair screens as a DIY project for a fraction of the professional replacement cost. Swap out ripped mesh and spline as needed. Clean screens let fresh air flow through open windows without inviting bugs inside.


    Update Light Fixtures

    Cost: $25 per basic fixture

    Benefit: Modernizes on a budget

    Light fixtures illuminate and accent your rooms. Change dated fixtures for new ones to create an instant update. Affordable new vanity lights, ceiling fixtures, and other lighting options are widely available. However, check the electrical box compatibility before installing anything new. Improve the style and coziness of any room by replacing outdated light fixtures that may be decades old.


    Replace Weather Stripping

    Cost: $5–$15 per door

    Benefit: Seals drafts, improves efficiency

    Door and window weather stripping wears out with age. Brittle, torn, and missing seals facilitate drafts that drive up heating and cooling bills. Inspect weather stripping seasonally and proactively replace worn sections. Quality door weather stripping costs less than $15 and cuts heating and cooling costs by preventing leaks.


    Brighten With Paint

    Cost: As low as $15 per gallon

    Benefit: Transforms the look of any room

    In my experience advising homeowners, painting offers a dramatic transformation at a minimal cost. A fresh coat of paint in a bold hue brightens up tired walls and woodwork. Trending shades like sage green, pale blue, and dove gray work in many homes. Buy sample sizes to test colors before committing. For accent walls, consider paint with textured finishes like suede or sand textures. Unleash your inner interior designer.


    Should You Tackle Home Projects Under $50?

    Don’t let a tight budget deter you from completing home upgrades and maintenance. Many high-impact projects cost $20–$50 if you use your DIY skills and budget-friendly materials. In one weekend, you can seal drafty cracks, update lighting, or refresh cabinets for a transformed home. I recommend protecting your investment with little improvements that increase the enjoyment of your living space. 


    FAQs About Budget Home Projects

    Where can I find cheap home improvement supplies?

    Big box stores, Amazon, garage sales, Habitat for Humanity ReStores, and more offer quality products at low prices. Shop when items are on sale.


    Should I replace all hardware at once when upgrading?

    For a cohesive look, yes. You can stagger upgrades over time to spread out costs.


    How do I repair concrete cracks?

    Use concrete caulk designed for driveways and slabs. Thoroughly clean cracks first for best adhesion.


    What are easy plumbing upgrades?

    Swap outdated shower heads for water-efficient low-flow models. Install new sink aerators for added savings.


    Where should I use caulk to seal air leaks?

    All joints around windows and doors, openings for pipes and wires, exterior cracks, and anywhere drafts enter.


    Editorial Contributors
    avatar for Laurie Engle

    Laurie Engle

    Expert Writer & Reviewer

    Laurie Engle is a freelance writer who provides insights to homeowners on topics such as the home warranty industry, relocation issues, and real estate trends. As a licensed Realtor since 2001 Laurie has acquired extensive expertise in dealing with home warranty companies and navigating the intricacies of the real estate market. In addition to her commitment to helping clients with their home buying and selling needs, she maintains a sharp awareness of market dynamics, including property values, interest rates, and local regulations.

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    Sabrina Lopez

    Editor

    Sabrina Lopez is a senior editor for Today’s Homeowner with over 7 years of writing and editing experience in digital media. She has reviewed content across categories that matter to homeowners, including HVAC services, home renovations, lawn and garden care, products for the home, and insurance services. When she’s not reviewing articles to make sure they are helpful, accessible, and engaging for homeowners like herself, Sabrina enjoys spending time with her family and their two parrots.

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