10 fixes you can tackle for under $50 with a big payoff

When money’s tight but things still need attention around the house, it helps to know which projects are actually worth tackling. The good news? You don’t have to spend a fortune to make real improvements.

Some of the best updates are small, affordable fixes that make a space look cleaner, run smoother, or feel more finished. Every one of these projects can be done for under $50—and they make a much bigger difference than you’d expect.

Swap Out Old Outlet Covers

If your outlet and switch plates are yellowed, cracked, or mismatched, they’re making the whole room look dated. For under $50, you can replace every plate in a main living space and instantly clean up the walls.

It’s one of those upgrades that’s easy to overlook but hard to ignore once it’s done. Stick with clean white or match your trim for the best effect. The room will look sharper, even if nothing else changes.

Replace Cabinet Hardware

Swapping out knobs and pulls on your kitchen or bathroom cabinets makes a bigger visual impact than most people realize. You can get a full set for a small space—plus a few extras—for under $50.

Stick to a cohesive finish and keep the shapes simple. The hardware you choose sets the tone for the rest of the room, and upgrading it can make old cabinets feel new again without touching paint or wood.

Caulk Around Tubs and Sinks

Dirty, cracked, or moldy caulk pulls down the whole bathroom. A fresh bead of waterproof caulk makes everything look cleaner and helps keep water damage at bay.

You don’t need fancy tools—just a tube of caulk, a scraper, and some painter’s tape if you want sharp lines. It takes an hour or two and makes the space feel well cared for.

Add a New Mailbox Number Set

Faded or crooked house numbers aren’t doing you any favors. You can pick up a new set of modern numbers and install them in under an hour for less than $50 total.

This quick update adds curb appeal and makes your entry feel more intentional. It’s also helpful for deliveries, guests, and emergency services—so it’s not just cosmetic.

Refresh the Front Door Paint

One quart of quality exterior paint can completely revive your front door. Whether you stick with a classic color or go for something bolder, it adds personality and freshens up your home’s first impression.

A clean door with no peeling paint goes a long way in showing your home is taken care of. Pair it with a good scrub-down of the trim, and it’ll look like you did more than you did.

Install a New Shower Head

Old shower heads clog up, waste water, and make every shower feel less refreshing. A new one with better pressure—or even a handheld option—can be found for well under $50.

This fix is all about comfort. It doesn’t change how the bathroom looks, but it absolutely changes how it feels. And if you’ve got hard water buildup, you’ll notice the difference immediately.

Tighten Up a Sagging Gate

If your backyard gate is dragging or latching poorly, grab a new hinge kit or anti-sag brace. Most are under $30 and take less than an hour to install.

A gate that opens and closes properly makes daily chores easier and extends the life of your fence. It also helps keep pets in and keeps the place looking tidier overall.

Replace Worn Weather Stripping

Drafty doors and windows don’t always need replacing. Sometimes all they need is a fresh set of weather stripping. For under $50, you can seal up several trouble spots in the house.

It keeps your heating and cooling from slipping out and helps with noise and pests too. You’ll feel the difference next time the wind picks up or your utility bill comes in.

Clean and Seal the Driveway Cracks

A $20 tube of concrete filler can stop cracks in the driveway or sidewalk from getting worse. Add a wire brush and some cleaner, and you’ve still got money to spare.

Sealing up the small stuff keeps moisture out and helps prevent bigger repairs down the road. It’s a low-cost way to protect your investment and keep things looking better maintained.

Upgrade a Closet with Better Storage

You don’t have to build out a full closet system to make it more functional. A second tension rod, some wall-mounted hooks, or a shoe shelf can clean up a cramped closet for under $50.

Maximizing what you already have is often more effective than trying to add more space. A little organization goes a long way—and makes your daily routine smoother too.

*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.