9 Home Upgrades That Cost Less Than $100
You don’t have to spend thousands to make your house feel better. Some upgrades are simple, affordable, and still make a noticeable difference.
Whether you’re trying to make things more functional or just clean up the look, a hundred bucks can go further than you think—if you spend it right. Here are nine solid upgrades you can knock out without draining your wallet.
Replace Old Light Switches and Outlets
If your switches or outlets are yellowed, cracked, or loose, it’s time to swap them out. New ones are cheap and give the space a cleaner look. While you’re at it, consider upgrading to rocker switches or tamper-resistant outlets if you’ve got kids.
You’ll need a screwdriver and basic knowledge of turning off the breaker—don’t skip that part. Once you get the hang of it, each one takes just a few minutes to replace. It’s a small change, but you’ll notice it every day.
Swap Out Cabinet Hardware
Changing out knobs and pulls on your cabinets can make your kitchen or bathroom look updated fast. A pack of handles or knobs runs about $20 to $40, depending on style, and it doesn’t require any special tools—just a screwdriver.
Measure your old hardware first so you don’t end up with holes that don’t line up. You don’t need anything fancy—simple matte black, stainless, or even brushed brass can modernize the space without going over budget.
Install a New Shower Head
A good shower head upgrade can make your morning routine way more comfortable. You don’t have to drop big money on it either—there are solid options under $50 that offer better pressure and spray settings than whatever came with the house.
It’s a simple screw-on job in most cases. Wrap the threads with plumber’s tape to avoid leaks. This is one of those upgrades that takes five minutes but feels like you spent a whole lot more.
Add Weatherstripping to Doors
Drafty doors waste energy and make the whole house less comfortable. For under $20, you can seal up the gaps with self-adhesive weatherstripping. It takes about 10 minutes per door and makes a noticeable difference in both temperature control and noise.
Look around your exterior doors—if you see daylight, feel air, or hear wind whistling through, you’ve got a leak. Fixing it now saves you money on your power bill and makes the place feel tighter and quieter year-round.
Paint a Door or a Set of Trim
You don’t have to repaint the whole house to make things feel fresh. Sometimes just painting the front door, interior doors, or a few baseboards can clean up the look fast. A quart of paint runs under $30, and a cheap brush or roller will do the trick.
Stick to high-traffic areas or spots where scuffs are obvious. Glossy or semi-gloss finishes are easier to wipe down and hold up better over time. Don’t skip prep—clean and lightly sand first so the paint actually sticks.
Install Motion Sensor Lights
If you’ve got dark areas around the house or garage, a motion light is a no-brainer. For $30–$50, you can grab one that plugs in, screws in, or mounts to the wall. No more fumbling with switches or worrying about someone creeping around unnoticed.
They’re especially useful by entryways, sheds, or walkways. If you’re handy, hardwiring is an option, but battery-powered models work just fine for most spots. It’s an upgrade that adds both convenience and peace of mind.
Upgrade Your Hose Setup
A decent hose reel, wall mount, or quick-connect nozzle setup can make a frustrating yard chore a lot more manageable. You can find a good hose reel or wall bracket under $50, and a solid set of brass quick connects for less than $20.
Dragging around a kinked-up hose gets old quick. With the right setup, you’ll waste less time untangling and more time actually getting stuff done. It’s a small backyard upgrade that saves a ton of hassle long-term.
Swap Out a Thermostat for a Programmable One
You can pick up a basic programmable thermostat for under $100, and it’ll pay for itself in energy savings. Set schedules for when you’re home, sleeping, or out, and your HVAC won’t be running when it doesn’t need to.
Most newer thermostats are DIY-friendly if you’re comfortable turning off power and following a wiring diagram. You don’t need a smart one with an app—just a dependable model that helps you stop heating or cooling an empty house.
Hang New Window Shades or Curtains
Old, dingy window coverings drag a room down. Swapping them out for clean, modern shades or basic curtains can sharpen up the space without a remodel. You can grab decent options for $20 to $50 per window if you skip the custom route.
Stick with neutral tones if you’re unsure—they’ll go with anything and make the room feel cleaner. Mount them high and wide to make the window look bigger. You’ll get better light control and privacy without spending a fortune.
*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.
