10 DIY projects that could add $25,000 to your home’s value

If you want to build real equity, the projects you take on at home can make a big difference. Some upgrades barely move the needle, but others can push your value up by tens of thousands when done right. The best part is you don’t always need contractors for these improvements — many are DIY-friendly if you’re willing to put in the time and effort. Here are ten projects that could add up to $25,000 to your home’s value.

Updating the Kitchen Cabinets

You don’t always need a full kitchen remodel to impress buyers. Painting cabinets in a modern, neutral color and swapping out old hardware can completely change the space. It’s a project you can tackle in a few weekends with the right prep and materials.

This upgrade matters because kitchens sell homes. Fresh-looking cabinets make the whole kitchen feel newer, which appraisers and buyers notice right away. Instead of sinking thousands into replacements, a careful DIY refresh can deliver nearly the same impact at a fraction of the cost.

Adding a Deck or Patio

Outdoor living space is one of the most in-demand features right now. Building a deck or patio yourself with quality materials instantly makes your backyard more functional and appealing. It’s also a feature that adds usable square footage in buyers’ eyes.

The return is strong because families see decks as entertaining space, and appraisers know they can add significant resale value. Even a mid-range deck can add serious dollars to your property if it’s done correctly and looks like it belongs with the house.

Refreshing the Bathrooms

Bathrooms don’t need luxury makeovers to add value. Updating vanities, swapping out faucets, replacing light fixtures, and regrouting tile can all be done without a contractor. A little effort makes bathrooms feel clean, modern, and move-in ready.

Buyers care a lot about bathrooms because they’re high-use spaces. If yours look outdated, it gives the impression the house hasn’t been cared for. Fresh finishes make the entire home feel updated and can push your appraisal higher without a huge investment.

Improving Curb Appeal With Landscaping

The first thing buyers see is the yard, and curb appeal directly affects value. Adding flower beds, edging, mulching, and planting trees are all things you can handle without hiring out. These small touches make the home look more cared for.

A well-landscaped yard can increase property value significantly because it changes the overall impression of the home. Appraisers take it into account, and buyers are willing to pay more for a house that looks finished outside as well as inside.

Finishing a Basement Space

If you have an unfinished basement, turning it into usable living space can add major value. Framing walls, adding insulation, and finishing floors are all projects many homeowners take on themselves with careful planning.

An extra living area, playroom, or home office adds functional square footage. Finished basements are attractive to appraisers and buyers alike, and the jump in value often far outweighs the cost of materials. It’s one of the strongest DIY returns you can get.

Upgrading Lighting Throughout the House

Swapping old, dim fixtures for modern lighting is a DIY project that has a huge payoff. You can install recessed lighting, statement pendants, or LED upgrades that make the whole home feel brighter and more current.

Lighting affects how buyers experience every room. A well-lit house feels bigger, cleaner, and more inviting, which directly influences value. It’s an affordable project that can have an outsized impact on how your home is appraised.

Installing Energy-Efficient Windows

Replacing old drafty windows with energy-efficient models is a project that pays off quickly. While it’s more labor-intensive, many homeowners handle window installation themselves with proper tools and instructions.

Energy-efficient windows add to your home’s value because buyers look for long-term savings. Lower utility bills and better insulation are selling points, and appraisers know these upgrades matter. It’s a high-value project that’s DIY-friendly if you’re confident in your skills.

Building Storage Solutions

Buyers love storage, and adding built-ins, closet organizers, or garage shelving is well within DIY reach. You can design and build custom solutions that fit your space without spending thousands on a contractor.

Storage adds value because it makes the home more functional and appealing. Buyers imagine their belongings fitting neatly, and appraisers see built-ins as a permanent improvement. It’s an inexpensive way to boost value while making your own life easier in the meantime.

Updating Flooring

Replacing worn carpet or outdated vinyl with modern flooring is one of the strongest updates you can make. Laminate, vinyl plank, and even engineered hardwood are DIY-friendly if you’re patient and precise.

Flooring changes the entire look of a house. New floors make the home feel fresh and well cared for, which directly impacts value. Since flooring covers so much square footage, the return is significant compared to the material costs.

Adding a Fresh Coat of Paint

Few projects deliver as much bang for your buck as painting. Choosing neutral, modern colors and painting both walls and trim can transform the feel of the entire home. It’s a project nearly anyone can handle with the right prep.

Fresh paint signals care and maintenance. It makes spaces feel brighter, cleaner, and move-in ready. Appraisers and buyers both respond positively, and it’s one of the least expensive ways to push your home’s value higher.

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