10 projects you can do for under $500 that buyers always notice

When you’re preparing to sell or simply want to boost your home’s value, the projects that really matter are the ones buyers actually notice. You don’t have to sink thousands into renovations to make a strong impression. With under $500, you can tackle updates that instantly catch attention during showings and appraisals.

These projects are practical, affordable, and they send the right message: your home is well cared for. Here are ten that stand out every time.

Refreshing the Front Door

Your front door sets the tone for the entire house. A fresh coat of paint in a modern color or even replacing the door itself can make a big impact. Buyers see it before anything else, so it’s worth the effort.

For less than $500, you can upgrade hardware, add new house numbers, and even install a new storm door if needed. It’s a straightforward project that adds immediate curb appeal and signals that the home has been maintained.

Updating Bathroom Fixtures

Old faucets, showerheads, and light fixtures can make bathrooms feel outdated. Replacing them with modern options instantly freshens up the space. You can find quality fixtures within budget at most home stores.

Since bathrooms are a high-focus area for buyers, even small updates carry weight. A bathroom that looks clean and current suggests the rest of the home has been taken care of, making this an upgrade that pays off quickly.

Painting Interior Walls

Nothing transforms a home faster than paint. Neutral, modern shades make spaces look bigger and brighter, and a couple of gallons plus supplies usually keep you under $500.

Fresh paint covers scuffs, chips, and dated colors that might turn buyers away. It’s one of the most cost-effective ways to make your home feel move-in ready, and buyers almost always notice the difference.

Installing New Light Fixtures

Lighting has a huge impact on how buyers perceive a room. Swapping out old ceiling fans, chandeliers, or flush mounts for modern fixtures can completely change the atmosphere.

Under $500, you can update several key spaces like the entryway, dining area, and bedrooms. Good lighting makes the home feel more inviting and updated, which buyers immediately pick up on.

Adding Crown Molding or Trim

Well-placed trim adds character and makes a house feel more finished. With a few tools and some patience, you can install crown molding or wainscoting yourself for under $500.

These details make rooms look higher-end without major remodeling. Buyers notice craftsmanship, and even small touches like fresh trim can set your home apart from others on the market.

Replacing Carpet in Key Rooms

If a small bedroom or hallway has worn carpet, replacing it with new carpet or laminate flooring can cost under $500. Targeting the most visible areas makes a big difference in how buyers view the home overall.

Fresh flooring eliminates odors, stains, and a dated look. Even if you can’t redo the entire house, improving a key space makes the home feel more cared for and instantly noticeable.

Upgrading the Garage Door Hardware

The garage door is a major part of curb appeal, and updating its look doesn’t always mean replacing the whole thing. Decorative hardware kits and new paint can make it look nearly new for a fraction of the cost.

Buyers notice garage doors because they take up so much visual space. A refreshed door can make the entire exterior feel updated, helping your house stand out before buyers even walk inside.

Replacing Kitchen Backsplash

A dated backsplash can drag down an otherwise decent kitchen. Swapping it for modern tile or peel-and-stick options is affordable and manageable as a DIY project.

Since kitchens weigh heavily in buyers’ decisions, this project gives you a lot of impact for under $500. A fresh backsplash makes the entire kitchen feel more updated, which buyers are quick to notice.

Power Washing Exterior Surfaces

For under $500, renting or buying a power washer can make your siding, driveway, deck, and walkways look almost new. Dirt and grime build up slowly, but buyers notice the difference instantly once it’s cleaned.

A sparkling exterior makes your home stand out from the start. It’s one of the lowest-cost ways to dramatically improve curb appeal and make buyers feel like the property has been maintained.

Updating Cabinet Hardware

If your cabinets are in good shape but feel dated, new hardware is the fastest way to modernize them. With under $500, you can replace handles and pulls in the kitchen and bathrooms.

Since cabinets dominate those rooms, upgraded hardware makes them look more expensive. Buyers pick up on the detail right away, and it helps the whole house feel more current without breaking your budget.

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