If you’re looking to increase the value of your home without breaking the bank, it might just be time to tackle your list of DIY projects. But make those projects count.
It’s okay to want to add charm, functionality, and appeal to your property, but don’t forget about increasing its market value, especially if you plan to sell the home one day. The tasks you tackle should add value of some sort, not detract from the beauty of your house or its natural charm.
Whether you’re preparing to sell your property or simply want to enhance your living space, here are 16 DIY home projects worth the investment.
Fresh Coat of Paint

A fresh coat of paint is a good way to increase your property’s value. It can transform spaces, making them feel larger, brighter, and more inviting, which can draw in potential buyers.
It can be a tedious job, depending on how much you actually paint, but you can also seek help from friends and family to save money. If you are preparing to sell your home, stick to more of a neutral palette over bold colors that might not sit well with many.
Curb Appeal Enhancements

The exterior of your home is the first thing people see. And as they say, “First impressions are the last impressions.”
Therefore, it’s important to tidy up your yard and you might want to plant colorful flowers or even choose a bold color for your front door to make it stand out even more. Don’t forget to power wash your house, too, and keep it free of debris.
Kitchen Cabinet Refinishing

Most of the magic happens in the kitchen. It’s also often considered the home’s heart and a crucial selling point.
But since a complete kitchen remodel is costly and time-consuming, you can give it an updated look by cleaning, sanding, and painting kitchen cabinets yourself. Just be sure to choose a color that complements the existing appliances and décor scheme.
Upgrade Light Fixtures

Lighting plays a significant role in enhancing a place’s overall appeal, making the space feel more welcoming. Upgrading light fixtures before putting your property up for sale can help improve its value.
Decide on a style, whether modern, traditional, or somewhere in between, for your ceiling lights, wall sconces, pendant lights, and chandeliers. Don’t forget to make way for the outdoor light to brighten up your home from the inside.
Install Smart Home Technology

Smart home technology makes it easier to manage things around your home, protect it from intrusions, conserve energy, and give it a modern touch. Installing smart home technology can increase your property value.
This includes your door locks, security cameras, thermostats, and intelligent lighting. It can also result in lower home insurance costs, so it’s an upgrade that can save you money.
Create a Stylish Backsplash

Installing a backsplash is a DIY project that protects the walls of your kitchen from water damage and stains. It also adds visual appeal and a personality to the heart of your home.
Opt for peel-and-stick tiles because they are more affordable, easily installable, and come in many designs. And above all, they can be replaced quickly and affordably.
Refinish Hardwood Floors

Hardwood floors add character, warmth, and value to your home. But over time, they can wear out and lose their natural beauty, especially in high-traffic areas, or if you have pets.
For the most part, you can usually sand and stain the floorboards to give them an updated look. Really worn ones may need replacing, but it’s an investment that will definitely increase your property’s value.
Upgrade Bathroom Fixtures

Your bathroom fixtures make an impression, believe it or not. If yours are started to look outdated, or you think it’s time for a change, guess what? It is!
The good news is, it’s an easy fix (seriously, you can replace them yourself in no time at all) and not at all expensive.
Create Built-In Storage

Storage space is a must. If your home is sorely lacking, there’s a chance you have some piles of clutter around your home. This is where it’s important to take advantage of your vertical space.
Adding some built-in or floating shelves can create a clean look in your home and make your rooms look larger.
Revamp the Front Entrance

The front entrance of your home forms a perception in people’s minds of what they can expect from the inside. So, assess yours and see if there are ways you can make it more visually appealing.
Consider placing a welcoming doormat, some potted plants, and seasonal décor. Also, get creative with mailboxes and house numbers to make your home stand out, but keep it tasteful if you plan on selling.
Install Energy-Efficient Windows

Energy-efficient windows provide better insulation, reduce winter heat loss, and keep your home cooler in the summer. They also ensure you have lower energy bills and year-round comfort, what more could you ask for?
They can be expensive to install, but eventually pay off big time. You don’t have to do them all at once, either.
Create Outdoor Living Spaces

If you have open space outdoors, take advantage of it by creating an outdoor oasis. This could come in especially handy if you love to entertain and want to use all of your space efficiently.
An outdoor kitchen, or even a pergola with a furniture setup could help improve your property’s value in showing what’s possible with the land.
Update Kitchen Hardware

Think about your kitchen and the role it plays in your home. Conversations over drinks, cooking homemade meals, helping the kids with their homework. It’s called the heart of the home for a reason. And since it gets so much use, it often shows signs of wear and tear.
One easy way to upgrade your kitchen is to add new hardware. Freshen up those cabinet and drawer handles and you’ll see an instant improvement that will also improve the value of your home.
Add Crown Molding

Crown molding is pretty to look at when done right. It increases the room’s aesthetic appeal by making it more sophisticated and elegant.
You can add it throughout your home as a decorative statement, or even to hide minor cosmetic blemishes. I wouldn’t recommend using it to hide major damage because it will only cover the surface of the issue. However, it’s an affordable DIY project that will instantly add appeal and potential value.
Enhance Garage Storage

If you’re like me and use every inch of your garage space, but still want to park your car there, you’ll need some creative storage solutions. Think thick shelves to keep your belongings off the floor and make room for your vehicle.
There are also storage caddies that take up little space and offer ample room to keep your garage organized. Installing these solutions shouldn’t take long at all, but the appeal (and value) is instant.
Upgrade Interior Doors

Sometimes, the fixes to add value to your home are simple. For example, consider upgrading your interior doors, keeping the overall architecture of your home in mind. Make them more decorative by adding details like glass inserts, molding, or carved panels.
It would help if you also considered replacing the outdated or damaged door frames. This replacement will transform the look and feel of the inside of your home while also increasing its value.