The Best Home Improvement Projects You Can Do for Under $500

Turn your bathroom into a spa with a few simple changes

Estimated cost: $200-$500 | Project duration: 1-5 days

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Sinclair tells us that the first upgrades to consider are those that make your bathroom look “spa-like.” A mid-range bathroom remodel typically recoups about 80% of its cost, with an estimated resale value of $20,915.

To get started on a bathroom remodel, consider these options:

Replace your showerhead

A new showerhead is a small upgrade that can make your daily routine feel a little more luxurious without costing much. If your current one sprays unevenly, drips, or looks like it belongs in another decade, replacing it can instantly freshen up the bathroom. It’s a quick fix that helps the space feel more modern, functional, and enjoyable to use every day. Plus, you’ll love how it catches prospective buyers’ attention when it’s time to sell.

Some great options include:

• AQUABAR High-Pressure 48-mode 3-way Shower Spa Combo for $80 on Amazon
• Beveled Square Rainfall Shower Head – Chrome for $89 on Signature Hardware
• PULSE ShowerSpas 1089-CH Lanai Shower System for $246 on Amazon
• The Boyel Overhead and Handheld Wall-Mounted Showerhead Combo for $248 at Home Depot

Install a bathroom vent

A bathroom vent might not be the most exciting upgrade, but it can make a big difference in keeping your space fresh and comfortable. By pulling excess moisture out of the air, it helps reduce foggy mirrors, lingering odors, and the risk of mold or mildew buildup.

It’s one of those behind-the-scenes improvements that can help protect your bathroom and cut down on maintenance headaches over time. While you’ll likely need to get help from an HVAC expert to complete the installation, the whole project usually costs only about $396.

Update countertops

Bathroom countertops usually don’t account for a whole lot of space. Still, since they’re often the visual focal point of the room, a nice countertop can transform the entire space. Because vanities are smaller than kitchen cabinets, you can install even more expensive materials like granite or quartz on a budget, with material costs ranging from $50 to $200 per square foot.

Replace the hardware

Finally, a surefire way to make your bathroom shine is to add some shiny new hardware. Items like bath towel bars, sinks, toilet paper roll holders, and light switches are relatively inexpensive and can transform your bathroom from a utility space into an elegant experience.

Depending on the material and finish you choose, you can typically refresh several key fixtures for just $15 to $60 per piece, making this one of the easiest ways to give the room a more polished, updated look.

Add a kitchen backsplash for a functional, eye-catching finish

Estimated cost: $280-$400 | Project duration: 2 days

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A kitchen upgrade earned a perfect Joy Score of 10 in the National Association of Realtors (NAR)’s Remodeling Impact Report, meaning homeowners gave it the highest possible satisfaction rating. In other words, kitchen improvements don’t just have the potential to add value. They can also make the space more enjoyable and functional for everyday living.

Real estate agents see the benefits, too: in HomeLight’s Top Agent Insights Report Q3 2025, 17% of agents said minor kitchen updates are the second-best home prep project for getting a strong return on investment.

One simple way to refresh your kitchen without spending a fortune is to add a backsplash. It can instantly brighten up the space while also protecting your walls from splatters, spills, and everyday messes.

While HomeAdvisor puts the average cost of a kitchen backsplash installation at $1,000, Sinclair shares that homeowners often get the job done for less than $500. To keep the project within budget, only add a backsplash where you need it (usually above your stove and sink).

Labor costs for installing a backsplash can vary depending on where you live, but it usually runs about $15 to $40 per square foot, with more detailed or complex patterns costing more. The main thing that drives the overall price, though, is the type of material you go with.

Here are some popular options and how much they typically cost for installation:

• Ceramic: $12-$30 per square foot
• Porcelain: $13-$35 per square foot
• Marble: $30-$150 per square foot
• Granite: $20-$147 per square foot

With a small backsplash, you’ll cut down on both material and labor costs and potentially get the job done for as little as $280 for a 20-square-foot area.

If you’re looking to save even more money, a good alternative to a traditional tile backsplash is peel-and-stick options. They come in a variety of styles and finishes, making it easy to achieve a modern look without the cost or mess of tile installation. Since they’re quick to apply and easy to remove, they’re also a low-commitment upgrade that works well for many homeowners.

Sinclair suggests using the rest of your $500 budget to purchase some new hardware for your kitchen. Here are some more easy, budget-friendly kitchen DIY upgrades you can do on a weekend:

• Replace cabinet handles: Swapping out old knobs and pulls is an easy way to instantly update the look of your cabinets.
• Install a new faucet: A modern faucet can improve both function and style, and it’s often a straightforward upgrade.
• Update light fixtures: New lighting can brighten up the space and make your kitchen feel more modern and inviting.
• Paint cabinets: A fresh coat of paint can completely transform tired cabinets and give your kitchen a brand-new feel without a full remodel.

Boost curb appeal with a new front door and house numbers

Estimated cost: $350-$500 | Project duration: 1 day

Source: Damiano Baschiera / Unsplash

Your front door is one of the first things people notice, especially during a home tour. Sinclair points out that buyers start forming opinions about a home before they even step inside, based on the exterior alone. If the door looks worn or the house numbers are old and faded, it can quietly signal to buyers that they’re about to step into a fixer-upper.

This is why an overwhelming 92% of Realtors suggest that sellers focus on improving curb appeal before listing a home, and about 97% say it’s important in attracting buyers. Here are some budget-friendly ways to improve your home’s exterior:

Update the front door

This home improvement may be as simple as a fresh coat of paint. For finicky door locks, graphite powder only costs a few dollars and can make an old lock work like new. For front doors in worse condition, replacement may be preferable. Although front doors can be pricey, there are plenty of attractive options for under $500:

• Therma-Tru Fiberglass Insulating Core Front Door for $308 at Lowe’s
• Masonite Right-Hand Inswing Primed Steel Exterior Door for $349 at Home Depot
• Doooli 6 Lite Clear Glass Slab Pine Wood Front Entry Door for $430 at Wayfair

The Journal of Light Construction estimates that replacing an entry door with a steel one costs about $2,435 on average and has an estimated resale value of around $5,270, allowing homeowners to recoup roughly 216% of the project cost.

Add new house numbers

House numbers are an inexpensive, eye-catching way to make a statement. Some options include:

• Everbilt Black Flush Mount Metal House Number for $7 at Home Depot
• Address America Reflective Modern Floating House Numbers, $23 at Amazon
• Whitehall Personalized Cast Metal Address Plaque for $46 at Amazon

Consult a top real estate agent for tailored advice

If you’re looking for the best low-cost, high-impact home improvements, you should consult a top real estate agent in your area. Experienced agents have intimate knowledge of their local housing markets. They’ll have their finger on which renovations get the most attention (and inspire the most bids) from buyers, as well as which projects you can probably skip.

To quickly connect with experienced, skilled real estate agents in your area, you can use HomeLight’s Agent Finder. Once you’ve got an expert opinion, a plan, and a budget, you’ll be all set to get started on some high-impact home improvements under $500.

Header Image Source: (Bernie Almanzar / Unsplash)