20 Easy DIY Home Projects: Simple, Cheap Home Improvement Ideas

You don't need a contractor or a big budget to make your home look and feel better. These easy DIY home projects can each be done in a weekend or less, and most cost under a few hundred dollars.

Quick wins (an afternoon or less)

1. Swap cabinet hardware. New knobs and pulls instantly update a kitchen or bathroom. Measure the hole spacing on existing pulls first.
2. Replace outlet and switch covers with fresh, matching plates.
3. Re-caulk the tub and sink. Remove old, moldy caulk and apply a fresh bead of kitchen-and-bath silicone caulk.
4. Deep-clean grout and apply grout sealer.
5. Upgrade to LED bulbs. They use less energy and last far longer.
6. Install a new showerhead. Usually just a wrench and plumber's tape.
7. Add weatherstripping and door sweeps to cut drafts.

Weekend projects

8. Paint a room. The cheapest, most dramatic transformation. Use painter's tape, a quality roller and two coats.
9. Paint your front door a bold color for instant curb appeal.
10. Install floating shelves. Use wall anchors or find studs for heavier loads.
11. Add a peel-and-stick backsplash in the kitchen or laundry room.
12. Paint kitchen cabinets. Clean, degrease, sand lightly, prime and paint for a fresh look at a fraction of replacement cost.
13. Replace a faucet. Shut off the water supply valves first.
14. Install a smart thermostat, which can help reduce heating and cooling costs. Turn off power at the breaker first.
15. Update light fixtures. Always turn off the circuit breaker, and hire a licensed electrician if you're not comfortable with wiring.

Home decorating ideas on a budget

16. Hang curtains higher and wider than the window to make rooms feel taller and windows larger.
17. Create a gallery wall with thrifted frames painted one color.
18. Add a large mirror to reflect light and make a small room feel bigger.
19. Bring in plants. Even a few houseplants add life. See easy houseplants for beginners.
20. Declutter and rearrange. Free and often the most transformative "project" of all. See our organization ideas.

DIY safety tips

• Turn off power at the breaker before any electrical work, and test that it's off.
• Wear safety glasses, gloves and a dust mask when sanding or cutting.
• Homes built before 1978 may contain lead paint. Follow EPA lead-safe practices before sanding or scraping old paint.
• Check whether your project requires a permit. Many electrical, plumbing and structural jobs do.
• Know when to call a pro, especially for gas lines, roofing, major electrical and structural work.