23 Cheap Upgrades That Will Actually Increase The Value of Your Home

Adding new cabinetry can be super expensive, but a couple coats of new paint can make an outdated kitchen look much more modern and clean. See how to do it here.

Swapping out generic or older cabinet handles can make a kitchen look completely different. This company makes new handles that even fit IKEA cabinets.

Adding an outdoor dining table to a porch or yard makes it seem like there's even more space, even if it's a little crowded.

Once you get the hang of a miter saw, DIY moulding is pretty easy. See how here.

According to Century 21 realtors, landscaping and a good first impression can increase a home's value up to 27%.

Turn your office or den into a useable bedroom by either adding a closet, or a freestanding wardrobe. Or, use this Ikea wardrobe hack to create this DIY closet.

Hidden storage might be good for living in a home, but buyers want to SEE a lot of storage space without having to open everything. A few extra shelves in a blank space can make a big difference. See how to easily add some floating shelves to a tiny bathroom here.

Buyers want to picture themselves in your home, not your whole extended family. While you're selling, stash the majority of your specifically personal heirlooms to make the space feel a little more like a blank slate.

If you don't want to fully replace any tiled floors, you can actually paint them to look fresh and clean. See how here.

Door knobs, faucets and locks are all fairly cheap to paint to make them look brand new. Check out this great tutorial here.

Upgrading lighting in the main rooms can make the whole space feel more expensive.

A brightly colored living room might be your cup of tea, but a neutral clean palette is much more palatable for most buyers. Designer Emily Henderson recommends these timeless shades for almost any space.

Make windows look larger by adding molding and a new apron. See how here.

Most builder-grade windows are dark inside, sometimes even black. Painting the interior frames and transoms will make the window look bigger and more modern. See how to do it here.

Mirrors are the simplest way to make any space feel bigger and lighter. Learn how to make this giant sunburst version here.

Some things necessary to a home's function can be covered or hidden and still work perfectly. This trick lets you cover up a thermostat or alarm with just a canvas portrait and some hinges.

If you don't want to buy a whole new tub, older (or dated color) tubs can actually be painted. Learn how here.

Kitchen upgrades like new appliances and countertops will usually give the biggest return on your investment.

Potential buyers will hire their own inspector, but if there are problems you didn't know about, it can cost you a lot off your asking price. Go through all the things your pickiest buyer will have checked, and make sure there aren't any surprises.

Before you make any major changes, ask your own realtor what people ask for the most in your area, and then make those updates yourself. They are a treasure trove of knowledge about what people are looking for at the same time you are selling, and they want to make the sale just as much as you do.