Professional home flippers are experts on making upgrades in and around the home quickly and without spending a lot — so they know what’s worth doing and what should be skipped. With that said, we tapped into a network of home flippers to find out what must-do upgrades will make your home look and feel more expensive. Best yet, they’re all mad cheap and easy to do.
LED Strip Lights To Brighten Any Area
Robert Shepherd of Peak & Home Partners shares that strip lights like these “create an ambient glow that makes spaces feel brighter and more inviting, even in older homes.” The lights shine bright white (there are 300 LEDs in total), and the strand is over 16 feet long to cover a big area. They install with an adhesive backing and are powered by an outlet.
Low-Cost Cabinet & Door Handles For An Instant Revamp
“Swapping out outdated hardware for modern matte black or brushed gold instantly elevates cabinets and vanities,” shares Shepherd. And these 10 handles have a curved shape for an extra-modern touch. They’re available in two other finishes and three sizes in the listing.
A Stained Glass Window Film That Installs With Just Water
Make any regular window a centerpiece by installing this 3D stained glass film on it. “These films diffuse light beautifully, mimicking the look of expensive etched glass at a fraction of the cost,” explains Shepherd. To hang, simply take measurements, cut the film with scissors, and apply it with water onto clean glass.
Outdoor Solar Lights For Upscale Illumination
Don’t forget about the exterior of your home. These solar lights can make your walkway, patio, flower beds, or other outdoor spaces look more upscale. “They also add a sense of security and make the home feel more welcoming at night,” says Shepherd. Six lights come in the set.
DIY-Friendly Adhesive Tiles That Mimic Wood
Refresh the flooring in your home for a fraction of the cost with these unique floor tiles. “Their textured surface and realistic wood grain make them a great way to add warmth and character to a space,” adds Shepherd. He also suggests using them to create an accent wall. The 12-inch tiles stick in place with the adhesive on the back, making them DIY-friendly.
Fresh House Numbers That Are Easy To Spot
Make your home stand out — and easier to find — with these 6-inch house numbers. “A bold, contemporary font helps give the exterior of the home a polished, designer look,” shares Shepherd. The digits have a weather-resistant finish, plus they’re rustproof to last through the elements. Choose from all numbers and a few letters in the listing.
Peel-&-Stick Backsplash Tiles For A Kitchen Refresh
Spruce up any kitchen by covering your existing backsplash with these peel-and-stick tiles. Shepherd suggests using picks like these for a high-end look, adding that they’re “easy to install and moisture-resistant, making them perfect for rental properties or quick flips.” In the listing, you’ll find a variety of styles, including this geometric option or a more classic subway tile.
Wood-Grain Border Tape To Update A Mirror
Realtor and house flipper Erin Hybart suggests “adding a frame around a builder-grade mirror for a custom look,” and this wood-grain border is a low-cost solution. The best-selling pick has an adhesive backing to stick in place. It’s waterproof, so you don’t have to worry about it curling or warping in a moisture-heavy bathroom.
Decorative Molding That Sticks In Place
You don’t need power tools and DIY prowess to add crown molding to your home. Jonathan Faccone, a managing member and the founder of Halo Homebuyers, favors self-adhesive trim, saying it “elevates the space significantly.” Trim it to length, then stick it in place for a finished look. It comes in four finishes in the listing.
A Customizable Wall Sconce With No Tricky Wiring
“For lighting, plug-in wall sconces add elegance to bedrooms and hallways, creating the feel of custom lighting without the need for hardwiring,” explains Ron Myers of Ron Buys Florida Homes. And this particular wall sconce has the added bonus of customizability — change the color, brightness, and light position.
An Arched Mirror To Make Any Room Feel Bigger
Space feel cramped? Add a decorative mirror. “Large statement mirrors make rooms feel bigger and more expensive, especially in entryways and bathrooms,” shares Myers. The 20-by-30-inch mirror has an arched design for charm, and it comes in three metal finishes — gold, black, or silver.
Marble Contact Paper To Cover Outdated Countertops
Not in love with the existing countertops in your bathroom and/or kitchen? Grab this marble contact paper to change it up. The idea comes from Myers, who explains this method will give your surface “a sleek, polished look for a fraction of the price of real stone.” In fact, this particular roll costs less than $10.
An Outlet Cover With A Light For Practical, Subtle Illumination
Ryan Whitcher, the CEO of Harmony Home Buyers, likes to swap out regular outlet covers with upgraded ones with a built-in LED night. This creates “a soft ambient glow in your hallways and bathrooms, making them seem custom.” The light features a dusk-to-dawn sensor that’ll turn on automatically when it’s dark.
Magnetic Garage Hardware For Instant Curb Appeal
For your garage door, Whitcher suggests using a hardware kit like this to “instantly increase curb appeal.” The set includes two handles and four hinges in a sleek black shade to create character. They’re weather resistant, rustproof, and magnetic to install in place on metal doors.
Marble Adhesive Tiles For A Current Feel
While replacing tile that you don’t like would be nice, that can run you thousands. Luckily, these peel-and-stick tiles can make “dated kitchens or bathrooms current,” according to Whitcher. The marble-like tile has checkerboard styling, a low-luster finish, and it’s water resistant. Choose from four styles in the listing; your order comes with 10 square feet of flooring.
Textured Grasscloth Wallpaper For An Accent Wall
Grasscloth peel-and-stick wallpaper like this “adds rich texture to accent walls,” says Whitcher. Or, you can use it on furniture or other smooth, flat surfaces that’d benefit from an update. It sticks in place with adhesive — easily reposition it during installation to make it perfect — and if removed, it doesn’t leave behind residue.
Durable Paint To Freshen Your Front Door
Jessica Wright, the owner of Buy My Home Chattanooga, says a fresh coat of paint on your front door is a “quick way to update the look of any house.” This specific water-based paint is meant for indoor or outdoor use since it’s chip resistant, creating a smooth, satin finish. It’s premixed and dries to the touch in 45 minutes. It comes in cranberry, gray, navy, green, black, and white in the listing.
A Rainfall Shower Head To Create A Spa Vibe
“Transform your ordinary bathroom into a luxurious spa with the installation of a rainfall-style showerhead,” shares Wright. This golden option boasts 90-plus silicone nozzles that push out water quickly and efficiently. It twists in place, working on almost any existing plumbing setup. Other finishes are also available in the listing to match your bathroom’s hardware.
Matte Black Door Hinges To Update Any Space
Mark Kizokian, the owner of Rooted House Buyers, recommends upgrading to these specific matte black door hinges that’ll “match with pretty much everything, and will improve the look of every entrance in your home (all the bedrooms, bathrooms, etc).” Just a screwdriver is necessary for installation and 24 come in the set.
And These Black Door Handles To Complete The Look
And sticking with Kizokian’s theme of replacing old, tired hardware with fresh black pieces, these door handles are another solid option. They’re made from heavy-duty metal with an iron black finish and curved lever. Install them right- or left-handed.
A Low-Priced Kitchen Faucet That Doesn’t Look Cheap
Kizokian swears by this particular kitchen faucet as it “not only has lots of utility, but will improve the look of your kitchen, while being extremely affordable.” The faucet has a pull-down sprayer head and rotating design for easier dishwashing. One- or three-hole installation is possible.
Recessed Lights That Have Lots Of Settings
This recessed lighting “will make your home look ultra-luxurious while not breaking the bank,” shares Kizokian, who recommends them for the living room, theater room, or any other spot that’d benefit from extra illumination. The six lights can be set to a range of color temperatures, plus they can be dimmed from 5% to 100%.
A Waterfall Faucet For A Modern Bathroom Upgrade
Ben Noel, the senior project manager at NobleHouseBuyers.com, calls this waterfall faucet “one of our favorite bathroom upgrades” since it “adds a sleek, modern touch while making hand-washing a unique experience.” It’s made from stainless steel — which is rust resistant and durable overall — with a matte black finish. A short and tall version can be found in the listing, as can several finishes.
A Plug-In Pendant Light For Easy Illumination
“Good lighting changes the entire feel of a space,” stresses Matt Vukovich, the president of Matt Buys Indiana Houses. And this pendant light is a DIY-friendly way to add extra lighting to any area, since it plugs into an outlet for power. There’s a 13-foot hanging cord to position it exactly as desired. Use the on/off switch to control it.
A Fresh Door Mat To Make A Great First Impression
Remember: “First impressions count,” shares Vukovich. And a fresh door mat like this will literally welcome guests into your home. It’s also functional — made from coconut coir fibers, the mat will trap dirt and debris to prevent it from coming inside. Four size options are available in the listing.
No-Maintenance Lavender Sprigs To Bring The Outdoors In
“Plants add life and freshness,” explains Vukovich. However, if your green thumb is lacking, this artificial lavender plant gives the same effect — no watering required. The four-piece bundle is made from silk, and each sprig is about 14 to 16 inches tall. Stick them in a vase, pot, or any planter you have on hand.
A Plush Blanket To Update Your Living Room
You heard it here first: Vukovich says that it’s time to replace “worn [...] blankets, or towels with plush, new versions.” And this faux fur blanket is a good place to start, since it’s made from two layers of thick fabric for that cozy factor. It’s available in a range of colors and sizes.
Matching Soap Dispensers For Less Visual Clutter
“Transferring things like hand soap, dish soap, and even laundry detergent into matching, elegant dispensers can create a sense of order and high-end style,” notes Vukovich. This pair of 12-ounce soap dispensers can hold any liquid product — like dish soap, lotion, shampoo, and more — so you can implement this advice. They’re made from durable plastic with a ribbed design.
Smooth, Soft White Sheets That Look & Feel Luxurious
As Vukovich puts it, “crisp, white linens create a feeling of luxury.” And these particular white sheets are made from 100% cotton with a sateen weave for a smooth, soft, breathable addition to your bed. They’re 400 thread count, and the fitted sheet fits mattresses up to 16 inches thick. Various bed sizes can be found in the listing.
Fresh White Towels Made From Turkish Cotton
Vukovich’s concept of crisp linens translates to the bathroom as well. These white towels are made from Turkish cotton for plushness and absorbency. Two bath towels, a pair of hand towels, and two washcloths come in the set.
A 5-Tier Hanging Organizer For Clothes, Linens & More
Don’t neglect areas hidden behind closed doors. These “contribute to the overall feeling of a home,” adds Vukovich. This hanging organizer has five storage tiers for clothes, bags, shoes, linens, and more, and it can support up to 15 pounds in total. Use the hooks at the top for hanging on a rod.
Clear Storage Bins To Make Your Pantry Orderly
“A well-organized home feels more put-together and luxurious,” says Vukovich. And for your pantry, you can utilize clear storage bins like these. The eight bins in the set are made from BPA-free plastic that’s simple to wipe clean.
Adhesive 3D Wallpaper To Bring Texture To A Room
“Adding texture to a room can greatly improve the feel of the space,” notes Vukovich. And this can be achieved in many ways, including creating a textured accent wall using this peel-and-stick wallpaper. It features embossing for that three-dimensional appearance, and adhesive on the back makes it straightforward to hang. There are also black and pink versions available in the listing.
Smart Light Bulbs For A High-Impact, Low-Cost Fix
The owner of Best Texas House Buyers, Mark Severino, feels that the “single most high impact and low cost fix for any room is proper lighting.” And these LED smart bulbs can be set to a massive range of colors and brightness levels to get the illumination just right. Use your phone to tweak these settings, plus more, including pairing them to music.
Clean, Modern Wall Plate Switches That Are Paintable
Regular outlet covers are fine. But Mike Otranto, the founder of Wake County Home Buyers, says that upgrading to decorative ones like these is “an inexpensive way to add some flair to any room.” Made from durable zinc alloy, the pair of plate switches have clean, modern lines, and they can be painted to any shade desired, including the wall color to blend in.
A Vintage-Inspired Rug To Pull Together A Room
This area rug costs just $40, which is a low price to pay considering it can “make a room look more put-together and cozy,” according to Otranto. The rug has a nonslip backing to stay in place, it’s machine washable, and the design has vintage-inspired vibes, though there are plenty of others to consider for your space in the listing. It measures 3 by 5 feet.
Corduroy Throw Pillows For Added Color & Texture
Throw pillow covers like these are “an easy way to bring color and texture into a room,” per Otranto, and the pair costs less than $20 total. The covers have a patchwork-like design, and they’re made from corduroy that’s soft and silky. This is the dusty blue shade, but 30 solid shades are up for grabs in the listing.
Framed Wall Art For A Sophisticated Look
Artwork doesn’t have to be expensive to make a big impact, and this framed canvas is a good example of it. It has a natural wooden frame and is printed on a premium canvas that won’t fade or wrinkle. Otranto favors utilizing art as it “can instantly make a room look more sophisticated and put-together.” It measures 8 by 10 inches and is available in a larger size and lots of other designs in the listing.
A Circular Vase For An Elegant Touch
Otranto shares that decorative accents — such as a ceramic vase like this — can “add a touch of elegance to any room.” It has a unique circular shape, a cutout in the center, and a white matte finish. Use just one or pick up several to create a focal point on a table, shelf, or mantle.
A Textural Candle For A Polished Touch
“Look for items in [...] interesting shapes and textures to elevate the overall look of your home,” notes Otranto. And this soy candle qualifies thanks to its special twisted shape. It’ll burn cleanly for up to 40 hours, and it puts out a citrus fragrance that’s invigorating.
A Footed Tray To Corral Accent Pieces
Sticking with Otranto’s concept of adding decorative elements to your home, this footed circular tray is ideal for grouping several smaller items like artwork, candles, and more. It’s made from durable plastic with a wood-grain pattern printed on the bottom for a natural touch. It’s almost 1 foot in diameter.
Brass Knobs For A Timeless Aesthetic
The co-owner of 717 Home Buyers, Austin Glanzer, says that he utilizes these antique knobs in kitchens, and that they’ve been a game-changer. “They strike the perfect balance between a timeless, vintage aesthetic and a modern, stylish feel—elevating the look of any kitchen,” he adds. The knobs are made from durable zinc alloy with a distressed brass finish. Six are included.
A Kit To Restore Wood Pieces To Like-New
Don’t count out the power of refinishing existing wooden cabinets, furniture, and other pieces, says Glanzer. This repair kit comes with furniture markers and wax sticks — in black, walnut, mahogany, cherry, maple, and oak shades — to fix scratches, scuffs, dings, or other damage for like-new results. It’s quick, simple, and cheap to do.
A Durable Paint To Give New Life To Old Kitchen Cabinets
Jason Hull, the owner of J & J Cash Home Buyers, says there’s value in giving your kitchen cabinets a fresh coat of paint. “That makes the cabinets look newer, and, when we have salvageable cabinets, saves a lot of money that we'd otherwise spend replacing them,” he adds. This water-based cabinet paint is designed specifically for this. It covers well, is low on odor and VOCs, and comes in more than 10 shades, all of which would look nice in any space.
Solar Spotlights To Draw Attention To Outdoor Features
Harpreet Saini, the CEO of We Buy Houses in Metro Detroit, suggests solar spotlights like these to “highlight architectural features” outdoors, adding that they “greatly enhance night views and create a warm welcome.” The lights can shine for up to 12 hours straight on low brightness (or for eight hours on high), and they’re waterproof by design to last season after season. They come as a pair.
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