8 Home Improvement Projects Under $100

Living in your home every day, you’re bound to see improvements you want to make. This kid’s room needs new flooring, the dishwasher needs upgrading, and the list goes on. 

Bigger projects like renovations and new appliances might not be in the cards right now. Even when your budget is tight, however, you still give your home a “glowup” with inexpensive home renovations under $100. Here is a list of eight creative and cost-effective ideas to give your home that sparkle you've been yearning for.

Cosmetic Projects

Accent wall
Hiring painters or spending multiple days painting your family room might not be an option. But what about painting a bold accent wall? For the price of one gallon of paint and rollers, you can transform a space in a matter of hours.

Want to go a step beyond but stay on budget? Paint your guest bathroom a fresh color for a simple change everyone can enjoy. 

For those who are a bit more handy, peel-and-stick wallpaper is a great option for adding drama to a small space.

Bathroom update
Replacing fixtures is another cheap way to bring your bathroom into a new decade. Countless styles are available for less than $100, allowing you to upgrade without breaking the bank. Throw in new towels and cushy bathmats to complete the bathroom remodel.

Pressure washing
A balmy Saturday is the perfect time to boost curb appeal and add value. Pressure washing not only clears away dirt, but it also removes mold and mildew that may cause bigger issues later. Plus, the satisfaction of seeing all the grime wash away.

You can find a deal on a new pressure washer or, to keep this project extra budget-friendly, borrow one from a neighbor or family member. Check your local hardware store for rental options, too.

Exterior trim
Once the outside is sparkling clean, grab brushes and exterior trim paint to continue sprucing up outdoors. You can brighten up window trim and porch railing with a fresh coat of white paint – or try a bolder blue or yellow. Add to the makeover by painting the front door a cheery hue.

New rugs or mats
An affordable area rug can give your living space a needed refresh when brand-new furniture isn’t in the budget. Check online for deals and free shipping. You may be surprised at how many options fit both your style and spending limit. If you find a great deal, upgrade your entryway or teen’s room, too.

Organization

Closet refresh
The change in seasons means it’s time to dive into your closet to pull out sweaters, boots and jackets. If your closet is feeling too small or overwhelmed by options, timing could also be perfect for a closet overhaul. This “do it yourself” home project can benefit you daily. 

One organizational rule of thumb is to get rid of anything you haven’t worn in 9 months. Did you wear those sandals or shorts all summer? If not, set them aside for donation or resell. You can repeat the same process in the spring with extra winter coats or boots. Bonus: consigning gently worn clothes and shoes you don’t need nets you some extra cash.
 
Once you’ve removed a few items, prioritize what you wear the most. Favorite sweaters and jeans need a prominent space compared to one or two fancier outfits you pull out for holiday parties.

Now you’re ready to reconsider your organizational options. Do you have room for additional permanent shelving? Or will clear bins do the trick? More visibility should help you remember what you already own and help you avoid unnecessary purchases. 

Closet kits can run from $15 per wire shelf to $80 for a simple prefab unit. Your project can come in under $60 if you only need extra storage bins. 

Garage shelving and storage
Once you’ve tackled a closet, the garage is the next level up. You might think adding shelving to a larger space won’t fit your budget, but big box retailers offer affordable options. 

Once you begin organizing, you may find that one set of shelving is sufficient for the family’s gear and equipment. Industrial hooks are another affordable way to go in bringing order to garage chaos. 

Similar to a closet cleanout, you can resell old sports equipment, extra lawn tools or other items you’re not using. 

Fridge organization
Making a grocery list or deciding what to prep for dinner can be a hassle if your refrigerator isn’t tidy. You may overlook food with a fast-approaching expiration date or yummy leftovers you meant to eat for lunch. 

Spend an afternoon cleaning and organizing your fridge. You might be surprised at how easily you can find produce and snacks once bins and shelves are in place. 

In addition to making life easier, you may find yourself saving money when you avoid food spoiling or buying too much of perishable items because groceries were pushed to the back of the fridge.

Need more ideas for easy do-it-yourself home projects? Check out 6 Budget-Friendly Ways to Transform Your Outdoor Space.