People who fix up homes for a living say these 40 common mistakes make your home look cheap

Painting your cabinets rather than replacing them has become a popular way to give them an affordable makeover. However, Korey Gregory, superintendent at ASAP Restoration LLC, tells Mic that using a roller is not the way to go. “Painting cabinets with a roller will always make the cabinets look like they were painted with a roller,” he explains. “Even with an extremely low nap roller where the texture is kept to a minimum, it still looks like paint coats on top of one another.” He asserts, “The only way to [paint them] correctly is to spray on a new coat [...]. Spray coats make the cabinets look new, roller coats make the cabinets look like the project was rushed.”

Luckily, this paint sprayer is currently available for less than $35. Its three adjustable spray patterns (horizontal, vertical, and circular) make it easy to achieve full, even coverage. Plus, each order includes six sprayer nozzles to get you started.

Sanding wood takes a ton of time, work, and patience — though if you’d like to skip that step, consider using this all-in-one paint when redoing your cabinets. It’s so thick that no sanding or priming is necessary in order to achieve full coverage — yet it works perfectly in a sprayer like the one above. And with dozens of colors to choose from, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding one that suits your kitchen.

Replacing countertops can cost thousands of dollars, so the inclination to paint or stain them on your own, for much less, is quite logical. However, Gregory tells Mic that “even when the countertops are made of a surface that can be painted, like butcher block, doing so with anything other than a high-quality stain will make it look like a DIY project that got out of hand.”

This premium wood stain comes in dozens of shades to suit both warm- and cool-toned kitchens. It dries to the touch in just one hour, making it easy to add multiple coats without having to wait around too long — and each half-pint canister comes with enough stain to cover up to 70 square feet.

Speaking of wooden counters, they look much better when maintained and cared for — which is easy to do by wiping them down with this mineral oil every three months. It helps hydrate wood in order to keep it looking good, though you can also use it to help extend the life of marble, stainless steel, knives, and more. Plus, the tasteless, food-grade formula won’t affect any flavors if you use it on a cutting board.

Sometimes the smallest changes make the biggest impact — like swapping the outdated hardware in your kitchen for modern finishes. According to Gregory, “Just replacing all the hardware in a kitchen can make a huge difference when it comes to setting the space apart [...].” With that in mind, these cabinet pulls are currently available for less than $30. They’re made from sleek stainless steel that won’t rust over time. And with seven finishes to choose from, don’t be surprised if you find yourself tempted to makeover all the rooms: There’s black, brushed brass, satin nickel, white, gray, green, or pink.

Your entryway is one of the first things that guests see when arriving at your home, so it makes sense that you’d want to make it warm and inviting. “Overlooking the [entry] may create a bad initial impression,” explains Artem Kropovinsky, interior designer and founder of Arsight. The fix? “Place a doormat, potted plants and make the area well-lit to add curb appeal.”

Not only does this doormat have a classic plaid pattern that’s timelessly elegant, but it also comes in seven different color options. It’s made from high-quality cotton, with a low pile that won’t snag on doors — and many reviewers appreciated how you can toss it into the wash for an easy clean.

Now that you’ve put that rug down, don’t forget to add some potted plants to complete the look. This hardwood planter is the perfect spot for them, adding an elevated look to your front porch (or anywhere else you choose to place it). Made from 100% acacia that’s been sustainably sourced, it’s resistant to both water and rot. It measures 7 inches high and 11.5 inches across and is complete with drainage holes.

These azalea plants are a solid choice if your entryway is lacking in color. They grow vibrant, deep pink flowers for months on end — and since they’re perennials, you’ll be able to enjoy the flowers every year. And if your entryway is a little shady, that’s not a problem, as they prefer partial shade, but will still thrive in full sun.

Once you’ve spruced up your front porch, it’s time to make sure you can see all that good work by hanging up these wall sconces. Their weather-resistant design helps keep them looking good come rain or shine. They’re compatible with LED, CFL, as well as incandescent bulbs. And with three finishes to choose from, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding one that suits your home: black, dark chocolate, or white.

Leaving your potted plants on the floor of your entryway looks OK — but if you’d like them to look way better, put them on these stands. They’re made from sturdy metal that can support at least 30 pounds, with the largest stand being able to hold up to 50 pounds. Plus, the varying heights have already been styled to look good when grouped together.

Curtains may be one of the last things you think about when decorating — but that doesn’t mean they aren’t worth adding to your windows. “The negligence of window treatments creates a naked unfinished look,” explains Kropovinsky. “High quality curtains or blinds provide texture, color, and luxury.”

With that in mind, these curtains are made from soft velvet, giving them an upscale look that’ll set you back less than $4 right now. They’re thick enough to block light as well as help insulate your home against the weather outside. And with six colors to choose from, don’t be surprised if you find yourself tempted to add more than one to your cart.

If you can’t quite tell why that one room in your home feels “off,” it could be that your area rug is too small. “Too small a rug will make rooms appear broken up,” shares Kropovinsky. “Choose bigger rugs so that the furniture is anchored in groups, improving the room’s unity and comfort.”

Not only does this area rug come in dozens of sizes, but its nonslip backing also helps keep it from shifting out of place. The best part? Depending on how large it is, you can even toss it into the wash for an easy clean when dirty.

There’s nothing wrong with having plastic patio furniture — the only catch is that it can start looking dirty pretty quickly. “While plastic lawn furniture may be an affordable option, it also tends to look incredibly cheap, especially once it's gotten faded and dirty from sun exposure,” explains Rafi Friedman, president of Coastal Luxury Outdoors. “If you are going to buy plastic furniture, make sure you take the time to clean it at least once a season [...].”

Luckily, this patio furniture spray is less than $20. It’s suitable for use on waterproof covers, wood, plastic — or nearly any other material your furniture is made from. Plus, the formula is so effective that it can even remove stains and odors caused by pet urine, sunscreen, as well as tree sap.

From plastic to metal, this restoring solution is suitable for use on all types of faded surfaces. Not only does it help refresh color, but it also helps protect the faded surface from future oxidation, fading, as well as sun damage. Plus, using it is as easy as wiping it onto the surface in question — no scrubbing required.

It’s not realistic to bring your patio furniture indoors when you’re not sitting on it — but that doesn’t mean letting it bake out in the sun is a great idea either. “[Store] it out of direct sunlight when it's not in use. It'll last much longer that way,” suggests Friedman. “This kind of furniture can even become hazardous if it gets too old. The same sunlight that fades the color of the plastic also weakens its structure [...].”

So if you’d like to keep your patio furniture in good condition, make sure to take a look at these covers. With more than 15 sizes to choose from, it should be easy to find one that fits your furniture — and the waterproof coating helps keep them clean when it starts to rain.

Few activities are as relaxing as chilling by the pool — unless the pool in question is filled with all sorts of debris. “Nothing makes a pool space look cheap and unappealing like floating leaves and other debris [...],” explains Friedman. So if your pool doesn’t have a built-in filter, he suggests that you start using this skimmer net on an everyday basis. “This won't just make your pool look nice; it will also extend its life and cut down on the need for professional cleaning.” And since this skimmer features beveled, leading edges, it should be easy to scrape up even hard-to-reach crud from the very bottom of your pool.

Even the most well-behaved pets can wind up leaving scratches on your wooden furniture.“Pet-damaged furniture - whether there are scratches, visible peeling (if leather), or chewing, that can instantly make a home feel cheap and the couch uninviting to sit on,” explains Rhonda Wilson, quality lead cleaner at Fresh Space Cleaning. Luckily, she also has an easy fix. “For scratches, grab some wood filler, smooth it over the scratches, sand it down, and then give it a fresh coat of paint or stain [...].”

Available for less than 15 bucks, this wood filler kit makes it easier than ever to repair damaged furniture without breaking the bank. It comes with all the materials and tools you’ll need in order to get the job done, including wood putty, scrapers, and sandpaper rounds. Plus, many reviewers raved about how easy it is to get a smooth finish.

Scratch guards are another Wilson pick — and these furniture shields are a clever way to keep your pets from damaging your upholstery. The adhesive backing makes installation a total breeze, and since they’re transparent, they’re also less likely to be noticed by guests. Better still, they can even cause your pet to lose interest in scratching, as the smooth material doesn’t provide the same satisfying sensation (just note that they aren’t suitable for velvet, faux, or real leather furniture).

Replacing your leather furniture with new pieces tends to cost an arm and a leg — instead, Wilson suggests using repair patches. These particular patches come in dozens of colors, making them suitable for practically any shade of leather. And since they’re waterproof as well as wear-resistant, there’s no need to worry about how they’ll hold up on high-traffic pieces of furniture.

While a well-trained pet is less likely to have accidents, that doesn’t mean it can’t happen. With that in mind, Wilson suggests that you use an “enzymatic cleaner”— like this one — to get rid of stubborn stains. Not only does it power through stains caused by pee, poop, and puke, but it also has a citrus scent that leaves your home smelling oh-so-fresh. “It works like magic,” wrote one reviewer. “Cleans up old stains and new stains. The smell isn’t overpowering and doesn’t last long.”

Visible cable clutter can make any home feel crummy. “A messy tangle of wires just screams you didn’t bother to tidy it up,” Wilson tells Mic. “It’s also giving the impression that you’re not paying attention to little details. Bundle them neatly together and out of sight [...].”

Not only are these ties great for organizing cables, but each order comes with a variety of colors so that you can also color code them if you like. Their hook-and-loop design means you can reuse them over and over — and since they’re made from heavy-duty nylon, you can even use them outside as well as indoors.

If you’re also awash in charger cords, consider taking a look at these clips, too. The slots are large enough to fit lightning cables, HDMIs, and every type of wire in between. Plus, the adhesive backing lets you mount them onto desks and tables — no tools required.

No matter what you’ve hung or taped up, once it’s down, sticky residue can remain on the wall. You don’t need an expensive cleanser to get rid of it — instead, Wilson suggests using plain rubbing alcohol. “Just dampen a cloth or cotton ball with rubbing alcohol and gently rub the residue until it starts to lift off,” she explains. “It's quick, easy, and super effective.”

This particular bottle of 99% isopropyl alcohol is so potent that you likely won’t need to do much scrubbing in order to get rid of sticky residue. And at only $9 per bottle, you can easily use it all over your home without having to worry about breaking the bank.

There’s no denying that a screen door with holes will always look worse than one without. Luckily, Wilson has an easy fix — “Patch it up with a screen repair tape,” she tells Mic. “Simply cut a piece, apply it over the torn wire, and smooth out any bubbles or wrinkles.”

With that in mind, this roll of screen tape is just as easy to use as Wilson described. The adhesive backing is so strong that you won’t need to worry about it getting wet — and it works just as well on screen doors as it does on window and tent screens, or nearly any other type of mesh covering.

While your gutters may not be the most glamorous part of your home, that doesn’t mean you can outright ignore them either. “I've found that a common mistake that makes homes look cheaper is neglected gutters and downspouts,” explains Kelly Salas, owner of Sierra Vista Window and Gutter Cleaning. “When they're clogged or dirty, it not only detracts from your home's curb appeal but can also lead to more serious damage. A relatively easy fix for this is regular cleaning and maintenance.”

Not only is this cleaning wand specifically designed to help you remove debris from your gutters, but its handle also extends out to 70 inches, making it easy to clean any hard-to-reach spots. The head rotates 180 degrees to help you grab debris from nearly any angle — and the nonslip grip is even padded for comfort.

Now that your gutters are clean, it’s time to use this guard to help them stay clean. It prevents leaves, branches, as well as other little bits of debris from clogging your gutters, and can easily be cut to whatever size you need using a simple pair of scissors. One reviewer wrote, “This is so easy to use and keeps the leaves out of my gutters. It is inexpensive and an easy way to go.”

You wash the inside of your home all the time, but what about the outside? According to Salas, “[Pressure] washing your home's exterior, driveway, and walkways can significantly improve its appearance. Over time, dirt, grime, and algae buildup can make these surfaces look unkempt and old.”

Though if you don’t have time to research what kind of power washer suits your needs, he recommends this particular pressure washer which he says “does an excellent job of rejuvenating [exterior] areas, making your home look fresher and more inviting.” Two onboard detergent tanks let you switch between cleaning solutions without having to empty or refill anything. Plus, the automatic shut-off kicks in when the trigger isn’t engaged, which helps save energy as well as prolong the life of the pump.

Sometimes the smallest details make the biggest impact — like your baseboards and crown molding. “Often, homes are left with the builder-grade, thin, and uninspiring versions of these finishes,” explains Damien Rush, owner of Unique Stairways. “Upgrading to thicker, more decorative options instantly enhances a room's sophistication and overall perceived value.”

But if you don’t have the funds to have molding and baseboards professionally installed, Rush has an affordable alternative. “A great DIY product for this is the Flex Trim HD 356, an easy-to-install, paintable crown molding available on Amazon,” he tells Mic. Its flexible design makes it easy to install around curved walls — and the polyurethane material is so durable that it won’t warp, rot, or crack if you decide to use it outside.

Even the thickest, most high-quality baseboards can look cheap if they’re caked in dust and dirt, which is only part of the reason why this cleaning tool is worth a look. Its telescopic handle extends out to 4 feet in length, making it easy to clean your baseboards without having to get down on the ground. The swiveling head helps you scrub them clean from every angle. And unlike some cleaning tools, this one can be used wet or dry.

No matter how beautifully you’ve decorated, a giant mass of tangled cables can spoil the aesthetic in any home. “[Visible] cords and clunky tech setups can disrupt the sleekness of a room's design,” explains Rush. “Incorporating simple cord management solutions or built-in charging stations can declutter spaces and make them appear more organized and upscale.”

With that in mind, this cable management box is worth a look. It’s great for power strips that are overrun with plugs, as multiple slats in the back let you thread cables through as needed — all while keeping everything hidden from sight. Plus, ventilation holes on the top help keep the electronics inside from overheating.

Every home has that one corner that’s devolved into a mess of charging cables, making this charging dock a smart pick. Four dividers help keep your phones, tablets, and more organized as they charge. The USB ports on the base also feature quick-charging technology so that your devices power up as fast as they can handle. Plus, each order includes shortened charging cables to keep it from looking messy: two AP USB, two micro-USB, as well as one type-C.

When no amount of decor seems to make your home feel inviting, it may be time to take a look at the lights. “One thing that will make any home look cheap is dim or uneven lighting,” explains Andre Kazimierski, CEO of Improovy Painters of La Grange. “This will make even the most well-designed room look dingy and unwelcoming.” Thankfully, Kazimierski also has a solution — “An easy fix for this issue is to strategically place floor lamps throughout your room.”

Not only is this floor lamp incredibly affordable at just $30, but it also features three adjustable light temperatures that make it suitable for any room: warm white, cool white, or daylight. The linen shade helps diffuse the light for a soft, welcoming vibe — and putting it together generally takes about 15 minutes or less.

One of the many tricks to making the lights in your home feel welcoming is to use a variety of floor lamps rather than relying on those harsh overhead lights. “When used properly, floor lamps can eliminate shadows and make your space look more evenly bright,” explains Kazimierski — so take a look at this floor lamp. It has an industrial vibe, and features a weighted base to help keep it stable. Each order also comes with a light bulb rated for up to 10,000 hours of use.

Your windows may be one of the last places you think of when fixing up your home, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t deserving of your attention. “[One] detail that detracts from the value of a home is outdated or poorly functioning windows [...],” explains Justin Whittaker, marketing director at Reliable Roofing, Window & Siding. “For a DIY fix, ensuring that windows are properly sealed and cleaned can make a significant difference.” Though if you aren’t sure how to seal your windows? He suggests that you use “a streak-free cleaner like Sprayway Glass Cleaner [...].”

Not only is that exact glass cleaner currently available for less than $4, but the formula is also tough on dirt without having to use any harsh ammonia. It’s suitable for use on all types of glass surfaces, leaving a sparkling, streak-free shine — and the fresh scent is an uplifting touch.

Whittaker also suggests ensuring your windows in top shape by using “a high-quality silicone caulk for any gaps.” If you’ve got gaps to fill or refresh, this silicone caulk is worth a look. The all-weather formula helps seal out water, air, and moisture, which keeps your home better insulated and draft-free. And unlike some types of caulk, this one promises not to yellow, shrink, or crack over time.

You flick your light switches on a daily basis, but when was the last time you really took a look at them? “Old, discolored switch and outlet covers can cheapen the look of a home,” explains Ryan Barone, co-founder and CEO of RentRedi. “Replacing them is a relatively easy and inexpensive fix. Opt for more modern designs and consider investing in ‘smart’ switches that control lighting and can help you save on electricity costs.”

With that in mind, this light switch plate is a solid choice for just $7. It’s made from solid zinc, with a matte black finish that’s sure to look good in just about any home. Plus, many reviewers noted how it looks and feels more expensive than it is.

A futuristic smart light switch is another Barone suggestion for modernizing the home. Not only does it let you turn your lights on or off via your smartphone when you’re away, but it also lets you put your lights on schedules so that they’re on when you come home. Installation is also a total breeze — the Kasa app guides you through the process step-by-step.

No matter how fresh your cabinets and counters may look, a bunch of outdated appliances can make any kitchen feel crummy. “Older appliances can make kitchens look dated and uninviting,” Barone tells Mic. “If swapping them out for newer, sleeker versions seems too expensive, adding a shiny new toaster, coffee maker, espresso machine, and/or artisan mixer on countertops instead won’t break the bank but can make a kitchen look more functional and modern.”

Not only does this toaster have a sleek black finish, but the toasting slots are also extra-wide, making it easy to use with sliced bread, bagels, and more. A slide-out tray on the bottom makes it easy to clean out crumbs. It also features a bonus toasting mode designed specifically for frozen bagels.

Speaking of older appliances, don’t forget to swap out your old coffee maker with this programmable version from Hamilton Beach. It can be set so that it starts brewing a fresh batch of Joe before you even wake up — and its automatic shut-off kicks in after two hours, just in case you forget to turn it off. And if you’re the only one in your home who drinks coffee, it also features two brewing modes: full pot or single cup.

It’s almost impossible to pour yourself a cup of coffee without leaving at least a few drips on your counters — and that’s where this mat comes in handy. Not only does its dark color hide stains, but the absorbent material also dries within just a few seconds to help keep your coffee corner looking clean. Plus, the nonslip backing helps keep it from shifting out of place.