People who flip homes say these upgrades under $30 are legitimately amazing
Genius ideas for making a big impact on a budget.
People who flip homes are smart with how they spend cash; they need to make low-cost improvements that create high-end results for the best shot at turning a profit. And luckily, a lot of these money-saving ideas will work in your home. Mic spoke to various home flippers and generated this list of upgrades that are all legitimately amazing.
01Peel-&-stick tiles for a kitchen or bathroom refresh
David Flanders, the owner of HomeVisors Collective, explains that peel-and-stick tiles “are a quick and easy way to give kitchens or bathrooms a modern, fresh look.” These particular ones have a white marbled 3-D design, and the 10 included pieces will cover about 8 square feet.
02A set of puck lights to make an area feel more upscale
These LED puck lights put out a warm white glow. They “can be installed under cabinets or in closets to brighten up spaces and make homes feel more upscale and functional,” says Flanders. The three lights are powered by batteries. Use the remote to adjust the brightness and set up a timer.
03Smart plugs for hands-free control of lights & more
“Smart plugs are easy and affordable upgrades that add convenience and allow you to control lighting or appliances with a simple app,” notes Flanders. And these smart plugs in particular can also be controlled with your voice via Roku Voice, Alexa, or Google Assistant. Two are included in this set.
04Solar-powered lights to bolster curb appeal
Don’t forego upgrading the outdoors. “Solar-powered pathway lights can help boost curb appeal by making outdoor spaces look more inviting and well maintained without costing an arm and a leg,” says Flanders. This particular set includes two lights that automatically turn on at dusk and off at dawn. Waterproof by design, they’re built to last and will sway with the breeze.
05Cost-effective LED light bulbs with 3 brightness levels
Seamus Nally, the CEO of TurboTenant, recommends swapping ordinary light bulbs with LED ones. They “aren’t very expensive, and they save a lot of energy (and money) and don’t have to be replaced as often.” This set includes three daylight white bulbs that can be set to low, medium, or high brightness levels.
06Matte black knobs to modernize cabinets
Erin Hybart, a realtor and house flipper, recommends swapping out old cabinet knobs and pulls “with modern designs.” And these zinc alloy knobs qualify thanks to their sleek square shape and matte black finish. The set comes with 10 knobs and two sizes of mounting screws are included. Chrome and satin nickel finishes can also be selected in the listing.
07Or brushed brass pulls for a durable upgrade
Sticking with Hybart’s suggestion to upgrade your cabinetry, these brushed brass pulls are another suitable pick. Crafted from zinc alloy, the pulls are durable to withstand daily use. And the coated finish won’t show fingerprints or get rusty. Six are included in the set.
08An over-the-door organizer for efficient storage
This over-the-door organizer has six tiers in total — with five roomy pockets and three smaller ones — to improve your storage situation. It’s made from nonwoven fabric, and each pocket has support on the front, bottom, and sides for durability. Hybart suggests using a product like this in closets and bathrooms.
09Durable bamboo organizers for drawers all over the house
Use these drawer organizers “in kitchens, pantries, and bathrooms,” recommends Hybart. The set includes five boxes in various sizes to accommodate different items, and each one is made from bamboo for durability. Other sets can be found in the listing.
10Sleek adhesive hooks at a budget-friendly price
At $10, these hanging hooks are a budget buy — but the quality is there, proven by the 4.5-star overall rating after 6,700-plus reviews. They’ll stick in place on smooth surfaces using the adhesive on the back, and each one can support up to 15 pounds. Hybart suggests using them “in entryways or closets for added storage.”
11A stainless steel shower caddy for stylish storage
For all your bathroom toiletries, Hybart recommends a shower organizer like this. It’s made from stainless steel that won’t rust or corrode over time, and it can support up to 20 pounds thanks to its strong adhesive. As a bonus, a soap dish is also included.
12Modern door knobs for a uniform look
Mark Severino, a real estate investor and the owner of Best Texas House Buyers, LLC., stresses the importance of the uniformity of details in a home. One area to implement this is with your door knobs. These particular knobs are made from metal with a modern satin nickel finish. Each one is treated with Microban for protection against germs.
13A flood light that illuminates an extra-large area
The owner of Ontario Property Buyers, Sebastian Jania, says to utilize an outdoor flood light like this to “brighten pathways and access points at night, making the house feel safer and cozier.” The light has 122 LED beads to illuminate an area of up to 3,500 square feet. It can be set to three color temperatures and three lighting modes, including a motion-detection setting.
14Easy-to-use dimmer switches for custom lighting
Jania favors dimmer light switches since they allow you “to customize the lighting” to your specific tastes — simply move the horizontal slider to adjust the brightness. He recommends them for living rooms and bedrooms specifically.
15Silk flower bundles that’ll always look pristine
To make your space have a comfortable and homey feel, Jania recommends grabbing artificial flowers. The 12 flower bundles (each of which has seven branches) are made from silk — so they won’t fade when exposed to sunlight — and there are a variety of colors to pick from in the listing. They can be used indoors and out.
16Fresh pillow covers to make your couch or bed cozier
Another way to bring a comfy vibe to your home, per Jania? Throw pillows. And these throw pillow covers — which can be used over existing pillows or with inserts — have an added perk of a low price point for the pair. They’re made from a textured corduroy material with an invisible zipper. Use them on your couch, bed, chairs, or wherever else you have pillows.
17Window-tinting film for privacy & a lower electric bill
Use this one-way film on windows in your home. It creates “seclusion and style,” per Jania. The film has a reflective appearance when seen from the outside, but it doesn’t impede your view from the inside. Plus, it blocks up to 99% of UV rays, cutting your energy bill by up to 30%.
18Stick-on weatherstripping for energy efficiency
“Sealing doors and windows with weatherstrips helps the property feel more energy-efficient,” explains Jania. It’s “a subtle yet practical update.” This weatherstripping roll has a sturdy adhesive backing to stick in place, and it can be cut to the size you need. Pick from four colors in the listing.
19Over-the-door storage hooks that are extra sturdy
According to Jania, using over-the-door hooks like these “makes small areas more useful and clutter-free.” Each one (two are included) has a double-hook design to hold even more, and since they’re made from metal, you don’t have to worry about them snapping under weight.
20Rustic floating shelves for stylish decor display & functionality
Floating shelves like these “add functionality and style to living areas,” notes Jania. Made from engineered wood with steel brackets, each of the shelves can hold up to 25 pounds. They have a rustic brown finish, though four others are available in the listing.
21Fresh outlet plate covers for a coordinated look
Replace mismatched outlet covers with these fresh plate covers to give “rooms a tidy, coordinated appearance,” says Jania. Bonus: They can also be painted to blend in with the walls. The covers are made from plastic that’s nearly unbreakable.
22Command hooks for damage-free decor hanging
Alex Capozzolo, a co-founder of Brotherly Love Real Estate, favors Command hooks “to hang up pictures, shelves, and other decor” since they “are incredibly easy to use, simply peel off the backing and stick them to the wall.” Plus, they don’t cause any damage. This 19-piece variety set includes picture hanging strips, wire hooks, wall hooks, and adhesive strips.
23Peel-&-stick decals to quickly switch up a room’s look
“Add some personality to your walls without breaking the bank by using removable wall decals,” shares Capozzolo. These rustic leaf decals have adhesive on the back to attach to any smooth, clean surface. They can be repositioned and taken down without leaving behind residue, and there are 24 in the set.
24Fabric spray paint to refresh furniture, curtains & more
Use this fabric spray paint to restore couches, chairs, curtains, or other fabric-covered pieces in your home to their former glory. “It's also a fun way to add a pop of color and personality to any room,” explains Capozzolo. The paint spritzes on evenly, dries quickly, and is permanent. There are 15 colors to pick from in the listing.
25A buildup-resistant shower filter for softer skin & healthier hair
Install this polished chrome filter on your showerhead to reduce your exposure to chlorine, lead, mercury, and more. “This can help improve the health of your skin and hair while also preventing mineral build-up in your shower,” says Capozzolo. It has a compact design to not significantly change the height of your showerhead.
26An LED light strip for kitchen ambiance & visibility
Position an LED light strip under your kitchen cabinets, or Capozzolo says they also “can be easily installed inside cabinets to make it easier to find items and create a cozy atmosphere in the evening.” The 3-foot strip features evenly-spaced LEDs in a daylight white hue (though a warmer option is available in the listing). It’s powered by AA batteries.
27A compact 5-port power strip that’s easy to hide
This compact power strip “eliminates the need for bulky chargers and makes it easy to charge phones, tablets, and other devices all in one place,” explains Capozzolo. It features two outlets and three USB ports, and the 5-foot power cord has good reach.
28Foam door stoppers to keep out drafts & noise
Capozzolo confirms that a door draft stopper like this can help you “save money on heating and cooling costs” since it’s designed to keep air from escaping or entering. Plus, it offers soundproofing as well. The thick foam stopper is trimmable, and it slides in place on doors that are 30 to 36 inches wide.
29An app-controllable sprinkler system timer for a greener lawn
Amanda New, the founder and CEO of Cash For Houses Girl, calls this Wi-Fi timer a must-have for homeowners with a sprinkler system (or other outdoor watering systems). The timer connects to an app; from there, you can set up watering schedules, including postponing them when it rains. “This not only saves you time and effort, but also ensures that your lawn and garden stay healthy and well-watered even when you're away from the property,” she adds.
30A fingerprint padlock as an added security measure
Utilize this fingerprint padlock in and around your home. It “provides an extra layer of protection by allowing only those with authorized fingerprints to unlock it,” notes New. The padlock can record up to 10 different fingers, and it can unlock up to 3,000 times on a full charge.
31Stackable shelves for smarter cabinet organization
“Cabinet organizers are an inexpensive and easy way to add more storage and organization to cabinets,” explains New. And this pair of storage shelves in particular can each accommodate up to 33 pounds, and the stacking design is space-saving. Consider various finishes in the listing.
32A bidet attachment to upgrade your bathroom
Not only will using this bidet attachment dramatically cut down your household’s toilet paper use (saving money), but it also provides “a more hygienic and comfortable bathroom experience,” notes New. It’s straightforward to install — no plumber or electrician is necessary — and once in place, the nozzle angle and pressure can be tweaked as needed.
33A smart doorbell that you can answer from your phone
“Installing a wireless doorbell is an easy and affordable way to add functionality and convenience to any home,” shares New — in fact, this smart pick costs just $20. The camera features two-way audio, AI human detection, and night vision, among other features.
34A metal wall mirror for a low-cost statement piece
Danny Colacicco, the founder and CEO of Panda Pro Home Buyers, says that “investing in one statement piece for your home can instantly elevate its style.” This wall mirror is an example of this. It’s made from iron and features various black circles that are visually interesting. It comes in lots of sizes and finishes in the listing.
35Or a stylish wall clock that’s functional as well
For a statement piece (per Colacicco’s recommendation) that’s also functional, go with this wall clock. It’s stylish by design with crisp numbers, an ivory background, and wooden hands. Plus, it’s about 1 foot in diameter. The clock hands will move without any annoying ticking sound.
36LED string lights that bring illumination to the outdoors
“Don't forget about the exterior of your home when upgrading on a budget,” stresses Colacicco. And these string lights look nice when illuminated, but also provide extra visibility to areas like your patio, deck, or front porch. The 50-foot strand features energy-saving LED bulbs (that are shatterproof), and it’s waterproof to last through the seasons.
37A front doormat made from dirt-trapping natural fibers
Keith Sant, the founder and CEO of Kind House Buyers, says that a front doormat elevates the look of your entryway, but it also serves a functional purpose. “[T]hey also help keep your floors clean by trapping dirt and debris at the door,” he explains — that’s particularly true of this one since it’s made from textured coconut coir fibers. The mat’s rubber backing prevents it from sliding around.
38A hanging planter for space-saving greenery
Bring the outdoors in with this macrame planter. Sant favors hanging designs since “you can easily incorporate plants into any room without taking up valuable floor space.” It’s handmade from cotton and can accommodate planters up to 9 inches in diameter.
39Peel-&-stick wallpaper for a big change without commitment
Robert Shepherd, CEO of Peak & Home Partners, likes using peel-and-stick wallpaper since “it’s a simple way to infuse personality into your interiors [...] without the commitment of traditional wallpaper.” This particular roll of wallpaper features a gray-hued floral design, and it’ll cover 12.8 square feet. The paper is thick, waterproof, and simple to apply.
40Colorful wall art for a statement-making punch
Shepherd is a fan of ArtbyHannah wall art like this since it’s low cost, but “adds style and character to any home.” The 12- by 16-inch unframed art trio features various botanical prints. Hang them next to one another for a bigger statement or separate the set to hang them in various spots.