Savvy homeowners understand that home upgrades don’t have to drain their savings. With a wide range of costs, the key is to choose quality, durable materials that offer long-term value for everyday living and potential resale without breaking the bank.
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Here are some of the best purchases to upgrade your home in 2025 without overspending.
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Paint
Since walls take up a lot of visual space, a coat of paint can entirely transform your home and make it look brand-new. A gallon of paint typically costs between $20 and $80, per HomeGuide.
Homeowners can save money by buying paint in 5-gallon drums when available or staying away from top-of-the-line premium paint if it’s not in the budget.
Read Next: 7 Savvy Ways To Budget for Home Remodeling Projects in 2025
Floor Refinishing Supplies and Equipment
Like walls, floors take up a lot of real estate in homes. Refinishing them can make a significant impact, and it’s much more economical than getting completely new flooring. If you have a good eye, you can get creative with paint, stencils, painter’s tape and a ruler — or you can hire an artisan to help.
Always sand the floors first unless they’re in prime condition.
Backsplash
Installing a new backsplash can make your kitchen look beautiful and keep your walls free from dirt, grease and grime. The average cost for a backsplash installation typically runs between $480 and $1,500, per Angi. However, high-end options can climb even higher.
If you’re a DIYer, you can save considerably on the cost of labor.
Cabinet Hardware
If your kitchen and bathroom cabinets are in good condition but feel outdated, swapping out the hardware for something more modern can upgrade your home. Cabinet pulls and knobs come in a variety of colors, finishes and styles that can easily coordinate with your kitchen and bathroom decor.
Storage Options
Ninety-four percent of 52 surveyed architects and builders in the Fixr study Home Buyers’ Top Priority Features in 2025 cited ample storage as the most important home feature for homebuyers. If a new set of kitchen cabinets isn’t in the budget, there are other alternatives to increase storage, including the following.
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Floating shelves
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Under-the-stair storage
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Inexpensive modular closet systems
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Wall-mounted shelving and pegboards in a garage
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Multi-functional furniture with hidden storage
Lighting Fixtures
If your home still has those boring builder-grade light fixtures or something from the last century, upgrading lamps and pendant lights can elevate the look and feel of your space. Today’s smart lighting options not only are energy-efficient but also resemble works of art, featuring statement lighting, organic shapes and textures, and sconces that can add beauty, character and sustainability.
A New Sink
Do you have a sink that’s scratched or showing its wear? Prices can start as low as about $50 for small sinks and go up from there at Home Depot. Different styles include drop-in, undermount, floating, farmhouse, fireclay, granite and quartz composite sinks. Plus, there are options for outdoor kitchens.
Faucets and Fixtures
A nice upgrade to a new sink, shower or tub is a new set of faucets and fixtures. These are available in various colors, such as black matte and white porcelain, and a wealth of finishes and designs. With so many different options, you can shop around to find what works best for your budget.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 8 Best Purchases To Upgrade Your Home in 2025 Without Overspending