9 Best Home Improvement Projects Under $500

Updated on Oct. 31, 2024

A little can go a long way when it comes to home improvements. For just $500 you can make some big changes to your home.

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A wooden kitchen island sits center in a well-lit space, surrounded by beige cabinetry and appliances, with sunlight filtering through window blinds.
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Build a Kitchen Island

You’ll probably spend more than $500 if you buy a kitchen island and have it installed. But you should stay well under budget if you buy affordable cabinets and go with an inexpensive countertop like butcher block.

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Add Beadboard to a Wall or Ceiling

Beadboard is an excellent and inexpensive way to cover up an ugly ceiling or add some pop to an accent wall.

A man opens a glass shower door, revealing a tiled bathroom with white walls and a blue accent wall in the background.
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Replace Shower Curtain with Glass Door

Replacing a shower curtain with a glass door or panel will make any bathroom look bigger and add a much more modern look to your bathtub. Prices can range from a few hundred dollars to nearly a thousand, so make sure you buy something affordable and stylish.

A wooden cabinet door stands vertically on a saw table, showcasing a simple frame design against a workshop background of organized tools and wooden materials.
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Upgrade Cabinet Doors

Replacing or building new cabinet doors is a cost-effective way to add big value to your kitchen, especially if you live in an older home that hasn’t been updated in awhile.

A person kneels while planting a small green plant in rich soil, surrounded by lush grass and various garden plants, with a bright orange bucket nearby.
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Boost Curb Appeal With Landscaping

Improving curb appeal is always a great option, and new landscaping is cheaper than adding stone veneer or replacing a window.

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A person uses a floor sander on wooden flooring in a bright room with a fireplace and windows, wearing safety gear and a plaid shirt.
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Refinish Wood Flooring

You can hire a pro to refinish your wood floors. But for a fraction of the cost, you can rent the needed equipment and tackle the job yourself.

A stainless steel range hood hovers over a smooth, light marble-patterned backsplash in a modern kitchen, with wooden cabinets and a granite countertop below.
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Install a Kitchen Backsplash

Kitchen backsplash varies drastically by price, but a simple subway tile likely won’t run you a fortune if you DIY the project.

Shelves display various kitchen items, including jars and bowls, while a marble countertop holds plants and cutting boards, all against a tiled white wall.
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Install Open Shelves

Open shelves are trendy and really open up a kitchen. You can buy shelves online or go the DIY route to save a little money.

A vibrant green door stands open, inviting visitors onto a patterned porch surrounded by shrubs and two wire chairs, with house number 755 displayed nearby.
Photo: Courtesy of Bella Tucker Design Finishes Photo: Courtesy of Bella Tucker Design Finishes

Paint Porch Floor or Ceiling

A fresh coat of paint to the porch floor and/or ceiling will pair nicely with a freshly painted or new front door. Consider going big with an interesting pattern, or something neutral for a timeless look.