1. How to Improve Curb Appeal
Refresh the Exterior with Simple Updates

Materials Needed and Estimated Costs:

Exterior paint: $30–$60 per gallon
Paintbrush or roller: $10–$20
Painter’s tape: $5–$10
Flowers/plants: $50–$200 (depending on type and quantity)
Mulch: $3–$5 per bag (3–5 bags needed, totaling $15–$25)
New house numbers: $10–$30
Gardening tools (if not owned): $20–$50
Sandpaper: $5–$10
Primer (if needed): $10–$20
Total Estimated Cost: $140–$425

Steps:
1. Paint the Front Door
Estimated Cost: $60–$120

Instructions:

Clean the Door:

Use soap and water to clean the door, ensuring it’s free from dirt and grease.
Cost: $3–$5 for soap and sponge.
Sand the Surface:

Lightly sand the door with sandpaper to remove any old paint or gloss. This helps the new paint adhere better.
Cost: $5–$10 for sandpaper.
Tape the Edges:

Apply painter’s tape around windows and door handles to protect them from paint.
Cost: $5–$10 for tape.
Prime the Door (if needed):

If you’re changing from a dark color to a light one, apply an exterior primer for even coverage.
Cost: $10–$20 for primer.
Paint the Door:

Using a roller for large areas and a brush for detailed parts, apply at least two coats of exterior paint.
Cost: $30–$60 for paint.
2. Update Landscaping
Estimated Cost: $70–$250

Instructions:

Trim Bushes/Trees:

Use pruning shears to trim overgrown bushes and trees to maintain a neat appearance.
Cost: $20–$50 for pruners (if not owned).
Add Fresh Mulch:

Remove old mulch and weeds, then spread 3–5 bags of fresh mulch around flower beds.
Cost: $15–$25 for mulch.
Plant New Flowers/Shrubs:

Choose colorful flowers or shrubs to plant in the front yard or along walkways.
Cost: $50–$200 depending on the type and number of plants.
3. Install New House Numbers
Estimated Cost: $10–$30

Instructions:

Choose a Visible Location:

Determine where to place the new house numbers (near the front door or garage).
Install the Numbers:

Use a drill or screwdriver to secure the numbers in place.
Cost: $10–$30 for house numbers, $10–$20 for a drill (if not owned).
2. How to Paint Interior Walls
Give Rooms a Fresh, Neutral Look

Materials Needed and Estimated Costs:

Paint (1 gallon covers about 350 sq. ft.): $20–$60 per gallon
Painter’s tape: $5–$10 per roll
Drop cloths: $5–$15 each (2–3 needed)
Paint rollers and brushes: $10–$30
Paint tray: $5–$10
Spackling paste and putty knife: $5–$15
Sandpaper: $5–$10
Total Estimated Cost: $60–$180 (depending on room size and whether you need more than one gallon of paint)

Steps:
1. Prepare the Room
Estimated Cost: $15–$40

Instructions:

Remove or Cover Furniture:

Move furniture out of the room or cover it with drop cloths to protect it from paint splashes.
Cost: $5–$15 for drop cloths.
Tape Edges:

Use painter’s tape along edges, baseboards, window frames, and doorways for clean lines.
Cost: $5–$10 for tape.
2. Repair the Walls
Estimated Cost: $10–$25

Instructions:

Check for Imperfections:

Inspect walls for nail holes, cracks, or other imperfections.
Apply Spackling Paste:

Use a putty knife to fill holes and smooth out the surface.
Cost: $5–$15 for spackling paste.
Sand Smooth:

Once dry, lightly sand the repaired areas for a smooth finish.
Cost: $5–$10 for sandpaper.
3. Prime (If Needed)
Estimated Cost: $10–$20

Instructions:

Apply Primer:
If the wall color change is drastic or if there are stains, apply a coat of primer and allow it to dry completely.
Cost: $10–$20 for primer.
4. Paint the Walls
Estimated Cost: $40–$120

Instructions:

Stir the Paint:

Thoroughly mix the paint to ensure even color.
Cut In:

Use a brush to paint the edges around windows, doors, and baseboards.
Roll on the Paint:

Using a roller, apply paint to the larger wall areas, working in sections.
Cost: $20–$60 for paint.
Apply Additional Coats:

Allow the first coat to dry, then apply a second coat if needed.
3. How to Upgrade Kitchen Hardware
Modernize Your Kitchen with New Handles and Pulls

Materials Needed and Estimated Costs:

New cabinet handles or drawer pulls: $2–$10 each
Screwdriver or power drill: $0–$50 (if not owned)
Measuring tape: $5–$10 (if not owned)
Total Estimated Cost: $20–$200 (depending on the number of handles/pulls replaced)

Steps:
1. Choose Your Hardware
Estimated Cost: $20–$100

Instructions:

Measure Existing Handles:

Measure the distance between holes on existing hardware to purchase replacements that fit.
Purchase New Hardware:

Buy new handles or pulls at a local store or online.
Cost: $2–$10 each.
2. Remove Old Hardware
Estimated Cost: $0 (if you already own a screwdriver)

Instructions:

Unscrew Existing Handles:
Use a screwdriver or drill to remove old handles from cabinets and drawers.
3. Install New Hardware
Estimated Cost: $0 (if you already own a screwdriver)

Instructions:

Align New Hardware:

Place the new handle over the existing holes.
Secure with Screws:

Insert screws and tighten them with a screwdriver or drill.
4. How to Install Smart Home Features
Add Smart Technology to Boost Appeal

Materials Needed and Estimated Costs:

Smart thermostat: $100–$250
Smart lighting (bulbs or switches): $10–$50 per unit
Smart doorbell or security camera: $50–$300
Screwdriver, wire stripper (if not already owned): $0–$20
Total Estimated Cost: $160–$620 (depending on the number of devices installed)

Steps:
1. Install a Smart Thermostat
Estimated Cost: $100–$250

Instructions:

Turn Off Power:

Turn off power to the HVAC system at the circuit breaker.
Remove Old Thermostat:

Unscrew and detach the existing thermostat. Label the wires.
Install Smart Thermostat:

Follow manufacturer instructions to connect the wires to the new thermostat and mount it on the wall.
Restore power and set up via the app on your smartphone.
2. Install Smart Lighting
Estimated Cost: $10–$50 per unit

Instructions:

Replace Bulbs:

Turn off the light fixture, remove old bulbs, and replace them with smart bulbs.
Install Smart Switches:

Turn off power, remove the old switch, and follow the instructions to wire and install the smart switch.
Restore power and connect the devices using the app.
3. Install a Smart Doorbell/Camera
Estimated Cost: $50–$300

Instructions:

Turn Off Power (if needed):

Turn off power to the doorbell circuit.
Remove Old Doorbell:

Unscrew and detach the old doorbell.
Mount the Smart Doorbell:

Follow manufacturer instructions to mount and wire the new doorbell.
Connect it to your home Wi-Fi using the app for setup.
5. How to Deep Clean and Declutter
Make Your Home Shine for Buyers

Materials Needed and Estimated Costs:

All-purpose cleaner: $5–$10
Sponges: $3–$5
Mop: $10–$30
Vacuum cleaner: $0 (if you already own one) or $80–$150
Storage bins or bags: $5–$20
Glass cleaner: $3–$5
Carpet cleaner or rental machine: $20–$50 for rental or $100–$300 to purchase
Total Estimated Cost: $40–$570 (depending on what tools and equipment you already own)

Steps:
1. Declutter
Estimated Cost: $5–$20

Instructions:

Sort Items:

Go through each room and decide what to keep, donate, or discard.
Organize with Storage Bins:

Place items into storage bins for neat organization.
Cost: $5–$20 for bins.
2. Clean Floors and Carpets
Estimated Cost: $20–$150

Instructions:

Vacuum or Mop:

Vacuum carpets or mop hard floors thoroughly.
Cost: $0 (if you own a vacuum) or $10–$30 for a mop.
Deep Clean Carpets:

Rent a carpet cleaner or use your own. Follow the instructions to clean carpets.
Cost: $20–$50 for rental or $100–$300 to purchase.
3. Clean Windows
Estimated Cost: $3–$10

Instructions:

Use Glass Cleaner:
Spray glass cleaner on windows and wipe down with a microfiber cloth for a streak-free shine.
Cost: $3–$5 for glass cleaner.
4. Tidy Up Surfaces
Estimated Cost: $5–$10

Instructions:

Dust Surfaces:
Use an all-purpose cleaner and sponge to wipe down surfaces, including shelves and baseboards.
Cost: $5–$10 for all-purpose cleaner and sponges.
Final Thoughts
While the costs of these projects can vary, each task requires time and effort. If you’re considering selling your house for cash, it might be worthwhile to skip these DIY projects and focus on a quick sale instead. You’ll save yourself the hassle and potentially achieve a better outcome.