30 Home Improvements That Won’t Affect Your Budget

11. Open Your Mind (and Your Floorplan)

Creating openness is one of the most crucial things you can do to elevate your space — especially if you have a small space that you want to feel bigger. Consult a structural engineer first, then get rid of those pass-through walls and think about creating new nooks and flex rooms to boost your home’s value by up to 6 percent.

Average Cost: Surprisingly, labor costs for removing an interior wall — typically about a five-hour process — only clock in at about $80 to $200 on average. Account for up to $300 worth of debris disposal fees, though.

12. Amp Up the Kitchen Appliances

When approaching the kitchen remodel, never neglect appliances. The fridge and stove are what make the kitchen run — outdated versions of these can not only make the room feel old, but they can actually reduce the quality of your food, whether you’re storing or cooking it. Homebuyers are also looking for new appliances that they won’t have to replace in the next couple of years or months. If a full-scale kitchen remodel isn’t quite in the budget, just refreshing the appliances can add plenty of value and efficiency.

Average Cost: You’ve got lots of flexibility here — energy-efficient kitchen appliances range from about $200 to $3,500 each.*