Tax season often feels like a necessary annual ritual, but for many homeowners, it’s an opportunity to invest in their property. If you’ve received a refund this year, it could be the perfect time to tackle those home upgrades you’ve been putting off. Whether you’re looking for small changes or slightly larger renovations, there are plenty of options that can make a significant impact without breaking the bank.
Here’s a look at 8 home upgrades that you can comfortably handle with your tax refund.
- Peel-and-Stick Kitchen Backsplash: A Low-Cost, High-Impact Project
Transforming your kitchen doesn’t have to require a major overhaul. A peel-and-stick backsplash is one of the most affordable and DIY-friendly upgrades available. Alecia Taylor, an interior designer at CabinetNow.com, points out that this is a quick way to add personality and style to your kitchen for as little as $200 to $500.
Peel-and-stick tiles are a game-changer, especially for renters or anyone looking to give their kitchen a fresh look on a budget. They’re easy to install and, best of all, affordable, making this upgrade an ideal option if you’re working with a modest tax return.
- A Fresh Coat of Paint: Simple and Refreshing
A little paint goes a long way, and it’s one of the simplest yet most effective ways to revitalize any room in your home. General contractor Jeri Goodwin Dausey suggests that painting can be done for as little as $300 if you’re willing to DIY.
Whether you’re brightening up a single room or giving your entire home a makeover, a fresh coat of paint can completely change the atmosphere. Just keep in mind that larger spaces or exterior projects may require a bigger budget for supplies and tools. But overall, painting is one of the best ways to stretch your tax refund into a full-room transformation.
- Update Your Light Fixtures: A Quick Fix for Function and Style
Lighting is one of the most overlooked elements in home design, but it has the power to instantly change the feel of a space. Alecia Taylor recommends upgrading your light fixtures as an affordable project that can improve both function and aesthetics, with costs typically ranging from $500 to $1,500.
Replacing outdated fixtures with modern LED lights or pendant lights can create a welcoming atmosphere and even help reduce energy bills. Whether you’re adding under-cabinet lighting or updating your ceiling fixtures, this upgrade is a win for both your home and your wallet.
- Protect Your Home with Gutter Guards
While home upgrades are often thought of as aesthetic improvements, safeguarding your home from long-term damage is equally important. Installing gutter guards is one such upgrade that helps protect your foundation by preventing debris from clogging your gutters.
Brandon Foote, a roofing contractor, advises that gutter guard installation can be done for around $800 to $1,500 if contracted out, though DIY options are available. This simple addition can save you from expensive repairs in the future by preventing ice dams, leaks, and other gutter-related issues.
- Cabinet Refacing: A Cost-Effective Kitchen or Bath Update
If your kitchen or bathroom cabinets are looking outdated but replacing them entirely is beyond your budget, consider cabinet refacing. This involves updating cabinet doors, drawers, and hardware, and it can give your space a whole new look without the hefty price tag of a full remodel.
Alecia Taylor suggests that cabinet refacing can cost between $1,500 and $4,000 for a professional job, but a DIY approach—like repainting or installing new handles—can be far less expensive while still delivering impressive results.
- Boost Your Home’s Energy Efficiency with Attic Insulation
Improving your home’s energy efficiency might not yield immediate aesthetic changes, but it’s an upgrade that will pay off over time. Upgrading attic insulation and improving ventilation are projects that can help reduce energy costs and maintain a more consistent temperature in your home.
Foote recommends this upgrade for homeowners who want long-term savings, noting that it typically costs $1.75 to $2.75 per square foot for insulation and around $600 to $1,600 for ventilation improvements. These upgrades will help you save money on your energy bills and improve your home’s overall comfort.
- Install New Flooring: A More Permanent Upgrade
New flooring can instantly elevate the look and feel of your home, making it a worthy investment. While flooring installation can be a bit more expensive than other projects, it’s possible to stay within your budget if you’re willing to DIY.
For $1,500 to $5,000, you can replace tired carpet with sleek hardwood, stylish vinyl, or durable tile. If you’ve got a little experience under your belt, this can be a fulfilling DIY project that adds lasting value to your home.
- Minor Bathroom Renovation: Small Changes, Big Impact
A full bathroom remodel can easily s.
