The Top 5 DIY Home Updates To Increase Equity

If you’re like most homeowners, you’ve probably wondered how to boost the value of your home without breaking the bank. Whether you're prepping your property for a future sale or simply looking to build equity, making strategic updates yourself can pay off big time.

The good news? You don’t have to be a contractor or interior designer to make high-impact improvements. With a little time, effort, and some smart planning, you can tackle upgrades that not only make your home more enjoyable to live in—but also significantly increase your home’s market value.

Here are the top 5 DIY home updates to increase equity, brought to you by the local experts at New Heights KC, brokered by lpt Realty.

1. Refresh with Paint—The ROI MVP

Cost: $25–$60 per gallon
DIY Difficulty: Easy
Equity Impact: Up to 107% ROI on interior painting (according to HomeLight)

Paint is hands down one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to dramatically transform a space—and it offers a huge return on investment. A fresh coat of neutral paint can brighten rooms, cover up wear and tear, and make your home look clean, cohesive, and well cared for.

Where to Focus:

• Living rooms and hallways are high-traffic areas that show scuffs and dings easily.
  
  
• Kitchens and bathrooms benefit from updated color palettes—think soft whites, light grays, or warm taupes.
  
  
• If you’re feeling bold, add an accent wall for personality while still keeping it buyer-friendly.
  
  

Pro Tip: Use high-quality painter’s tape and don’t skip the prep work (patching holes, cleaning walls, and priming). A clean finish can make a $50 paint job look like a $500 upgrade.

2. Upgrade Fixtures and Hardware

Cost: $100–$500 for a full update
DIY Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Equity Impact: High perceived value with low cost

Outdated light fixtures, cabinet pulls, doorknobs, and faucets can make a home feel stuck in a previous decade. Swapping these out with more modern finishes (think matte black, brushed nickel, or oil-rubbed bronze) gives your home an immediate lift in perceived value.

High-Impact DIY Swaps:

• Kitchen cabinet hardware
  
  
• Bathroom vanity faucets
  
  
• Light fixtures in entryways and dining areas
  
  
• Ceiling fans and flush mounts
  
  
• Interior door knobs and deadbolts
  
  

Pro Tip: Choose finishes that match or complement each other for a cohesive look throughout the home. Don’t mix too many metals unless you’re confident in your design eye.

3. Create Curb Appeal with Landscaping and Entryway Touches

Cost: $200–$800 depending on scope
DIY Difficulty: Easy
Equity Impact: Up to 150% ROI on landscaping, according to the National Association of Realtors

You only get one chance to make a first impression—and your home’s exterior is the first thing buyers see. Boosting your curb appeal doesn’t require professional landscaping. With a weekend of effort, you can make your home more inviting and increase its value in the eyes of potential buyers or appraisers.

Curb Appeal DIY Ideas:

• Edge and mulch flower beds
  
  
• Plant low-maintenance perennials
  
  
• Add solar lighting along walkways
  
  
• Paint or replace your front door
  
  
• Install window boxes or hanging planters
  
  
• Power wash the driveway and siding
  
  

Pro Tip: Make sure your house numbers are visible and stylish. A set of modern address numbers can upgrade your exterior for less than $30.

4. Add Storage and Organization Features

Cost: $100–$1,000 depending on project
DIY Difficulty: Moderate
Equity Impact: Increases perceived space and function—especially valuable in entry-level homes

In today’s real estate market, functionality is king. Buyers are drawn to homes that offer not just square footage but also usable space. Custom (or custom-looking) organization solutions can make your home more livable—and more marketable.

High-ROI Organization Projects:

• Build garage shelving or wall storage
  
  
• Add a mudroom area with hooks, cubbies, and a bench
  
  
• Install closet organizers or pantry systems
  
  
• Create under-the-stairs storage
  
  
• Add floating shelves or built-in bookcases
  
  

Pro Tip: Keep it tidy. Organized homes feel larger and less stressful—two things buyers (and homeowners) love.

5. Modernize the Kitchen and Bathrooms with Small Changes

Cost: $500–$2,000 depending on scope
DIY Difficulty: Moderate
Equity Impact: Kitchen and bathroom updates offer some of the highest ROIs in real estate

You don’t need a full remodel to make your kitchen and bathrooms shine. Targeted, DIY-friendly updates can give these spaces a modern feel without the major price tag.

Kitchen & Bath DIY Equity Boosters:

• Reface or paint cabinets (white, navy, or sage are trending)
  
  
• Replace dated backsplash with peel-and-stick tile
  
  
• Install new faucets or sinks
  
  
• Upgrade to a stylish range hood
  
  
• Add under-cabinet lighting
  
  
• Replace old mirrors with framed ones
  
  
• Update countertops with DIY-friendly materials like butcher block or laminate
  
  

Pro Tip: Keep your updates cohesive. If you paint the cabinets, consider upgrading hardware and lighting in a matching style to create a polished look.

Bonus Tip: Don’t Overdo It

DIY updates can absolutely help you build equity—but it’s also important to focus on projects that add real value, not just personal flair. Overly personalized features (like wild colors or niche designs) might appeal to you, but they could hurt your resale potential.

Before taking on any major update, ask yourself:

• Will this appeal to most buyers?
  
  
• Will it solve a problem or make the home more functional?
  
  
• Will it visually enhance the space?
  
  

Still not sure where to start? At New Heights KC, we regularly help Kansas City homeowners decide which updates make the most sense for their long-term goals—and we know what features today’s buyers value most.

Final Thoughts: Equity Is Built One Project at a Time

Whether you’re planning to sell in the next year or stay put for a while, increasing your home’s equity is a smart move—and doing it yourself makes it even more rewarding. The updates above are cost-effective, relatively simple, and proven to add real value.

And remember, even small changes can have a big impact when done thoughtfully.

If you're ready to make smart real estate decisions—or just want guidance on which projects will offer the biggest bang for your buck—reach out to the experts at New Heights KC. We’ll help you navigate the market, the equity-building process, and everything in between.

Ready to boost your home’s value?

Contact New Heights KC, brokered by lpt Realty today for a free consultation on your home’s current value, the most impactful updates, and how to increase your equity the smart way.