People Who Flip Homes Swear By These Clever Home Upgrades That Are Cheap As Hell On Amazon

Erik Wright, the founder and CEO of New Horizon Home Buyers, is a fan of remote-control puck lights like these, saying they create “a classy and thoughtful look.” Put the lights in any dim area (there are a few possible installation methods), and select from 12 colors, three color temperatures, and a range of brightness levels for a custom lighting experience.

Use this peel-and-stick molding to turn “builder-grade hollow-core interior doors into custom-looking statements that raise the entire house,” shares Erik Wright. The DIY-friendly pick requires no special skills or equipment to install — just trim it to length and stick it in place with the adhesive on the back. This is the white option that’s paintable, but other finishes are available in the listing.

Installing decorative molding feels like a project that should be left to the pros. However, with this adhesive trim that’s actually not the case — it easily sticks in place on smooth, clean surfaces. “Peel-and-stick crown molding provides immediate architectural character,” notes Erik Wright. The 16.4-foot roll comes in four colors in the listing.

Swap blah light switch covers with these fresh ones that feature a built-in light for illumination. They “make electrical elements look freshly renovated without the cost of hiring an electrician,” shares Erik Wright. The pair of covers are simple to install, the light is dimmable, and they have a low-profile design. They come as a pair.

“Exposed plumbing pipes under sinks look unsightly and risk[s] freezing in winter,” shares Erik Wright. A cheap solution? These foam pipe covers that are pre-slit to wrap onto the pipes for protection. They look clean and simple, cost just $10 for six of them, and will last a long time.

Jason Hull, the owner of J & J Cash Home Buyers, stresses the value of using wall shelves to create extra storage. “A couple of favorite spaces to do this are above the washer/dryer area to store laundry detergent and clothes bins and in the pantry for creating extra storage for items that aren't commonly used,” he adds. This wire shelf is his personal recommendation; it costs only $20 and is simple to put up.

The owner of Buy My Home Chattanooga, Jessica Wright, favors peel-and-stick backsplash like this for a budget-friendly upgrade. It can make a “room into something modern and luxurious.” The set includes 100 glossy white subway tiles that install on smooth surfaces (including over existing ceramic tile). Trim them with a utility knife for a precise fit.

“Swapping out outdated cabinet knobs and faucet hardware with sleek matte black hardware is a quick and easy way to update the look of any bathroom or kitchen,” shares Jessica Wright. And these 10 matte black knobs are made from solid zinc alloy for durability.

For “a clean, modern look,” per Jessica Wright, swap your outdated kitchen faucet with a sleek matte black one like this. Its sprayer head (which pulls out, if desired) dispenses a powerful stream of water, and it can be used in three modes, including a waterfall-style option that covers a larger area at once. Considering its quality, it’s shocking that it costs only $30. It comes in six finishes in the listing.

Install these motion-sensor lights anywhere that would benefit from extra illumination (like your closet, stairs, or bathroom). “Aside from making things more convenient, it also gives off an air of understated luxury,” notes Jessica Wright. The six lights install with screws or adhesive, and they’re powered by batteries.

After lining the front walkway of her last project with solar-powered lights like these, Jessica Wright says the exterior looked so much better. “Immediate improvement to visual attractiveness at a low cost,” she notes. The six lights glow a warm white hue, and they’re weather resistant to last through the seasons.

“One of the huge mistakes I frequently see is cheap, mismatched caulking around sinks, tubs, and windows,” explains Jessica Wright. This “fails to prevent water infiltration, which is a great breeding ground for mold, rot, or both,” she adds. Her recommendation? Utilize a high-quality silicone caulk like this that’s waterproof, crack resistant, and durable.

“Swapping out a dated fixture for a sleek, modern option instantly upgrades a space, and there are plenty of affordable choices,” shares Jessica Wright. And this adjustable pendant — which costs under $40 — certainly qualifies. It combines frosted matte black, wood, and golden accents for a chic look. And the plug-in power cord is over 11 feet long for hanging almost anywhere.

Harpreet Saini, the CEO of We Buy Houses in Metro Detroit, points out window film can “give builder-grade bathroom windows [...] a spa-like ambiance.” In addition to looking great, the film blocks UV rays, helps cut energy bills (by keeping out unwanted temps), and creates privacy for the space.

As Saini puts it, these recessed lights “add depth and warmth” wherever you choose to utilize them, whether that’s in hallways, your living room, a bathroom, or somewhere else. These specific ones fit into 5- or 6-inch housing, and once in place, they can be seamlessly dimmed for a custom setup.

“Solar lights can contribute to curb appeal by lighting walkways and architectural features, giving visitors a warm welcome,” shares Saini. And these specific solar spotlights put out a warm white glow to draw attention to specific spots. They’ll shine for up to 12 hours straight each night.

Outdated garage door? Ryan Whitcher, the CEO of Harmony Home Buyers, suggests putting up magnetic hardware like this to “instantly improve curb appeal by providing the look of expensive carriage-style doors for pennies on the dollar.” The two handles and four hinges will firmly attach to any metal door, and they’re made from weather-resistant plastic to last.

Robert Shepherd of Peak & Home Partners suggests utilizing smart plugs like this pair “to control lights and appliances remotely, adding a tech-savvy touch to any home.” They can be controlled by certified smart home platforms like Apple Home, Alexa, or Google Home. You can even set up a timer or schedule to reduce energy costs.

Peel-and-stick wallpaper like this “allows for creative expression without the commitment of traditional wallpaper,” since it can be removed without leaving behind damage according to Shepherd. This makes it renter-friendly, too. The leaf-like pattern of this pick is charming, and it’s waterproof by design, so you can wipe it down to get it clean. A beige version can also be found in the listing.

While a new front door mat totally freshens up the entrance to your home, there are so many to pick from — it’s kind of overwhelming. Shepherd’s advice? “Look for mats with bold patterns or welcoming messages. Choosing a mat with nonslip backing can also ensure safety during wet conditions,” he adds. This particular door mat meets these qualifications, all for less than $30.

“Floating shelves are a versatile way to add storage and style to any room,” notes Shepherd. And this particular five-tier shelf is designed to fit in a corner. You can use it to display anything, but Shepherd suggests putting “decor, books, or plants” on this style of shelf. Neutrals and fun pops of color are available via the listing.

Shepherd stands by the fact that “replacing an old showerhead with a rainfall or high-pressure model can make a bathroom feel like a spa.” And this particular luxurious showerhead has 90-plus silicone nozzles to douse your body in a rain-like water stream. It’s easy to install (it twists in place on almost any existing plumbing setup), and it’ll save water since there’s a max outflow. A few finishes can be found in the listing.

These gold hooks look pricey, but the four-pack costs only $10. Shepherd confirms adhesive hooks are suitable for “decluttering and organizing spaces like kitchens, bathrooms, and closets.” In fact, each one can hold up to 12 pounds, despite installing with just adhesive.

Daniel Zisman of Platinum Z Home Buyers refers to stair treads like these as a “quick way to add a little contrast to plain wooden stairs,” adding that the other bonus is that they can be “taken off if you need to clean them or if you want to change up the look from time to time.” The four treads are made from polyester with a low-profile design to not be a tripping hazard.

This sleek paper towel holder mounts under a cabinet or on a wall. “Keeps the counter space clutter free, and is extremely convenient,” notes Zisman. “So simple, but doesn't go unnoticed,” he adds. Stick it in place with adhesive or screw it in for installation on an uneven surface.

Martin Boonzaayer of The Trusted Home Buyer is a big proponent of letting natural sunlight stream into a space. To ensure your drapes don’t prevent this from happening, utilize this pair of curtain ties to hold them back. They stay in place with a magnetic clip, and the flower design adds a touch of vintage flair.

Joel Efosa, the CEO of Fire Cash Buyer, calls this LED light bulb a small upgrade that makes your home “feel like a smart home.” It connects to your phone (or another similar device) through Bluetooth, and it boasts a built-in speaker to wirelessly play your favorite music. It can be set to eight colors and the brightness level is adjustable as well.

Drawers a mess? Shannon Feick, the owner of ASAP Properties, recommends utilizing drawer dividers like these that “[make] storage look nice, neat, and organized.” They’re made from water-resistant bamboo with an extendable design (from about 17 to 22 inches) for positioning vertically or horizontally as needed.

Mark Kizokian, the owner of Rooted House Buyers, LLC, says that these specific dimmer switches (which have a wheel-style dimmer) can totally change the mood of your home. “By having your lights being able to be more dim, it creates a more cozy and inviting atmosphere, especially in the evenings,” he shares. They’re universally compatible with most bulbs.

Don’t underestimate the power of a fresh coat of paint on your front door, and Kizokian specifically recommends using this black shade, which he says will even increase your home’s value overall. The paint and primer combo is thick for one-coat coverage. It’s low odor and water-based, and also comes in other shades in the listing.

Matt Vukovich, the president of Matt Buys Indiana Houses, wants you to remember that your front door is literally the first thing people see as they enter your home. “So making sure that it is clean, and well maintained is very important,” he adds. A fresh door handle like this can also make a big difference. It has clean lines and a matte black finish for a modern edge.

“A pleasant, consistent scent throughout your home can create a welcoming and luxurious atmosphere,” notes Vukovich. To pull this off, he recommends using a variety of products, such as candles, room sprays, or a diffuser set like this. It’s made from dried plants and essential oils for a scent that’s described as being reminiscent of strolling through a quaint French village on a summer afternoon.

A unique way to create more ambiance in your home? Vukovich says to not rely solely on overhead lighting, but rather layer “different light sources [...] to add depth and warmth to your rooms.” This table lamp is a good place to start; it puts off a positively inviting warm white glow. And there are built-in wireless and USB chargers for peak functionality.

And sticking with Vukovich’s concept of utilizing various light sources in a single room, consider adding this floor lamp to a space. It stands 60 inches tall, can be set to three color temperatures, and has a pedal switch for easier on and off.

Vukovich doesn’t want you to forget that “even hidden spaces contribute to the overall feeling of a home.” To help get your pantry in order, utilize these four food storage containers. Each one has a snap-on lid to keep the contents inside fresh. And they stack to save space.

Vukovich shares that a welcoming entrance “sets the tone for the entire home.” To create this, he suggests items like a console table and mirror. This specific mirror has an arched shape (which measures 20 by 30 inches) and golden frame for an extra decorative touch.

And to continue with Vukovich’s theme of creating an inviting entrance to your humble abode, this console table would make a good addition. It has a narrow design to fit in most foyers or entryways well, and the rustic wood and metal accents combine for a high-end feel — other finishes can be found in the listing.

“Old, discolored outlet covers and light switches bring down the appearance of a room,” explains Vukovich. Swap them out with new ones like these for a cheap update. Each one has clean, crisp lines and a bright white finish. And three are included in the set.

Vukovich says bare windows look unfinished. To fix this, he suggests floor-length curtains like these to “make a room feel larger.” And since they’re semi-sheer, they bring a “soft, airy touch,” he adds. This is the off-white shade, but other equally-pretty options are available in the listing.

According to Vukovich, cellular blinds bring a textured element to a room. These specific cordless ones — that boast the title of best-seller on Amazon — can be mounted in or outside the window (choose the correct size in the listing), and the nonwoven polyester fabric that they’re made from filters light nicely.

Vukovich stresses that even if you have older siding, this address plaque will “instantly improve your curb appeal, and make your home look much more luxurious, especially in the evening/night.” It has a built-in solar panel for illumination once the sun goes down, and four sets of numbers and a set of letters are included to customize it to your address.

“While aesthetics are important,” explains Keith Sant, the founder and CEO of Kind House Buyers, “functionality should never be overlooked.” With that in mind, one way to make a narrow area serve a purpose is with this four-tier cart for storage. There are three mesh baskets to hold items you use regularly (like condiments, spices, oils, and more), plus a wooden top for food prep or extra storage. The cart rolls for access. It measures 7.1 inches wide.

Jack O’Neill of O'Neill Home Buyers LLC favors utilizing a multi-port outlet like this one for his projects as it’s “a great way to add some convenience [...] without breaking the bank on my end.” This GFCI-protected pick has a regular outlet, a pair of USB ports, and even a built-in night-light that turns on and off automatically.

O’Neill says that Amazon is the spot for a great deal on a kitchen faucet with an LED light. This brushed nickel model costs just $60, but it has high-end features like the built-in light (the color it displays visually represents the water’s temperature), plus a two-mode sprayer head that pulls out for access.

“Tangled bushes, dead trees and struggling lawns are cries of despair,” stresses Jordan Woolf, the CEO of We Buy Houses In Bama. Luckily, this pruner saw has a hardened steel sawtooth blade to efficiently cut through greenery that needs to go. The nonslip handle is comfortable to grip for optimal control. And the blade collapses into it and locks for secure storage.

Omer Reiner of FL Cash Home Buyers, LLC shares that installing a decorative medallion like this one around any ceiling fixture will add a touch of elegance. “You can paint the medallion or any other type of millwork in a shade to match or contrast with your wall color, depending on whether you want understated luxury or a wow factor,” he adds. The medallion is made from lightweight PVC for easy hanging.

Have a door that doesn’t latch properly? Justin Azarias, the owner of Property Home Buyers CA, explains that “it's probably out of whack, which means air is coming in or out, raising your energy bills.” The good news is that there’s a cheap fix: A strike plate like this “will move the latch position, so you don't need to replace the entire door frame,” he adds.

Jerry O'Reilly, the real estate investor at Cash Home Buyers Crew, swears by these heavy-duty fasteners for quick fixes in spots all over the home. “Perfect for attaching valances, draping fabric over decorative rods, or for quick indoor repairs,” he shares. Eight sets of fasteners are included, each of which supports up to 10 pounds for the long haul.

O'Reilly says that you can create a professional-looking landscape by covering the ground with this weed barrier fabric, securing it with the included stakes, and then throwing some mulch or stones over the top. “No special skills or talent needed to install this product. Lasts for years before disintegrating,” he adds.

Kizokian says to replace an old ceiling light with this flush-mount one to “give your rooms a sleek and bright look, especially with the elegant oak wood finish.” It features an LED bulb that’ll last 45,000 hours, and it can be set to five different color temperatures and dimmed as desired.