7 Essential Things You Can Upgrade in Your House for Under $20

Whether you’re refinishing your kitchen or building an extension, home renovations cost a pretty penny. Many homeowners save for months or years to afford necessary improvements on their dream home, but not every change needs to break the bank. There are plenty of low-cost upgrades that, while small in scope, can improve your living space in a big way. Here are seven surprising things you can upgrade in your house for under $20.

_{Prices are accurate as of April 18, 2024. Subject to change. All featured products and deals are selected independently and objectively by the author. Better Report may receive a share of sales via affiliate links in content.}

Motion-Sensor LED Lights

Traditional nightlights that plug into the wall stay on all night long, which eats up power and brightens corners of your home; you might want to remain dark. These motion-sensing lights activate in the dark, keeping you safe while walking through your home at night. (Pro tip: Line your staircase with them to prevent nighttime falls down the stairs.) They easily stick onto walls and are battery-operated, so you won’t have to worry about a bump in your electric bill. And these lights can be used for more than just your walls — place one above the bathroom sink or stick one inside a drawer so it activates when opened.

Peel-and-Stick Backsplash

It costs hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars to replace the kitchen or bathroom backsplash. Instead of calling a contractor, DIY a new backsplash with peel-and-stick tiles. These stick-on backsplashes are made from polyvinyl chloride and aluminum for a sleek appearance that will fool people into thinking you paid big bucks for a new wall.

Faucet Sprayer Attachment

No one likes doing the dishes. Make the chore more enjoyable with an adjustable faucet head. The head has four different spray styles and an optional extender for extra length. Clear away sticky residue and make washing pots and pans a breeze.

USB Wall Outlet

While the world has become increasingly reliant on USB-powered devices, many traditional wall outlets are still stuck in the past. Bring your outlets to 2024 by installing a modern USB wall outlet. This outlet features traditional outlets and multiple USB-A and USB-C ports, so you can easily charge all your devices without needing an adapter.

Peel-and-Stick Faux Marble

Upgrading to marble or granite countertops is a significant expense. If your countertops need a refresh, reach for peel-and-stick marble paper instead. This easy-to-install wallpaper looks just like real marble but is a sliver of the cost. The best part? When you want to refresh your counters again, all you need to do is peel it off and buy another pattern of your liking.

Slow-Close Toilet Seat

Traditional toilet seats need to be carefully lowered to avoid waking up the whole house in the middle of the night. For less than $20, you can fix this problem by upgrading your toilet seat to a slow-close model. These lids are not only easy to install, but they also help you avoid damaging your toilet by accidentally slamming it shut.

Rain Showerhead

Treat yourself to a spa-like experience at home with this affordable rain shower head. The high-pressure setting will help you get clean faster, cutting down on both your time in the shower and your water bill. This upgrade comes in several colors to complement any modern bathroom and is easy to install. 

Vanity Mirror Lights

Some mirrors simply lack enough ambient lighting to set the tone during your morning get-ready routine. This easy-to-install strip of LED lights can solve that problem. Simply cut it to size and stick it onto any perimeter surface using double-sided tape to transform your mirror into a Hollywood-esque vanity.

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