Worth It: 8 Renovations That Pay You Back

Conventional wisdom holds that upgrades and improvements will enhance a home’s value. But some improvements are better—and more cost-effective—investments than others. Contrary to what you might imagine, some of the most worthwhile projects also are the most economical. Start charting your home improvement course now by considering some of the projects with the biggest payoffs.

The Cheapest Ways to Make Your Home Look Brand-New Again

Hardly anyone’s home looks magazine-worthy all the time, but if you’ve noticed that your home is looking a little dingy or rough around the edges, it may be time to spruce things up. There’s no need for a major renovation, though. There are plenty of projects you can take on that will make a big impact on the appearance of your home but don’t require refinancing, or even dipping into your savings. Here are the 15 cheapest ways to make your home look brand-new again.

25 DIY Projects That Don’t Use Any Power Tools

While it’s no big deal for a pro to grab a power drill to make a quick, precise hole, or to cut lengths of wood with a circular saw, some DIYers lack the skill, comfort level, or budget to wield an arsenal of power tools. The good news is, you can tackle plenty of functional and fun home projects without any power tools at all. Scroll through for 25 transformative indoor and outdoor projects that don’t require a single power tool—then get moving on your favorite.