DIY home fixes with big impact!

If you're like the 52% of homeowners who say they'd rather do projects on their own than hire a contractor, you're in luck: We spoke to top experts for clever, affordable upgrades that'll help you save thousands!

- DANIELLE SCHLASS SALIMAN

Spruce up your kitchen

A simple way to make the heart of your home look like new is by changing the backsplash. “Real tile backsplashes can cost over $1,000 to install,” says Ron Shimek, president of Mr. Handyman (MrHandyman.com), a Neighborly company. His hack: Use peel-and-stick vinyl that mimics ceramic or stone. New versions are water-resistant and heat-resistant and look remarkably like real ceramic, stone or subway tile. It's a one-day project that requires no special tools—just a utility knife and a level—and it instantly modernizes a dated kitchen. Simply search “peel and stick backsplash for kitchen” on Amazon for hundreds of options.

Cost: $50–$200 vs. $1000+