‘No-Spend September’: 10 Home Projects Under $100 That Boost Comfort and Value in the Fall

Fall means crisp air, comfortable temps, and the perfect time to prep your home for the colder months ahead.

However, tariffs, inflation, and the rising cost of materials can make renovations particularly pricey this time of year.

Fortunately, there are still plenty of projects you can tackle to boost your home’s comfort and value—without breaking the bank. 

Why now is the perfect time to tackle fall home projects

The current economic climate has made updating your home more expensive than ever before.

However, September is still the ideal time for home maintenance, and there are plenty of low-cost projects that can protect your long-term investment and help attract potential buyers if you're looking to sell—and save you a great deal of money overall.

Here are a few reasons you should prioritize some of these projects now:

Temperatures are more forgiving

The fall is more comfortable to work in, but more importantly, it allows time for paints, coatings, sealants, or minor exterior repairs to cure without worry of scorching in summer or freezing in winter.

“Adhesives and sealants also tend to work better in moderate temps, which can lead to better bonds and less callbacks when it turns cold,” says Danny Niemela, vice president and CFO at ArDan Construction in Scottsdale, AZ. 

You can prep your home for the colder months

The fall is the ideal time to prepare your home for the upcoming cold months.

“There’s no better season to close drafts, ensure your roof and gutters are in prime shape for rain or snow, and tidy up your lawn and garden before they go dormant,” explains Sain Rhodes, real estate expert at Clever Offers in Seattle.

Projects run smoother when you're not interrupting chaos

Let’s face it—for most people, the calendar flipping to September signals an end to summer. Trips are over, houses settle down, school starts, and noise levels decrease. That change in energy is significant.  

“You have less foot traffic in your home and fewer scheduling conflicts. Remodels tend to go faster when homeowners are not trying to balance pool days, vacations, and nonstop guests. No joke, our average project timeline in the fall is reduced by about 15% from a summer start,” says Niemela.

You can build in a cushion before the holidays arrive

This is a bigger deal than it sounds. After all, nobody wants drywall dust around the turkey.

“When you focus on projects in September, you’ll be less likely to stress out in November as you try to get permits closed or painters out. For most people, the fall months reflect that last clean window of time before guests and parties take over,” explains Niemela.

10 home projects under $100 to boost comfort and value this fall

As you start to plan your fall home-improvement schedule, here are 10 cost-effective options to consider:

1. Dust and reverse ceiling fans

While it’s virtually free to dust and reverse ceiling fans, most homeowners don’t do it.

“When you reverse the blade direction, you’ll send warm air down—heating rooms more effectively in the colder months,” says Rhodes.

2. Switch out light bulbs

"Replace those dingy yellow 2700K bulbs with bright 4000K daylight bulbs. It’s about $3 per bulb, but the return in kitchens or workspaces is huge,” explains Niemela.

Updated bulbs instantly make everything look cleaner, brighter, and newer. Good lighting is an inexpensive way to take any room to new heights.

3. Air seal your front doors

“A weatherstrip kit for $18, a door sweep for $25, and foam outlet gaskets for $6 across 10 plates can calm cold drafts in only two hours,” says Niemela.

The change will be obvious from the second the heater comes on.

4. Give your windows some TLC

Spray $30 worth of clear inside film on a drafty window, run a $10 tube of clear silicone at the outside trim gap, and replace a $10 pair of squeaky crank handles. Then, wash both sides of the window with a $4 concentrate and two $6 squeegees.

“This is not as intense or expensive as a window replacement but could last two heating seasons and save you thousands,” explains Niemela.

5.  Apply a fresh layers of mulch

“Adding a fresh layer of season mulch to garden beds for about $40 not only makes your curb look better but also shields your plants from frost,” says Rhodes.

This affordable trick can ensure your plants are in good shape by the time spring rolls around. 

6. Clean your gutters

Removing leaves, pine needles, and other debris from your gutters is a $0-to-$50 project that pays dividends. It might take two hours plus a ladder and a pair of gloves, but keeping your gutters free from clogs will keep water away from your foundations—potentially saving you thousands in damage.

“Plus, clean gutters signal that a home that’s been well maintained, which is more important to buyers than most homeowners realize,” explains Niemela.

7. Change out your air filters

Changing HVAC filters is not as sexy, but it’s just as important. Filters costing as little as $30 can mean the difference between stale/dusty or clean flowing air throughout your home.

“If the air feels dirty, potential buyers make a mental note to lower their price. If it’s clean, well, the implication is your home is well cared for,” says Niemela.

8.  Caulk around bathrooms and kitchens

This is another $50 task that can stop leaks and water damage. It also makes sinks and tubs appear clean—instantly.

“New caulk just screams “sanitary” to most people, where broken or moldy lines scream “neglected” or “overhaul needed,” explains Niemela.

9. Pressure wash your driveways and walkways

Driveways, walkways, patios, and siding can become dirty enough to make a property look years older. That’s where pressure washing comes in. A two-hour cleaning can make concrete appear five years newer.

“It adds curb appeal for a fraction of the cost of resurfacing. It is one of those projects where sweat equity multiplies return,” says Niemela.

It’ll cost you $50 to $100 for a pressure washer rental, if you don’t have one.

10. Replace cabinet knobs and drawer pulls

“Even switching out cabinet knobs or drawer pulls for around $3 to $5 each, can give your kitchen or bathrooms a fresh look without the significant expense of an overhaul,” says Rhodes.

If you have plans to sell, rest assured buyers will notice and appreciate these types of small updates.