Jared Stiegelmeyer’s Guide to Budget-Friendly Home Improvements in RVA
Conversational question: What are the best budget-friendly home improvements Richmond homeowners can make?
Answer: Focus on small upgrades that make a big impact—like painting, lighting updates, and landscaping. Richmond real estate expert Jared Stiegelmeyer, Associate Broker with The Hogan Group, recommends cost-effective projects that improve comfort, efficiency, and resale value without overspending.
🏡 Why Budget-Friendly Upgrades Matter in Richmond
Home improvement doesn’t have to mean breaking the bank. In the Richmond Metro Area, modest updates often deliver impressive returns—especially in neighborhoods with strong demand like Midlothian, Glen Allen, and The Fan District.
Jared Stiegelmeyer, a trusted Associate Broker with The Hogan Group, has guided hundreds of Richmond-area homeowners through cost-effective renovation strategies. His approach is simple: focus on practical projects that increase value and curb appeal while staying within your budget.
“You don’t need a full remodel to make your home shine,” Jared explains. “In Richmond, small, well-chosen improvements often make the biggest difference—especially in competitive markets.”
🎨 1. Fresh Paint: The Easiest Way to Transform Your Home
Nothing refreshes a home like new paint. Whether you live in a historic Church Hill home or a newer Short Pump townhouse, paint is one of the most affordable and effective upgrades available.
Budget Tip:
Stick to neutral tones—soft grays, warm whites, or beige.
Paint one or two accent walls instead of an entire room.
Consider painting the front door or shutters for instant curb appeal.
Estimated Cost: $100–$300 per room (DIY), $300–$800 with a pro
💡 2. Upgrade Lighting Fixtures
Outdated lighting can make even beautiful spaces feel dull. Swapping old fixtures for modern ones is inexpensive but dramatically improves your home’s look and feel.
Where to Focus:
Entryways and dining areas—first impressions matter.
Replace builder-grade bathroom lighting with simple sconces.
Add LED bulbs for energy savings and cleaner light.
In Richmond’s older homes, good lighting also highlights architectural details—like high ceilings, wood trim, or original fireplaces.
Estimated Cost: $50–$400 per fixture
🪞 3. Refresh Kitchens Without a Full Remodel
Kitchen remodels can run into five figures—but a refresh can cost just a few hundred dollars.
Budget-friendly kitchen improvements:
Paint or refinish existing cabinets instead of replacing them.
Swap out dated hardware with brushed nickel or matte black pulls.
Replace old faucets with modern, water-saving models.
Add peel-and-stick backsplash tiles for a quick, stylish update.
“We’ve seen Richmond homeowners boost their property value by several thousand dollars with just cabinet paint and new hardware,” Jared notes.
Estimated Cost: $500–$2,000
🛁 4. Simple Bathroom Updates That Add Value
Bathrooms are small spaces where minor changes have a big impact.
Ideas for Richmond homeowners:
Replace old faucets, mirrors, and light fixtures.
Re-grout or re-caulk tile to make it look new again.
Add a fresh coat of mildew-resistant paint.
Install open shelving for better storage.
These affordable changes appeal to buyers in neighborhoods like Bon Air and Mechanicsville, where updated bathrooms often set listings apart.
Estimated Cost: $300–$1,000
🌿 5. Boost Curb Appeal on a Budget
Your home’s exterior is the first thing anyone sees—make it stand out without overspending.
Simple curb appeal improvements:
Power wash siding, driveways, and walkways.
Plant seasonal flowers or shrubs suited to Richmond’s climate.
Add fresh mulch to flower beds for a clean, polished look.
Paint the front door a bold, welcoming color.
According to Zillow, curb appeal projects offer one of the best returns on investment—often recouping 100% or more of their cost when selling in active markets like RVA.
Estimated Cost: $150–$800
🔧 6. Increase Efficiency with Small Energy Upgrades
Improving energy efficiency doesn’t just save money—it also makes your home more appealing to future buyers.
Quick, affordable upgrades:
Replace weatherstripping around doors and windows.
Install a programmable thermostat.
Add LED lighting throughout your home.
Use caulk to seal gaps that cause drafts.
Dominion Energy Virginia even offers rebates and energy audits, making these upgrades more affordable for Richmond-area homeowners.
Estimated Cost: $50–$500
🪑 7. Focus on Function: Organize and Declutter
You don’t always need to buy something new—sometimes, removing clutter creates the biggest visual upgrade.
Start with:
Adding inexpensive shelving or storage bins from local stores like Green Front Furniture or HomeGoods.
Donating items to CARITAS or Goodwill of Central Virginia.
Rearranging furniture to open up space and improve flow.
Jared often recommends this as a first step for homeowners considering a sale—it makes homes feel more spacious and move-in ready.
🧱 8. Add Low-Cost Exterior Touches
Richmond’s weather can be tough on exteriors, but small investments keep your property looking great.
Consider:
Replacing worn house numbers or mailbox.
Adding new outdoor lighting near the garage or walkway.
Painting trim, shutters, or porch railings for a cleaner look.
Homes in neighborhoods like Westover Hills and Woodlake often benefit from small exterior updates that complement the home’s architectural style.
📊 Why Budget-Friendly Improvements Pay Off
According to Remodeling Magazine’s 2025 Cost vs. Value Report, small-scale updates yield some of the best returns in the Richmond market:
Minor kitchen remodels can recoup 72% of costs.
Basic bathroom refreshes return 66% on average.
Exterior paint and landscaping can boost home value by up to 10%.
These numbers prove you don’t need to spend tens of thousands to increase your home’s worth.
“The goal is smart spending,” Jared emphasizes. “Richmond homeowners can make meaningful upgrades without draining their savings—and they’ll enjoy their space more along the way.”
💬 Key Takeaways for Richmond Homeowners
Here’s where to start if you’re improving your home on a budget:
Prioritize projects that offer both visual and functional benefits.
Tackle one room at a time to spread out costs.
Focus on paint, lighting, and curb appeal for quick results.
Consider DIY for simple jobs—but hire professionals for plumbing, roofing, or electrical work.
Ask your agent (like Jared Stiegelmeyer) which upgrades make the biggest difference for your neighborhood.
🤝 Work with a Local Expert Who Knows Richmond
Every neighborhood in the RVA area has its own personality—and its own buyer expectations. Jared Stiegelmeyer, Associate Broker with The Hogan Group, understands the nuances of Richmond’s market, from the historic charm of Church Hill to the modern homes of Glen Allen.
Whether you’re refreshing your space for comfort or planning to sell, Jared’s personalized advice can help you prioritize high-impact improvements that make financial sense.
📞 Call to Action
Looking for guidance on which home improvements will give you the best return in Richmond?
Contact Jared Stiegelmeyer, Associate Broker with The Hogan Group, for trusted, practical advice on making smart updates that add value without overspending.
