While many of the necessary projects we’ve done around the house haven’t been the most enjoyable or cost-effective (I’m lookin’ at you, entire HVAC replacement), most of the upgrades we’ve implemented have actually fallen square in the middle of the Venn diagram that is “worth every penny” vs. “life-changing.”

These are the straightforward home improvement projects that I’d highly recommend to all homeowners, from cheapest to most expensive. And if you’re a renter, rest assured that several of these will work for you, too.