When the housing market’s hot, it seems like just about any remodeling project is a good investment and adds instant value to your home. But when the market is tight, you have to be more picky about which projects you do, and know what you stand to gain in return. So if it’s about about boosting your home’s value, its curb appeal, or just making your living space more comfortable for your family, these cost-effective ideas below can help you achieve your goals in any market.

1. Look at the Outside. Potential buyers often decide whether to look at your house before they even get out of the car. Before you spend a lot of time and cash remodeling the inside, you may want to look at the outside. Washing windows, repainting trim, planting flowers, and fixing screens can make a big difference. For even more impact, you may want to consider replacing your siding or even adding a patio or deck. The added value for these bigger projects probably won’t get you as high of a return on investment, but they may help your house stand out from the crowd, which is crucial especially right now. So, weigh your options and ask a real estate professional for advice before starting a big project.

2. Make Yourself at Home. Making a “wow”  first impression is critical. To make sure your entryway is inviting, add a fresh coat of paint to your foyer. For even more impact, you might replace old light fixtures and update the floor in your entryway.

3. Sparkle up that Tired Bathroom. Remodeling an old bathroom can make a huge impact. For very little money, you can add a new faucet to your sink, a new medicine cabinet on the wall, and even new paint or wallpaper. You can update the bathtub, add a double sink, or re-tile the floor for a little more oomph.

4. Add a Second (or Additional) Bathroom. There may be no improvement that makes a bigger impact on your family’s comfort and your home’s appeal than adding a second bathroom. The number of bathrooms is always a big sticking point for potential buyers, particularly families with two or three children. Although this costs more than simply fixing up your old one, it also will increase the value of your house more. Plus, having that second bathroom may help you sell your home faster than if it only has one.

5. Update That Hideous Kitchen. This is a great way to improve your home and its value. Plus, you don’t have to kill your wallet with extravagant items like hand-painted Italian tile or built-in espresso machines. Just focus on the basics: installing new flooring, adding a backsplash and a new coat of paint, re-facing existing cabinets, installing new counter tops, and possibly installing new appliances.

Remember, start small, work your way up, and always plan ahead. You don’t want to get halfway into a renovation and realize that you have to update your entire electrical system, or that you forgot to apply for a permit. Check your local codes before starting any remodeling project.

Renovating your home doesn’t have to mean huge and expensive changes. You can increase your home’s value and comfort with very little time and not a whole lot of money.