DIY and Increase Your Home's Value!

In a tight economy, do-it-yourself home improvements projects not only save money, but may also justify a higher listing price for a soon-to-be home seller. In addition, projects like these make your home "the shiny penny", standing out when buyers are looking through the houses on the market.

In the 4-minute video above, Sweat Equity host Amy Matthews talks with NBC's Matt Lauer about affordable home upgrades that even the least skilled home remodelers can finish on their own.

Three of the huge, bang-for-the-buck projects discussed are:

• Refinish laminate countertops for $95.


• Replace hollow "builders' doors" with sturdy doors for $200 each.


• Install kitchen and bathroom backsplashes for $500 each.

The video also recommends installing a basement egress window, if possible. As far as DIY goes, it's a little bit more complex but the results are stunning.