We found ten projects you can tackle easily for $500 or less. Our top choice, the solid-hardwood Alexandria Portable Kitchen Island with Granite Top, comes in 24 combinations of colors and finishes. Brushed-nickel hardware complements the raised-panel doors, which conceal anything you need to store, from utensils to containers. Its short and narrow footprint (40 x 31 x 21 inches) fits even small kitchens, and adjustable levelers facilitate portability. Our top choice, the Mayne Fairfield 5823B Window Box Planter, takes up only 48 inches, and the double-wall design creates a water reservoir, keeping your thirsty plants satisfied. Users especially liked its sturdiness and ease of installation. Also, its high-grade polyethylene material reduces the need for winter preparation, as well as inhibits sun fade. The belt-drive Chamberlain B2405 Smart garage door opener, which is motion-detector sensitive and includes smartphone access via the myQ app. Customers particularly appreciated how quiet it was, as well as its encryption security, protecting the codes needed to engage the opener. We like the Ovation Plus Satin Tintable Latex Interior Paint + Primer by Sherwin Williams. Not only does this latex paint apply evenly to a maximum of 100 square feet on a variety of materials, but also, no primer is needed, and spills clean up with soap and water. Additionally, a quality paintbrush ensures a quality finish. The best feature artificial bristles, which soak up little liquid and retain their body. We prefer the Purdy XL Sprig, which you can buy in several sizes. We found the 3-inch big enough to quickly do the job, while also small enough to control. The classically designed Hampton Bay No Voltage Solar Landscape Path Lights are our best overall pick because they’re reliable and affordable, and the durable, weather-resistant metal withstands the changing seasons. Standing at 18.1 inches tall, they provide warm white light and turn off automatically when daylight arrives. They come in a set of 10. Ring is one of the most well-known doorbell camera brands, with several tiers of monitoring systems. The Ring Video Doorbell Pro includes a super-clear 1080HD, motion-detection camera and infrared night vision. You can interact with the person on your doorstep, and it holds up to temperature extremes. Four included interchangeable faceplates help you match the device to your door’s design. Whichever path you choose, the Hunter Channing ceiling fan is our top recommended option for a full-featured ceiling fan that looks great without costing a fortune. It includes LED light bulbs for the light fixture (some testers preferred to use brighter bulbs instead), and a remote to control the fan speed and dim the lights. The GE LED Reveal Light Bulb, brings you clear, white light that emulates natural daylight and features great color contrast without yellow overtones. It uses only nine watts to provide 60 watts of power, and it lasts an estimated 13 years! Installing a dimmer switch enables you to lower the brightness at night or set the mood for a relaxing bath. (However, some users preferred a smoother transition.) One of the best pressure washers we tested is the Simpson Cleaning MegaShot Gas Pressure Washer. The device is so powerful, it makes quick work of washing away all sorts of grime but requires care when hosing down delicate surfaces such as old wood or siding. She also appreciated that while loud, this pressure washer isn’t nearly as noisy as some other gas models. Experts at The Spruce personally love the EGO Power+ Self-Propelled Electric Lawn Mower, which just comes over our $500 benchmark. It stands out for its adjustable speed, battery life, and ability to tackle tall, tough grass. You can adjust it to suit your height, cutting height, and speed, and fold it down for easy storage when you’re through.
