Remodeling your home is often an expensive undertaking in which costs can easily spiral out of control. However, there are many smaller jobs and cost-effective DIY home upgrades for under $1,000 that you could complete in a weekend or so. Whether you're a homeowner looking to enhance your sanctuary or a renter seeking a touch of personalization, these transformative projects offer a breath of fresh air to any space, proving that a stylish and functional home is well within reach—even on a budget.
The kitchen, often considered the heart of a home, deserves a little attention. Here are some budget-friendly ideas to upgrade and improve your kitchen without blowing your budget.
Give your kitchen a facelift by repainting cabinets and updating hardware. This simple yet transformative project can cost anywhere from $100 for new hardware up to an average cost of $895 to repaint cabinets, depending on the size of your kitchen and the finishes you choose.1
For a trendy and modern look, consider installing a subway tile backsplash. This can add a touch of sophistication to your kitchen for an estimated cost ranging from $200 to $1,100.2
Countertops can be pricey, leading to overspending on your home improvement project. But there are more affordable alternatives, like laminate countertops, with prices starting at around $840.3
Illuminate your workspace with under-cabinet LED lights. This not only enhances visibility, but also adds a touch of elegance. The cost for this project typically falls between $230 and $300 per fixture.4
Your bathroom is a sanctuary for relaxation, and a few updates can go a long way.
Revamp your bathroom by repainting the vanity or investing in a new one. New single-sink bathroom countertop vanities cost an average of $100 to $500, depending on size and material.5
Upgrade fixtures for a modern touch. A new faucet and showerhead can be installed for an estimated cost ranging from $250 to $800.6 If you're handy, installing a new showerhead can be a relatively straightforward DIY project, which will help you save even more money.
Consider replacing floor or shower tiles to breathe new life into your bathroom. The pricing varies based on the materials chosen and the size of your bathroom. For smaller bathrooms, tiling can start from as little as $120.7
Replacing a toile can give your bathroom a whole new look. Choose a water-efficient and stylish toilet for a new look, with an estimated cost for installation or replacement between $185 and $400.8
Your living room sets the tone for your home and is often where you'll entertain, making it the first impression visitors receive of your home. Here are some affordable ideas to save on home renovation costs and refresh your space for a fraction of the price of a full remodel.
Change the ambiance with a new wall color or just an accent wall. The cost for a professional interior paint job ranges from around $2 to $6 per square foot.9 Do the job yourself and you'll save even more.
Add sophistication to your living space with crown molding, an elegant design touch that costs between $4 and $15 per linear foot.10
Updating your interior lighting can give your room a contemporary, refreshed feel. The average national cost for this project is $199 per light fixture.11
Refreshing your windows is a quick and easy upgrade, with new curtains available at numerous outlets for an affordable price. You can also install blinds for an average cost of $80 per blind.12
Enhance the comfort and aesthetics of your sleep space to make it a relaxing retreat.
Create a serene atmosphere with fresh paint. Painting a primary bedroom costs between $300 and $750.9 However, to save money and still make an impact consider painting just one wall to feature as an accent.
New bedding varies depending on style, material and the size of your bed; experts recommend spending $50 to $200 on new sheets for a queen-size bed.13
For a little more of an investment buy a new mattress and benefit from a better night's sleep as well as a spruced-up bedroom. A new innerspring queen-size mattress costs an average of $850. 14
Upgrade your bedroom with a new ceiling fan, or upgrade your existing fan, to enhance both comfort and style. A new efficient ceiling fan may even help you save on energy costs.15
Get crafty and create a personalized headboard with affordable materials for a unique touch that's also budget-friendly.16
Illuminate your bedroom with stylish lighting options that change the whole look of the room. Don't forget about desk lamps on nightstands and floor lamps as well which can really make an impact in a bedroom's ambiance. The cost for this project is typically less than $200 per fixture.11
Make the most of your outdoor space with these budget-friendly projects.
A good cleaning can make a huge difference in the look of your outdoor space. Revitalize your deck by power washing and staining the wood. The average total cost for this complete project ranges from $450 to $1,000.17
Invest in comfortable and affordable outdoor furniture to transform your outdoor space. Plenty of top-tested outdoor furniture sets come in at less than $1,000.18
With good outdoor lighting, your backyard and deck can become another functional space. Prices for this project can vary widely, from $50 to $500 per light fixture, with plenty of cost-effective options to choose from.19
Spruce up any outdoor space with new landscaping to add vibrancy to your backyard. The cost of planting a new flower bed starts at around $850.20 If you have a green thumb, you can save the cost of hiring a professional by planting new shrubs, plants and flowers yourself.
With the rise of remote work, your home office deserves attention too. With a few low-cost upgrades, you can boost productivity and create a space you'll want to work in. To create a big impact for small change add a few houseplants or some artwork.
Upgrade your workspace with a new desk and chair, enhancing your comfort and productivity. You can find top-rated ergonomic office chairs that cost less than $1,000.21
Create a productive atmosphere with a calming color palette, and paint it yourself for an affordable refresh that costs around $200 to $300.9
New light fixtures, lamps and accent lighting improve visibility and aesthetics, and usually cost less than $200 per lamp or light fixture.11
Organize your office space with storage solutions, ensuring a clutter-free and efficient workspace. Shop around to find cabinets and bookshelves that won't break the bank.
Transforming your spaces doesn't have to be expensive. These budget-friendly projects offer a fresh perspective on home improvement at affordable prices.