Affordable home improvements
Ashburn, VA

Affordable home improvements

Ashburn, VA

Affordable home improvements


Get free estimates for your project or view our cost guide below:

Get free estimates for your project or view our cost guide below:
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Tara Farmer
Written by
Tara Farmer
Edited by
Jennifer Carlson
Fact-checked by
Kristen Cramer

Cheap home improvements

From simple DIY projects to budget-friendly material choices, many affordable home improvements can enhance your living space. Some cheap ways to increase home value include fresh interior paint and small updates in the kitchen and bathrooms. A new front door and well-maintained lawn can boost exterior curb appeal on a budget.

This guide explores the wide range of affordable home upgrades that deliver maximum impact on a smaller budget. Terms like "cheap" and "affordable" can mean different things to different people. Most home improvements in the following guide range from $100 to $2,500.

Get free estimates from handyman services near you.

Interior home improvements on a budget

You can find budget-friendly yet impactful home improvement options for just about every room in your home. The right interior updates can create a more inviting and functional living space without breaking the bank.

Clean & declutter

Before making any renovations, start with cleaning and decluttering. A clean, organized home instantly feels more spacious and welcoming. While DIY cleaning is cheapest, hiring professionals is still an affordable home improvement with a 100%+ ROI.

Walls

A fresh coat of paint can transform a space and make it feel more inviting. Tackle one room at a time to lower the cost.

  • Interior painting costs $350 to $850 per room on average when hiring a professional or about $150 to $300 per room for the paint and supplies to DIY.

  • Wallpaper costs $400 to $1,000 installed or $100 to $300 for the materials alone to paper one wall for a pop of color or texture—a stylish and low-cost alternative to wallpapering a whole room.

An elegant living room with a wall painted in a contrasting color.
An elegant living room with a wall painted in a contrasting color.

Crown molding & trim

Installing new trim adds architectural interest and a touch of elegance to any room. Interior trim costs $4 to $10 per linear foot on average for the materials and installation. Crown molding costs a bit more but can make the ceiling seem higher and improve a room's overall feel.

Floors

Restoring an existing floor that is still in decent shape can instantly elevate a room's appearance and increase your home's value for a much lower cost than installing brand-new flooring.

Lighting

Replacing old light fixtures and maximizing the available natural light can dramatically improve a room's ambiance and functionality.

An electrician installing pendant light fixtures in a home.
An electrician installing pendant light fixtures in a home.

Kitchen

Minor updates in the kitchen can instantly improve and refresh this high-traffic space. A new peel-and-stick backsplash costs less than $100 for some styles and is an easy DIY project. The table below details some other cost-effective kitchen improvements:

Kitchen update cost by project
Project type Average installed cost Average DIY cost
Kitchen faucet replacement cost $250 – $600 $130 – $350
Cabinet door replacement cost $180 – $330 per door $30 – $180 per door
Cabinet hardware replacement cost $6 – $60 per handle $1 – $30 per handle

Bathroom

The bathroom is another high-traffic space where minor changes can have a significant improvement. Try a fresh coat of paint or a new pre-made vanity with storage. Installing a bathroom fan is also budget-friendly and will help prevent that fresh paint coat from peeling.

Bathroom improvement cost by project
Project type Average installed cost Average DIY cost
Bathroom painting cost $250 – $650 $150 – $300
Bathroom faucet cost $230 – $680 $70 – $250
Bathroom fan cost $150 – $950 $50 – $150*
Bathroom vanity cost $450 – $1,700 $350 – $1,500

*Fan price only. A bathroom without an existing fan requires additional supplies to vent outside.

A bathroom vanity and mirrors in front of a shiplap wall.
A bathroom vanity and mirrors in front of a shiplap wall.

Appliances

Updating to more energy-efficient appliances can be a cost-effective way to reduce utility bills. Appliance prices range from $250 to $1,300 each before labor. Replace them one at a time or as a package—which sometimes reduces the cost per appliance—if your budget allows for it.

Air quality & energy efficiency

While not a visible upgrade, improving your home's air quality and energy efficiency can have a significant impact on comfort level. Many of these improvements qualify for the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit and other tax credits and incentives, making them even more affordable.

The table below details a few budget-friendly improvements to consider. The best options for your home depend on your location and climate.

Air quality & energy efficiency improvement cost by type
Project type Average total cost
Smart or programmable thermostat cost $160 – $450
Ceiling fan installation cost $250 – $700
Air duct cleaning cost $300 – $700
Attic insulation cost $1 – $4 per square foot

Reach out to a local air quality testing company near you to determine whether and how to improve the quality of the air in your home.

Other small details

Don't overlook the impact of minor touches. Small, DIY-friendly updates throughout the home can enhance functionality and modernize your home's interior.

Small improvement cost by project
Project type Average DIY cost
Cost to replace outlet covers $0.50 – $20.00
Cost to replace interior door hardware $60 – $200
Cost to paint a fireplace $75 – $150
Cost to add an under-sink water filter $50 – $250

Inexpensive exterior home improvements

"Curb appeal" is a real thing. You never get a second chance to make a first impression. Fortunately, there are several cost-effective ways to elevate your home's exterior.

Entrance

Your home's entrance sets the tone for visitors. Consider these budget-friendly upgrades to make entering your home feel warm and inviting:

Landscaping

Simple tasks like mowing the lawn and planting a few vibrant flowers can instantly improve your property's appearance without a substantial investment. Even better, many landscaping updates have a 100% ROI.

  • Landscapers charge $10 to $30 per pot to plant flowers. Plant perennials that come back every year and stagger the blooming periods to maintain your landscaping's visual appeal from season to season.

  • Lawn mowing costs $30 to $85 per visit or a $40 to $80 hourly rate for lawn care service.

  • Tree planting costs $400 to $1,300 for a large, mature tree and labor. A strategically placed shade tree can significantly lower your cooling costs on a hot, sunny day.

Stone landscape edging around flower beds in a residential yard.
Stone landscape edging around flower beds in a residential yard.

Fence care

Replacing fence posts and panels, pressure washing, painting, or sealing are some budget-friendly ways to give your existing fence a facelift, extend its life, and enhance your home's privacy and curb appeal.

Fence care cost by project
Project Average DIY cost Average professional cost
Fence repair cost $100 – $300+ $100 – $200 (minor issues)
$250 – $750 (replace posts or fix leaning)
Pressure washing cost $75 – $180 per day $180 – $300*
Fence painting or staining cost $130 – $430 $200 – $1,400

*Average cost to pressure wash a 6-foot tall, 100-foot privacy fence.

Siding

If your siding looks worn or faded, a simple power wash or a fresh coat of paint can make a significant difference in revitalizing your home's exterior. Hiring a professional to power wash your house costs about $170 to $360.

Professional exterior house painting costs start at $1,900, while the material costs to DIY the job range from $400 to $1,800.

Affordable home improvement FAQs

Should I DIY or hire professionals?

While DIY projects can save money, it's essential to assess your skill level and the complexity of the task. Hiring professionals may be necessary for major renovations or projects involving electrical, plumbing, or structural work to ensure safety and quality.

Which home improvements have the biggest impact for the cost?

Landscaping and other exterior upgrades, like a new front door or siding, tend to offer the highest ROI. Updates that improve energy efficiency, such as window replacements and insulation, can also significantly increase your home's value while lowering utility costs.

How should I prioritize home improvements on a budget?

Get free estimates from handyman services near you.

When you're on a tight budget, focus on projects that address any functional or structural issues first, then prioritize improvements that enhance curb appeal and livability. Create a plan and stick to a budget to avoid overspending.

Getting estimates from home improvement contractors

Before you hire a handyperson or contractor for your home improvement project, research current trends in your area's real estate market to help you choose upgrades that boost your property value. Then, follow these tips to find a qualified home improvement contractor near you:

  • Get multiple estimates with similar details to compare.

  • Look for a professional with consistently positive reviews on HomeGuide and Google.

  • Hire an experienced professional who is licensed, bonded, and insured.

  • Confirm their credentials are all valid and up to date.

  • Request a written contract and warranty before any work starts.

  • Avoid making large payments before the job is complete. Follow a payment plan instead as the work is completed.

Questions to ask a contractor or handyperson

Asking the right questions will help you select the best contractor or handyperson for your next home improvement project:

  • Can you supply proof that you're licensed, insured, and bonded?

  • How long have you been doing home improvements in the area?

  • Do you have specific experience with the type of project I'm planning?

  • Do you have a list of past clients I can contact for references?

  • When can you start the project? Do you need to order any materials?

  • What is included in the estimate, and are there any extra costs I should plan for?

  • Can you provide me with a written estimate and contract outlining all the project details?

  • How long will the project take?

  • How do you handle unexpected damage?

  • What does your warranty cover?