Affordable home improvements
Affordable home improvements
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.
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.
A one-time professional deep cleaning costs $150 to $500, depending on the home size.
Hiring a professional organizer costs $50 to $150 per hour to help you declutter and identify the best storage solutions for your space.
Research shows that deep cleaning and decluttering can increase some home values by several thousand dollars.
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.
While "white and bright" used to be the most desirable interior, research indicates neutral wall colors like gray, beige, and greige, as well as darker colors like charcoal gray, with white trim, tend to fetch higher prices now.
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.
The average cost to refinish hardwood floors is $1,200 to $2,400 when hiring a professional, or $600 to $1,100 for the equipment and supplies redo the floors yourself.
Professional carpet cleaning costs $200 to $500 for an average 3-bedroom home.
Carpet stretching costs $100 to $300 per room to remove wrinkles and refresh the appearance of a carpet in good condition.
Hire a professional if you don't already have experience in floor refinishing. While it may be tempting to DIY for less, incorrect sanding can ruin this timeless and desirable home feature.
Lighting
Replacing old light fixtures and maximizing the available natural light can dramatically improve a room's ambiance and functionality.
The average cost to replace an existing light fixture is $100 to $700 with installation.
Replacing old, heavy drapery with new prefabricated blinds costs $30 to $200 per window installed to let in more natural light and make a home feel bigger and more comfortable.
For more brightness control, upgrading to a dimmer or smart switch costs $80 to $300. Use energy-efficient bulbs for additional long-term savings.
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:
| 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 |
For the savvy DIY-er, re-staining offers a low-cost alternative to elevate the space without replacing cabinets that are still in decent shape. The cost to stain kitchen cabinets yourself is about $100 to $250.
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.
| 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.
Shop around for the best deal. Some vanities come with a sink and faucet included.
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.
| 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.
| 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:
Painting a front door costs $100 to $225 on average and can breathe new life into a front door in good condition.
If your existing door is looking too worn, a new front door costs $500 to $1,900 installed and often has an ROI of 100% or more.
Replacing a 2-car garage door costs $800 to $1,800 with installation and is another exterior improvement with an average ROI of 100%+ in recent years.
If you're planning to sell your home, charcoal, black, and mid-tone brown front doors may increase your sale price, according to a 2022 Zillow study. Front door colors to avoid include cement gray, saturated blue, and olive green.
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.
States in drought-prone regions may offer tax rebates or other incentives when you update to native landscaping that uses less water and puts less strain on the area's natural resources.
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.
| 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.
If your fence is beyond repair, explore the most budget-friendly options in our in-depth guide of cheap fence ideas.
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?
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?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.