10 Home Renovations that Cost Less Than $5,000

1. Apply a fresh coat of paint throughout your house

Painting is an easy affordable way to update your space and stay on trend. Blank Canvas by Behr, Redend Point by Sherwin-Williams, Raspberry Blush by Benjamin Moore, and Aged Barrel by Minwax are just some of the 2023 colors of the year that can help you get inspired. On average, DIY interior painting costs between $1 and $3 per square foot. If you plan to hire a professional painter, expect costs to range between $2 and $6. 

2. Paint the exterior of your home

If inside your home is up to date with the latest in trending paint, look outside to see if a new coat is needed on the exterior of your home. Rain, wind, sunshine, and snow can cause paint to peel and discolor. Fresh paint acts as a protective barrier, shielding the surface of your home from moisture, UV rays, and other environmental factors. 

3. Upgrade your flooring

Have money in your budget left over after painting? Update your flooring to improve the overall aesthetics of your home from top to bottom. Options like laminate, vinyl, or carpet tiles are relatively affordable and can cost between $1 and $4 per square foot (not including installation). Painting the exterior of a home averages around $3,000, and we recommend leaving this renovation to the professionals. 

4. Enhance your home’s curb appeal through landscaping

Gardening and landscaping are low-cost and DIY-friendly activities that can add to your home’s curb appeal. Whether you add new plants or fresh mulch to your property, your effort will be immediately noticed by the whole block. On average, DIY landscaping costs less than $2,000, and professional landscaping services most often cost between $3,000 and $13,000. 

5. Install a new front door

A new steel or fiberglass front or entry door can provide added security while also helping to improve your home's curb appeal. You can also accentuate the new door and create an inviting environment to greet all your guests by decorating it with hanging baskets, planters, a welcome mat, and light fixtures. The national average cost in the U.S. to replace your entry door ranges between $400 and $1,700. 

6. Install a backsplash in your kitchen or bathroom

Adding a backsplash in your kitchen or bathroom can instantly elevate the space. There are various options available, including peel-and-stick tiles or ceramic tiles, and costs range from $200 to $800, depending on the size of your space and the material you choose. 

7. Update your bathroom fixtures and accessories

Replacing outdated bathroom fixtures like faucets, showerheads, and towel bars can give your bathroom a modern and polished look. The cost for updating these fixtures typically ranges from $100 to $300, depending on the quality and style you select. For a more significant refresh, replace your old vanity, too. Pre-assembled vanities are available at most hardware stores and range from $300 to $3,000. If you’re on a tight budget, you can also consider repurposing a piece of furniture as a vanity to save costs. 

8. Refinish your kitchen

While kitchen redesigns often come with a hefty price tag, you can refinish your space much cheaper by applying a fresh coat of paint or stain and updating the hardware. The cost of refinishing materials can range from $100 to $500, depending on the size of your kitchen and the quality of materials you choose. If your kitchen countertops are outdated, worn, or scratched, you can use this as an opportunity to replace them, too. To stay safely within budget, consider laminate or butcher block countertops, which are more budget-friendly compared to options like granite or quartz. 

9. Give your garage a makeover

Garages are often an afterthought when it comes to home renovations, but that’s because most homeowners can’t see the potential with crumbling drywall lining the walls and clutter covering the floor. With Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard and Trusscore SlatWall, you can transform your garage into a bright, beautiful, and water-resistant space that’s complete with on-the-wall storage and acts as an extension of your home. In a 1,000-square-foot garage, you can expect to pay between $3,000 and $5,000 for the panels (plus, you’ll save on installation costs because our panels are so DIY-friendly). If you want your garage to look as good on the outside as it does indoors, also consider installing a new garage door. Garage door replacements usually cost between $750 and $1,600 (it also offers a great return on investment if you plan to sell your home). 

10. Update lighting fixtures and install ceiling fans

Replacing outdated light fixtures with modern alternatives can instantly enhance the ambiance of a room, and you can find stylish options within the $100 to $300 range, depending on the complexity and design. With your eyes turned to the ceiling, also consider installing ceiling fans in bedrooms and living areas. Ceiling fans are relatively affordable and can help boost your home’s energy efficiency by reducing cooling costs in the summer. 

1. Set a realistic budget and stick to it

You may use your entire budget on one renovation, or you can allocate funds across several projects (like painting your walls and replacing your flooring, for example). Be sure to include a contingency amount for unexpected expenses. 

2. Create a detailed plan for your project

Research materials, labor costs, and potential alternatives to find the most cost-effective options. You can avoid unnecessary expenses simply by having a clear vision and understanding of the project at hand. 

3. Prioritize the most important areas of your home

Some areas or elements of your home may require more immediate attention than others. By focusing on essential renovations, you can allocate more resources to those areas first and spend on more aesthetic-based projects later. 

4. DIY wherever possible

Depending on your skill set, consider taking a do-it-yourself approach for tasks that you're comfortable with. DIY can save on labor and installation costs, especially for smaller projects like painting, installing fixtures or Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard panels, and minor repairs. 

5. Obtain multiple quotes

When hiring professionals for large or complicated projects, obtain multiple quotes from different contractors. This allows you to compare prices, services, and quality of work. However, it’s important to remember that the lowest price may not always be the best option -- consider reputation, experience, and references as well. 

6. Reuse or repurpose existing materials in your home

Salvaging items like cabinets, fixtures, or even wood flooring can save you money. Purchasing reclaimed or recycled materials is more cost-effective (and eco-friendly!), too. 

7. Shop smart for materials

Look for sales, discounts, or clearance offers when purchasing materials. Compare prices from different suppliers and consider online marketplaces for competitive deals. 

8. Time your renovations strategically

Some contractors may offer lower rates during off-peak seasons or slower times of the year. If you’re hiring a professional, consider scheduling your renovation project during downtime to potentially secure better pricing.