12 Impactful Home Renovations Under $5,000 (2024)

NOTE: The beginning half of 2021 has seen an unprecedented labor shortage as a side effect of the COVID-19 pandemic. In conjunction with this, demand for materials and construction jobs has skyrocketed. As a result, material prices may be higher than those reported in this article, and lead times may be longer than usual for both labor and materials.

Advertisem*nt

THIS IS AN ADVERTIsem*nT AND NOT EDITORIAL CONTENT. Please note that we do receive compensation for any products you buy or sign up to via this advertisem*nt, and that compensation impacts the ranking and placement of any offers listed herein. We do not present information about every offer available. The information and savings numbers depicted above are for demonstration purposes only, and your results may vary.

Compare Quotes From Trusted Local Pros For Home Projects

Free, No-commitment Estimates

Tired of looking around your house and seeing the same old paint job and furniture? Thinking of selling in the near future? Ready to make some changes, but not financially prepared to commit to the cost of an entire renovation? Whether you are looking to increase the property value of your home, flip a newly purchased house or simply want a change of pace, here are some easy home renovations that you can do for under $5,000.

Estimated costs are based on the U.S. national average. Exact costs may vary depending on your location, professional services hired, the size of your house and the materials that you choose, among other factors.

General Interior Renovations

These renovations can be done in multiple rooms for an inexpensive but transformative effect on your house.

Interior Painting

Whether you opt for a feature wall, solid colors or a trendy design, applying a fresh coat of paint is one of the fastest ways to give the interior of your home a makeover. At an average cost of $3.50 per square foot, painting a 10×12 room ends up at around $100 to $300 if you DIY. Getting your walls professionally painted can add on anywhere from $150 to $700 depending on the size of the project, but it may be worth it if you’re facing a time-crunch.

Refinish or Recoat Hardwood Floors

Refinishing hardwood floors is daunting and time-consuming, but it doesn’t have to be expensive. The entire cost, including sanding and staining, runs around $3 to $8 per square foot when done professionally and anywhere from $500 to $1,000 (not counting machinery or other additional costs) as a DIY. On the other hand, recoating (the process of adding a layer of protective varnish) is around $1 to $2 per square foot and a preferable option if your floors are still in good shape.

Incorporating an Interior Design Theme

Often, making a house feel brand new can be as simple as changing up the furniture and style. Consider theming certain rooms of your house around a certain color, pattern or style and getting rid of, or refurbishing and upcycling, any furniture that no longer matches.

It also simplifies the shopping process: you can save money by buying wholesale and taking advantage of cheaper prices on themed sets of dishware, linens and accessories. By unifying your house or a room with an appealing aesthetic, you can make it look like you’re an expert in interior design. And if you have some furniture that you can’t bear to part with, but it doesn’t quite fit anywhere–go ahead and give that one room a cozy, eclectic vibe.

Kitchen

While the cost of a full-scale kitchen remodel averages around $25,000, there’s no need to break the bank in order to upgrade. Here are some ideas for an inexpensive kitchen remodel.

Replace Appliances

Essential kitchen appliances like refrigerators, stoves and dishwashers can all be replaced surprisingly inexpensively. Depending on the brand, it’s possible to spend less than $500 per large appliance (not counting any additional fees). Don’t forget to ask a retailer about package offers or discounts if you are buying multiple appliances, which can save you up to $1,500. Learn how to install an appliance yourself to save an extra $100 to $500.

Complete a Cabinet and Drawer Makeover

With a new coat of paint and finish, you can shake up the entire look of your kitchen just by giving the cabinets and drawers a fresh look. If you’re more worried about style but don’t want – or need – to replace everything, consider refacing instead: only replace the cabinet doors ($50 to $90 per cabinet) and drawer fronts ($30 to $50 per drawer).

Replace Countertops

Replacing countertops is a common kitchen renovation. Ceramic and porcelain tile are the most cost-effective at $5 to $30 per square foot and are easy DIY, if you don’t mind taking the time to install and maintain them. Laminate countertops are slightly more expensive, averaging at $25 per square foot, but offer a diverse range of colors and styles.

Redo the Backsplash

Re-doing the backsplash is both a surprisingly easy DIY and a classic way to bring creativity and personal flair into an otherwise standard kitchen. Inexpensive materials are easy to find, from peel-and-stick patterns to painted planks, mark-down tiles and stencil designs. Costs will vary depending on the material you choose, but you can easily get the job done on a $600 budget.

Bathroom

Bathrooms are a common priority for house remodels, and for good reason: no one wants to shower and get ready for the day in an unappealing space. Like with kitchen remodels, cheap ideas for bathroom remodels include replacing the backsplash, refacing cabinets and painting walls, but here are two additional ideas for an inexpensive renovation.

Install a Pre-Made Bathroom Vanity

Finding a pre-made vanity set couldn’t be easier: Double-sink vanities, floating vanities and even corner vanities are regularly sold in a variety of styles, materials and sizes. The cost for a pre-made bathroom vanity can range from $100 to $2,600. A basic understanding of plumbing and some good old-fashioned elbow grease is required for assembly, but if the thought of messing with your pipes alarms you, a professional installation average around $1,500 and can be as low as $300.

Replace a Shower

A prefabricated shower stall or kit comes with all the parts required to assemble a complete shower and can be found for around or less than $1,000. An even cheaper option, if you don’t need to replace the shower pan or bathtub, is to buy a wall kit only ($300 to $600).

General Exterior Renovations

Your house’s interior shouldn’t be the only thing leaving a good impression. Don’t forget to consider the exterior when you start thinking about renovation plans.

Cleaning

While power-washing, or pressure-washing, your house can damage the exterior if you’re not careful, it’s surprisingly affordable ($400 to $1,400 average for a two-story house) to hire a team of professionals to do the job for you. If the potential damage from power-washing makes you nervous, a hose, basic cleaning supplies and a soap or oxygen bleach solution can go a long way.

Painting

The national average to professionally paint the exterior of a 2-story house can be as low as $3,000. If you feel like DIY, costs can range between $500 and $1,000 depending on the size of your house, including supplies. If you don’t want to commit to re-doing the whole paint job, consider just re-painting the trim: it will be cheaper and less work, but still, give your home a fresh look.

Install a Patio / Outdoor Floor Decking

If you have an outdoor space, adding a patio or some decking can go a long way to making it a welcoming place to hang out. For a classic brick patio, expect to pay around $6 to $11 per square foot for the bricks and double that if you hire a professional for installation. For smaller areas like balconies or terraces, consider investing in outdoor floor decking. Prices vary anywhere from $50 to $150 depending on the materials, size and number of deck tiles included in the package, but assembly is easy.

Bottom Line

An inexpensive home renovation can bring a fresh look and feel to any space. As summer approaches and the world returns to life, bringing a sense of newness and change into your home can make a positive impact on mood and lifestyle without breaking the bank. From general interior to bathrooms, kitchens and beyond, there’s always something that can be done to help make a house feel more like a home.

Advertisem*nt

THIS IS AN ADVERTIsem*nT AND NOT EDITORIAL CONTENT. Please note that we do receive compensation for any products you buy or sign up to via this advertisem*nt, and that compensation impacts the ranking and placement of any offers listed herein. We do not present information about every offer available. The information and savings numbers depicted above are for demonstration purposes only, and your results may vary.

Compare Quotes From Trusted Local Pros For Home Projects

Free, No-commitment Estimates


Your Home. Your Decisions. Our Support.

Get expert advice on your home, design tips, how much to pay for pros and hiring experts, delivered to you daily.

Thanks & Welcome to the Forbes Home Improvement Community!

{{ newsletterState.emailErrorMsg }}

I agree to receive the Forbes Home newsletter via e-mail. Please see our Privacy Policy for more information and details on how to opt out.

12 Impactful Home Renovations Under $5,000 (2024)

FAQs

What renovation adds the most value? ›

Best home improvement projects for return on investment
  • Converting a basem*nt to a living area: 86%
  • Closet renovation: 83%
  • Converting an attic to living area: 75%
  • Complete kitchen renovation: 75%
  • Bathroom renovation: 71%
  • Kitchen upgrade: 67%
  • New bathroom addition: 63%
  • New primary bedroom addition: 56%
Apr 7, 2022

What are the hardest home renovations? ›

Plumbing. While plumbing may not be as physically dangerous as roofing or bricklaying, plumbing jobs aren't a walk in the park. Plumbing is one of the hardest home improvement jobs to master, according to the CraftJack survey that asked both contractors and homeowners about the most demanding jobs.

What should I renovate first? ›

Practically speaking, you'll want to do the kitchen remodel first because that work will create the most dust and debris, which you won't want to land on new paint or finish jobs. It's always a good idea to isolate any demolition mess by putting plastic over doorways or pass-throughs.

What room adds most value to a house? ›

Kitchen remodels: Kitchens are easily one of the most important rooms in a home, so it's no surprise people value a smart, modernized space, says Fisher. On average, kitchen remodels lead to a 72 percent ROI. The average cost of a kitchen remodel is between $25,000 and $40,000.

How do you get chosen for a home makeover? ›

Most casting notices ask for your name, location, age, and contact info, as well as photos or video of yourself, any family members involved, and photos of your home and/or the rooms or space you want improved.

What is the best room to remodel? ›

Some of the most important rooms to renovate include the kitchen, bathroom, living room, and master bedroom. Each of these sections needs to be taken care of in one way or another. You can go through the modern trends and choose one that best fits your home's design.

What is the most common home renovation? ›

The kitchen is the room homeowners most frequently remodel. Some 28% of renovating homeowners give the kitchen a makeover, and 1% of those create a kitchen addition.

What is the most popular renovation? ›

Of all home improvement projects, the most popular are sparkling bathroom overhauls, according to newly released data from the Contractor Growth Network, followed by big-ticket kitchen and basem*nt renovations.

What is the best room to remodel first? ›

If you need to choose which room to remodel first, you'll want to choose the room that will recoup the remodeling costs and create actual equity. This is why experts agree that choosing to remodel your kitchen or bathroom first is traditionally the smartest move.

What time of year is best to renovate? ›

Additions to Your Home

The most optimal time of year for house renovation projects is actually January through early March. While this sounds counter-intuitive, the frozen ground and dry air can make it easier for contractors to pour concrete.

What is the correct order of renovation? ›

As you look to begin your whole home remodel, here's the general order of operations:
  • Planning and Design. ...
  • Demolition. ...
  • Rebuilding/Framing. ...
  • Mechanicals/Plumbing/HVAC/Electrical. ...
  • Walls. ...
  • Flooring. ...
  • Cabinets. ...
  • Appliances.

What are the 2 most important rooms in a house? ›

The kitchen and the master bathroom. Buyers tend to show more interest in these rooms than any other in a home.

What is the #1 thing that determines the value of a home? ›

Ultimately, the financial backing in a deal determines the property's value, and it's most often a mortgage lender making the call.

What is the biggest expense in building a house? ›

Framing is the highest material cost for most new home builds. High-quantity lumber framing averages $33,000 for a home in the U.S. This includes floors, walls and roof trusses. Metal stud framing systems start at about $20,000.

What bathroom colors increase home value? ›

"Generally, going with neutral colors like shades of white, beige, taupe, and grays lead to a faster sale," she shares. "Neutral colors are also more appealing to potential buyers because many want the creative freedom of a blank canvas to add their personal touches to when looking for a new place to call home.

What is the biggest expense in bathroom remodel? ›

Usually, the most expensive part of a bathroom remodel is labor, tile work, and plumbing. While these areas are superior, there are other aspects like layout changes, shower, etc., that can raise the budget according to your preferences. Read on as we go through each of these elements in more detail.

What color bathroom for resale? ›

Best Colors for Resale Value

Currently, painting your bathroom light blue can increase the value of your home by $5000. A light blue hue invites a calm, serene, and relaxing environment that compliments almost any decor or design style. Light yellow, cream, beige, and gray are also favorites of prospective home buyers.

Do any HGTV shows pay for renovations? ›

Does HGTV pay for renovations on 'Fixer Upper'? Surprisingly, the answer is no. The couple (or person) is responsible for paying for their own renovations, but that doesn't mean they walk away totally empty handed. While HGTV doesn't fund the renovations, they do pay for one big ticket item.

What goes behind home makeover shows? ›

The reality behind home renovation shows

Not only do they not cover the major costs of the process, but the decor pieces are often just staging pieces. That being said, they do get the option of purchasing the furniture. "[T]hey are given the opportunity to purchase the furnishings and décor used for the staging.

Do the people on home Makeover shows keep the furniture? ›

But here's the kicker: More often than not, the homes are staged, meaning the homeowners don't get to keep the furniture and decor that's shown on TV. “Most if not all of our flipping shows are staged,” Betsy admits, noting that, depending on the client, sometimes the renovation will include some of the furniture.

How can I make my sofa look more expensive? ›

“Just add a few oversized, overstuffed pillows with different prints, colors and textures to give it some depth and coziness. Think leather, linen, and fur. Also, try draping a lightweight neutral throw blanket over the arm of the sofa.”

What makes a living room sophisticated? ›

Sophisticated design is achieved through the use of vibrant color choices, rich, textured fabrics, decorative trim and mirrors and crystals. Create a space that will not only welcome guests into your home, but invite them to stay awhile.

How many walls in a room should be decorated? ›

A general rule of thumb is that you can cover 60% of the area with wall decor and must leave 40% of the area blank. This rule applies even when you are hanging a piece of painting or a cluster of frames behind your sofa.

What are the 7 principles of interior design? ›

This is particularly true regarding the seven principles of interior design: balance, unity, rhythm, emphasis, contrast, scale and proportion, and details. These standards have been created to help accomplish harmonious interiors that convey character.

What order do you decorate your house? ›

What order do you decorate in?
  1. Start with the ceiling. By painting from ceiling to floor, you'll avoid those pesky splash marks on a freshly painted wall. ...
  2. Then move onto the walls. ...
  3. Paint the skirting boards. ...
  4. Painting the window and door frames. ...
  5. Finish with painting the doors.

Should you remodel inside or outside first? ›

Do all of the foundational and exterior work first. It's natural to want to move on to the next phase of your project, but ensure the house is sound before you begin interior work. That means replacing windows and putting on a new roof if needed.

Should you stay in your house during renovation? ›

We've learned from experience that moving out is almost always the best option. Relocating during a remodel leads to greater homeowner satisfaction, while giving your contractor the room they need to complete your project efficiently and safely.

What cost the most when renovating a house? ›

In general, here is what you can expect to pay when you're remodeling a house:
  • Kitchen: $10,000–$50,000.
  • Bathroom: $9,000–$20,000.
  • Bedroom: $10,000–$15,000.
  • Living room: $5,000–$10,000.
  • Dining room: $2,000+
  • Office: $5,000.
  • Attic or basem*nt: $12,300 to $33,300.
  • Foyer: $1,000–$10,000.
Jan 5, 2023

What are the most important home repairs? ›

Get to know your house: Top 5 home repairs
  • Roof repairs. ...
  • Water heater replacement. ...
  • Exterior painting/siding. ...
  • Average cost (paint): $5,170. ...
  • Average cost: $5,857 to repair. ...
  • Average cost: $150 to $450 to repair; $4,820 to $9,350 to replace.
Jan 2, 2023

How to do a timeless renovation? ›

Check out the following ideas to make your home interior elegant and timeless.
  1. Keep it simple, scalable and symmetrical.
  2. Keep it simple, scalable and symmetrical.
  3. Stick with classic prints.
  4. Stick with classic prints.
  5. Go for neutrals.
  6. Go for neutrals.
  7. Incorporate natural and quality material.

What is the difference between renovation and remodel? ›

So what's the difference between remodeling and renovation? In short: a remodel transforms and changes the form, purpose and/or structure of a space, while a renovation fixes or refreshes a space without changing its purpose.

What adds the biggest value to a house? ›

Projects That Boost Your Home's Value
  • Remodel the kitchen. Updates to the kitchen pay off. ...
  • Upgrade the appliances. ...
  • Boost the bathrooms. ...
  • Remodel the attic or basem*nt. ...
  • Get decked out. ...
  • Boost curb appeal. ...
  • Improve energy efficiency. ...
  • Swimming Pools.

What improves house value the most? ›

10 quicker wins for adding value before selling
  1. Redecorate. ...
  2. Fix superficial defects. ...
  3. The front door. ...
  4. Declutter. ...
  5. Heating and lighting. ...
  6. Garden appeal. ...
  7. Create a driveway / off-road [arking. ...
  8. Look smart and be energy efficient.

Will renovation costs go down in 2023? ›

Current Trends in Renovation Costs

The report predicts that renovation spending will drop roughly 14% from 2022 to 2023. The study projected that renovation spending would exceed $450 billion during the first quarter of 2023 but cool shortly thereafter, with owner-occupied housing stock to “grow only modestly” in 2023.

What decreases property value the most? ›

It's best to be aware of what hurts property value so you can protect your home and get the most ROI when it comes time to sell.
  • 1) DIY projects gone wrong.
  • 2) Lack of curb appeal.
  • 3) Unsightly interior wall paint.
  • 4) Lack of upkeep.
  • 5) Wall to wall carpeting.
  • 6) Excessive clutter can hurt property value.
  • 7) Unpleasant smells.
Oct 9, 2020

What makes a house less valuable? ›

Your property value is often out of your control. Changes in the real estate market can lower the value of your home. Natural disasters and climate change can lower your property value because the property is a greater risk to purchase. Foreclosures in your neighborhood can also drive down property value.

How much value does a bathroom add? ›

In general, a bathroom can increase your home's value anywhere from 10-40% depending on the quality of the bathroom and its updates. That's anywhere from $20,000-50,000 for cost-effective updates.

Is it worth renovating a house before selling? ›

Myth No.

Remodeling can actually be a time-saver when it comes to selling your home. Homes that are freshly remodeled and updated are going to sell much faster than houses that are outdated or in need of repairs.

Do new windows increase home value? ›

While replacing your home's windows is a costly project, it can pay off by adding value to your home. According to the Remodeling's 2022 Cost vs. Value report, replacing vinyl windows adds an average of $13,822 in value to a home — nearly 70% of the cost of the project.

What is the most common room to remodel? ›

Kitchens and Bathrooms are the Most Popular

Kitchens and bathrooms are by far the most popular rooms to renovate.

Will there be a home recession 2023? ›

Most experts do not expect a housing market crash in 2023 since many homeowners have built up significant equity in their homes. The issue is primarily an affordability crisis. High interest rates and inflated home values have made purchasing a home challenging for first-time homebuyers.

Will there be a housing recession in 2023? ›

Home sales also declined by 3.4% between March 2023 and April 2023. Experts at Fannie Mae's Economic and Strategic Research (ESR) Group believe that the housing market downturn could lead to a “modest recession” overall in the second half of 2023.

What is the projection for home remodeling in 2023? ›

While the pace of expenditures is expected to slow substantially this year, we've raised our projection for the remodeling market size in 2023 by about $45 billion, or 10.2 percent, to $485 billion.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Rubie Ullrich

Last Updated:

Views: 5783

Rating: 4.1 / 5 (72 voted)

Reviews: 87% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Rubie Ullrich

Birthday: 1998-02-02

Address: 743 Stoltenberg Center, Genovevaville, NJ 59925-3119

Phone: +2202978377583

Job: Administration Engineer

Hobby: Surfing, Sailing, Listening to music, Web surfing, Kitesurfing, Geocaching, Backpacking

Introduction: My name is Rubie Ullrich, I am a enthusiastic, perfect, tender, vivacious, talented, famous, delightful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.