Home improvement projects can add value to your home, whether you plan to sell your house or remain there forever. And not all DIY projects need to be expensive. In fact, quite a few budget-friendly projects are easy to implement and can help make your home feel refreshed and modern. Here's a look at affordable DIY projects that cost less than $10,000.
Kitchen upgrades
Even small improvements, like updating the hardware or installing new cabinet doors, can make your kitchen feel brand new.
- Refinishing or refacing cabinets: Refinishing can cost $300 or less for a fresh coat of paint. Refacing can range from $1,700 to $6,600, depending if you choose a luxury finish like wood veneer or something more budget-friendly, like laminate.1
- New cabinet doors: Custom cabinets range from $300 to $750 per linear foot, while stock cabinets can be as low as $50 to $200 per linear foot.1
- Updating hardware: If your cabinets are still in good shape, you might consider simply upgrading the handles and knobs. This can cost from $100 to $500, depending on your kitchen size and choice of material.2
- Backsplash: If you choose ceramic tiles in a trending color, your cost might be less than $3 a square foot, totaling under $100.2
- Countertops: The cost of replacing your countertop depends on the material you choose. Per square foot, granite ranges from $15 to $140, while marble costs $15 to $200 and acrylic is just $13 to $30.1
- Upgrading lighting fixtures: Custom fixtures range from $100 to $1,000+.2
- New appliances: Refrigerators can run from $400 up to $10,000, stoves from $400 to $7,000 and dishwashers from $300 to $2,000.1
A basic remodel for a small kitchen can be as low as $4,000 by choosing low-cost appliances, hardware and countertops, and refacing cabinets rather than replacing them.3
READ MORE: Everything You Need to Know About the Cost of Kitchen Cabinets
Bathroom renovations
Your home can feel more luxurious with a modern, upgraded bathroom. Because labor can account for as much as 50% of the renovation cost, you'll save a lot of money doing it yourself.4 Here's a look at how costs might run.
| Upgrade or renovation | Average cost for materials |
|---|---|
| Countertop or vanity | $10 to $40 per square foot for laminate or tile; $40 to $200 per square foot for high-end materials like quartz, stone or crushed glass4 |
| Sink | $480 to $760 (artisan-designed sinks can cost $1,000 or more)4 |
| Tiles | $2 to $15 per square foot1 |
| Upgrading lighting fixtures | $50 to $120 for median-grade materials4 |
| Toilet | $100 to $5004 |
| Showerhead | $25 to $2,000, depending on the features5 |
| Bidet | $50 to $1,0006 |
| Bathtub | $400 to $1,0004 |
The material you use makes all the difference. High-end materials typically cost two to three times as much as median-grade supplies.4
Outdoor improvements
Upgrading the look of your front yard and backyard can change the feel of your entire home. Below is a look at what costs you can expect.
- Deck: $4,100 to $11,600, and may need permits or inspections.7
- Patio: $1,900 to $5,600.7 The ground may need to be leveled first.
- Fire pit: A fire pit's average cost is $850, but it can range from $300 up to $5,000 or more.8
- Landscaping: For $1,000 to $5,000, you can trim trees and add plants and grass seed. You'll get close to your $10,000 limit if you need to lay sod and add new trees or more expensive plants.8
- Garden: A custom-raised 5'x12' bed will cost $1,200 to $4,000, while a DIY raised garden bed kit ranges from $300 to $900.9
- Shed or outdoor storage space: Ranges from $200 to as much as $10,000 or more, depending on the size, building materials, electrical wiring and windows.10 Metal and vinyl sheds are the cheapest and best for DIYers.
- Outdoor lighting: $2,000 to $6,000.11
- Pond: $1,800 to $6,900, or $3,500 and up for a koi pond.12
- Water fountain: $1,500 to $8,000, depending on size and material.12
Flooring upgrades
Refinishing hardwood floors can change your look and style in a budget-friendly way. The process involves sanding, staining and recoating, and costs about $3 to $8 per square foot, which is less than the cost of replacing the floor.13
If you need to replace the flooring entirely, here's a breakdown of the cost, from most to least expensive:1
| Type of flooring | Average cost per square foot |
|---|---|
| Hardwood | $6 to $20 |
| Stone | $4 to $20 |
| Tile | $2 to $15 |
| Wood tile | $2 to $12 |
| Laminate | $3 to $8 |
| Carpet | $2 to $7 |
| Vinyl or linoleum | $.50 to $14 |
Paint and decor
Simply painting or adding new decor accents can refresh your home at a low cost.
| Type of renovation | Average cost |
|---|---|
| New curtains or blinds | $50 to $30014 |
| New furniture | $50 to $6,000, depending on type and style14 |
| Upgrading decor accents | $200 to $2,00014 |
| Area rug | $100 to $3,50014 |
| Fresh coat of paint on the walls | $15 to $50 per gallon, plus $50 for supplies15 |
| New light switches or outlet covers | $1 to $150 each (without professional wiring; single poles are the cheapest and smart switches cost the most)16 |
Upgrading your home for less than $10,000 is a very achievable goal. You'll simply need to decide which renovations are most important and keep a close eye on the materials you choose.
READ MORE: Are You Overspending on Your Home Improvement Project?