Home projects you can do for around $1,000 or less
Thumbtack Staff•Last updated Aug 6, 2022
Last updated Aug 6, 2022
Table of Contents
- 1. Upgrade your front door
- 2. Make small upgrades to your bathroom
- 3. Repaint one of your rooms
- 4. Put up new window coverings
- 5. Install more electrical outlets or new light switches
- 6. Make small improvements around your kitchen
- 7. Put up new wallpaper
- 8. Decorate the walls
- 9. Create a low-budget outdoor living space
- 10. Start a garden
- 11. Clean your home’s exterior
- 12. Get your home professionally cleaned
- 13. Assemble outdoor playground equipment
- 14. Update hardware in one or two rooms
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Whether you’re looking to increase your home’s value or simply want to enjoy your space more, home improvement projects can make all the difference. From fresh paint to little repairs, there are many tasks that homeowners (and renters) can get done on a relatively small budget.
Check out these home improvement ideas you can tackle for about $1,000 or less — some of which you can do with your own two hands.
1. Upgrade your front door
Replacing an old entry door is a quick way to improve your home’s curb appeal and take advantage of newer, more energy-efficient front door options. On average, professional door installation projects cost around $308-$928, but total costs can vary, depending on the materials and labor costs in your area.
Want a less costly idea? Repaint it instead. Depending on the type of paint you want and the size of your door, painting your front door will typically cost less than replacing it.
2. Make small upgrades to your bathroom
Don’t have the budget for a full bathroom remodel? Focus on a few fixtures instead, like the sink. Sink installation projects typically range from $233–614 in total. However, costs could increase depending on your preferences, the number of sinks in your bathroom and labor costs in your area.
You may also want to consider refinishing your bathtub ($245-$626) if it’s damaged with water stains and rust. Or, you could spend $290 to just slightly over $1,000 for a new shower door. Keep in mind that costs may vary depending on your space.
There are even smaller projects you can tackle to make a big impact. For example, set a budget of a few hundred dollars and use it to switch out accessories and hardware like towel bars and cabinet handles, replace your mirror, or put up a few shelves.
3. Repaint one of your rooms
A simple paint job can transform any kitchen, living room, bathroom, home office, or bedroom. Breathe new life into your home by repainting one or more rooms in a color that makes you happy. You can paint all the walls in your room, or choose an accent wall.
Go to your local home improvement store and look at paint swatches for inspiration. If you’re skilled with a paintbrush, you can DIY this project for a few hundred dollars or less, assuming you need to buy paint and other supplies. If not, consider hiring a professional.
Professional painters charge around $371-$1,011 for one room on average. Of course, your costs may differ depending on several factors, including labor costs, the type of paint you choose, the size of the room, and more.
4. Put up new window coverings
Installing new blinds, curtains, shades, or drapes is an easy DIY project that costs just a few hundred dollars and can add value to your home. Because there are many types of blinds and window treatments — including wood blinds, bamboo blinds, faux wood blinds, Roman shades, and other materials — you can find a style that fits your existing decor. Consider adding energy-efficient options that could potentially help you save money in the long run.
Many DIY kits come with detailed instructions on how to install them yourself. Just be sure you have all the necessary parts before starting, since they might not come with everything you need, and read all instructions carefully before you begin. Sound like a challenge? You can always hire a professional near you to install your new window treatments.
5. Install more electrical outlets or new light switches
Installing updated switches, like dimmers or motion-activated switches, is a subtle way to make your home look more modern. And if you find yourself relying on lots of extension cords (which isn’t always safe, FYI), it may be time to consider adding more outlets.
Projects that involve working with electricity should always be handled by a professional electrician. Expect to pay about $296 per switch or outlet, on average.
6. Make small improvements around your kitchen
In the kitchen, it’s possible to take on one or two projects with a $1,000 budget. As mentioned above, painting your walls can have an enormous impact on the room’s appearance and feel. Or, you can:
- Use a peel-and-stick backsplash to give your kitchen a splash of color.
- Repaint your cabinets yourself instead of replacing them.
- Add a few open shelves to display dishes, plants, and art.
- If you have enough room, add a portable island or beverage cart.
- Give your kitchen a contemporary makeover by changing out the dishware, linens, or rugs.
The bottom line: with $1,000, the possibilities in your kitchen are endless.
7. Put up new wallpaper
Don’t feel like painting your walls? Consider putting up some new wallpaper. You may find yourself leaning toward the patterns, designs, and textures you can get with wallpaper instead of interior paint. Wallpaper projects tend to cost around $331-$718 in total on average, but your price will depend on the number of rooms, the type of wallpaper you choose, and the size of the walls.
8. Decorate the walls
If your walls are in good shape and you're happy with the color or design, adding wall art may make a space feel much larger and give it some character. Try open shelving, artwork, or other decorative items like clocks or wall planters that instantly enhance a room's look.
You can get the most out of your money if you’re willing to think outside the box. For example, make a room more interesting by draping an old piece of fabric over a large canvas or framing paper art or a wallpaper sample.
9. Create a low-budget outdoor living space
When the weather’s nice, it’s tempting to want to spend as much time as possible in your yard. But if you don’t have an area built for relaxation or dining, you’ll stay stuck inside. Create a cozy outdoor living space with just $1,000 — yes, it’s possible if you get creative.
You can probably stay within your budget if you do one or two of the following projects:
- Use old, donated, or discounted outdoor furniture. As long as the furniture is durable, such as wicker, metal, or plastic, it will likely hold up outside. Invest in covers to protect your tables, chairs, sofa, and other furniture.
- Repaint outdoor furniture. If you already have a set of outdoor furniture but it’s not in great shape, consider repainting the pieces instead of buying a new set.
- Make your own throw pillows. If you have a few old pillows lying around the house, go to your local fabric shop and stitch together a few sturdy outdoor pillow covers.
- DIY your own fire pit. Costing several hundred dollars in some cases, building your own fire pit might take a large bite out of your $1,000. But if you plan to spend warm nights outside, it’s a great investment.
- Hang up a few string lights. Whether you have string lights stored away for the holidays or you need to order new ones, this is an affordable way to spruce up your backyard. Hang lights on your patio, deck, or pergola.
10. Start a garden
Assuming your yard doesn’t need any drastic changes, like new grass, soil, or leveling, starting a garden is a relatively inexpensive home project that has several benefits, including:
- Growing your own vegetables, fruits, flowers and herbs
- Providing a safe haven for pollinators like birds and bees
- Improving your mood if you enjoy being outside and using your hands
You’ll need to account for all of the seeds, plants, and supplies you’ll have to buy. And if you want a professional’s help, expect to pay anywhere from $246–$841 for a gardening project.
11. Clean your home’s exterior
As the seasons change, it’s important to inspect your home’s exterior and take note of any maintenance tasks that need to get done. Consider adding some of these tasks to your list and knocking them out over the next couple of weeks, if possible:
- Gutter cleaning
- Window washing
- Pressure washing
- Roof cleaning
- Leaf removal and cleanup
- Solar panel cleaning
- Pool cleaning
12. Get your home professionally cleaned
If your home’s exterior is in good shape, check the interior next. Your household could probably benefit from a little TLC, from extra cleaning to organizing. Hire a professional house cleaner to do a thorough job, including:
- Dusting all surfaces and fixtures, including hard-to-reach areas
- Cleaning kitchen appliances, inside and under them
- Vacuuming and mopping
- Wiping down walls and light switches
- Kitchen and bathroom cleaning
House cleaners typically charge $174–$256 for a one-time cleaning, but your pricing may vary depending on your home’s size, the number of cleaners you hire, and labor costs in your area.
13. Assemble outdoor playground equipment
This project may be cutting it close to your budget, but your kids’ enjoyment could be worth the cost.
Some outdoor playsets cost close to or more than $1,000 at retailers. However, if you can find a good deal on a playset for about $300-$400, you may be able to hire a professional who charges around $291-$570 for installation. If you DIY this project, make sure you follow the directions closely to avoid any safety issues.
14. Update hardware in one or two rooms
Walk through your home and take note of any hardware you don’t like and want to replace. We’re talking doorknobs, drawer and cabinet handles, towel racks, robe hooks, and more.
Perhaps you want to swap out your current hardware with a vintage or modern style. Or maybe you want a different color or material, such as chrome, nickel, stainless steel, or brass.
Find a style and material that fits your $1,000 budget and buy your hardware. Set aside a few days where you can replace it. Or, you can hire a handyman to help with this project. Just be aware that handymen charge around $60–$75 an hour, on average.
Hire a Thumbtack pro for your next project
Home improvement projects can make your home look and feel brand new, and they don’t have to cost a fortune. If you need help planning and budgeting your next home project, download Thumbtack today.
A note about project costs featured in this article: Figures represent national average cost estimates using data provided by Thumbtack pros and additional research. These figures are provided for educational purposes only and are subject to change at any time due to various factors. Details about your specific project and local rates can impact your costs.
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