Saving up for home improvement projects can be challenging, but you don’t need to bank enough for a full kitchen renovation to make a big impact on your home. With a $1,000 budget, you can choose from a menu of curb-appeal-boosting exterior projects, interior upgrades, or home improvements that will make your everyday life more hassle-free. here are 10 ideas to polish up your home’s image a bit.
Boost Your Curb Appeal
When it comes to amping up your curb appeal, a small budget can go a long way—and your neighbors will notice the glow-up.
- Add or Upgrade Exterior Window Treatments
Adding exterior shutters to the windows on the front of your home can make a big impact on the look and feel of your exterior without draining your budget. While the highest-grade shutters will likely cost more than $1,000, many options, like those made of vinyl, pinewood, or polysatin, cost considerably less and look just as good. - Replace or Restyle Your Front Door
Replacing your front door costs anywhere from $150 to $3,000, depending on the materials you choose and whether you add optional upgrades, like windows and sidelights, which can significantly raise costs.
A simple but stylish wooden, steel, or fiberglass front door can cost as little as $150. If you have a front door you love that just looks a little tired, adding a bright, fresh coat of paint for just $50 to $100 and drastically change the look of your home. - Add Landscaping
If your lawn, shrubs, or garden are looking a little worse for wear, investing in landscaping can majorly boost your curb appeal. While landscaping prices can vary widely based on exactly what you want done, you’ll be able to make a big impact with $1,000. For $1,000, you can buy mulch or rocks for your garden beds and update your landscaping with new plants.
Wow With Interior Upgrades
If you’re already loving the look for your home’s exterior, there are plenty of interior projects you can focus on. - Interior Painting
Depending on the size of your home, you’ll be able to give one room (or a few) a fresh coat of paint. With average interior painting costs between $2 and $6 per square foot, depending on your location and choice of paint, you can count on between 160 and 500 square feet getting a new look. - Add a Stylish Backsplash
If your kitchen is in need of some attention, but you don’t have the budget for a full renovation, adding a tile backsplash can help freshen up your look. Professional backsplash installation averages right at $1,000 and can be designed to complement your kitchen’s existing countertops, appliances, and overall look. - Replace Your Kitchen Hardware
Another simple upgrade that can make a big difference in your kitchen’s overall look is replacing the hardware on your cabinets. While hardware projects can cost up to $10,000 if you choose the most costly materials or brands, you can usually give your cabinets a refresh for under $1,000. - Smarten up Your Home
When people talk about turning their home into a smart home, they’re usually talking about adding tech related to entertainment, home comfort, and security. Smart entertainment includes things like improving streaming or audio across the home. Smart home comfort refers to automating things like lights and heating and cooling systems. Smart security can include everything from basic front door security to total home protection. While smart home packages range in price from $150 to $1,400, the average cost is $750—just below your $1,000 budget! - Deep Clean Your Rug
Deep cleaning your carpet will give your home an instant burst of freshness and make it easier to keep your carpet looking clean throughout the year. Carpet or rug deep-cleaning costs between $0.20 and $0.40 per square foot, with an average total cost of under $240. Depending on how many rugs you have or how much of your home has carpet, you can expect this project to remain under your $1,000 budget. - Replace or Upgrade Kitchen Appliances
If you buy wholesale, directly from the manufacturer or take advantage of package offers and discounts, it is surprisingly affordable to purchase new appliances for your kitchen. Some brands or manufacturers—including major brands like Samsung—also offer trade-in services for eligible old appliances, which can be offered as a discount on another product or credit toward a new appliance.
While you will have to choose which appliance(s) you want to replace to stay within a budget of $1,000, you can replace essential kitchen appliances for around $500 per large appliance. If you DIY the installation and handle any moving costs yourself, you can easily save up to $500 in additional fees. - Reface Cabinets and Drawers
Cabinets and drawers are a huge contributor to the look of your kitchen—or your bathroom. If you like the style you already have, a straightforward repainting and refinishing plan will have your cabinets looking brand new again. If you’re leaning in a different direction, look into refacing your cabinets and drawers, or replacing hardware like the handles, for a surprisingly cheap design change.
Repainting and refinishing your cabinets will depend on the cost of the paint and finish as well as any supplies you need to purchase. Expect a price range between $100 and $500. Refacing your cabinets will cost $50 to $90 per cabinet door and $30 to $50 per drawer front. Replacing hardware will cost even less than that per piece, especially if you decide to thrift for a more unique or vintage appearance.