9 Simple Home Projects You Can Do For Less Than $1,000

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.

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. 

1. 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.  

2. 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.  

3. 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. 

1. 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. 

2. 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. 

3. 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. 

Make Life Easier  

While improvement projects that boost the look of your home always feel good to complete, some projects make your everyday life easier. 

1. Organize Your Closet or Pantry 

Most homeowners visit their closets and pantry every day but, because they’re behind closed doors, they don’t always make the priority list for upgrades. Adding new shelving or a more customized closet system costs between $500 and $1,500 for a reach-in closet. Depending on the size and complexity of your dream closet, you’ll likely be able to keep this project under $1,000.   

2. 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!  

3. 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.