If you find yourself spending more time at home, looking at the same old walls and fixtures can draw your mind toward changes you would love to make but might not have the budget for right now. You might be surprised by what you can do on a limited budget. Just a few simple changes can turn your home’s interior from meh to marvelous!
So, if you want to spruce up your living space for less, consider these interior home renovation projects which can all be done for about $5,000. Of course, the prices quoted here will depend on the grade of materials you select, amount of work you do yourself or the contractor you opt for.Here are a few ideas to get you started, courtesy of The Spruce:
Flooring
Ripping out old, worn carpet and replacing it with a wood or vinyl laminate instantly updates and revives any room—and it makes messes a snap to clean. Let’s consider what it would take to switch out flooring for the average living and dining room and kitchen combined. This would be around 1,000 square feet of living space.
- Estimated Cost: Decent quality laminate can be sourced for as low as $2 per square foot. So, without installation, you could expect to around $2,000.
- Estimated Time: 3 days, but could be longer if you are installing the flooring yourself.
Bathroom
A full mid-range bathroom remodel can set you back more than $20,000. That doesn’t mean you can’t add some posh to your powder room. You could update the vanity and countertop, and swap out a builder-grade mirror with something personal to add interest. If you choose materials that leave room in the budget to do more, change up the walls with a new paint color or add a reusable, peel-and-stick wallpaper.
- Estimated Cost: Approximately $5,000 and up, according to HomeAdvisor estimates for listed updates and wall changes.
- Estimated Time: 1 day, plus a day for caulk to cure properly
Kitchen
While a full kitchen remodel may be well out of your budget, getting rid of old, dingy laminate countertops adds sparkle and finesse. You could finish off the look with a tile or mosaic backsplash to tie the room together. Let’s assume you are replacing with 30 square feet of moderate granite counters with an under-mount sink and a backsplash.
- Estimated Cost: $4,500, according to Fixr.com
- Estimated Time: 1 day, plus a couple of hours the next day for grouting if you use tile on the backsplash.
Upgrading existing mismatched and outdated appliances is also a way to freshen and modernize space. Expect to pay $3,000 to $5,000 for a new refrigerator, stove, microwave, and dishwasher, including installation. All can be installed in less than 1 day.
Living Room
Add warmth and comfort with a new fireplace. An electric model doesn’t require all the structural hassle of a traditional wood-burning type, and with a beautiful mantle, it can set the perfect tone for quiet nights in or entertaining a crowd.
- Estimated Cost: Basic electric fireplaces start at around $200, but you could max out your budget with more exclusive gas or wood-burning types.
- Estimated Time: 1 hour to 2-3 days, depending on the type and whether any structural changes or addition of electricity or gas is needed.
Bedroom
Creating a peaceful space to rest your head is important. You can make a personal oasis by updating paint and adding a feature wall for interest and impact.
Modern removable wallpaper comes in looks from barnwood to bling and can be easily changed out when you want a fresh look again further down the road. Numbers here are for one wall in a large master bedroom, about 120 square feet.
- Estimated Cost: $480-$1,200, depending on materials, according to HomeAdvisor
- Estimated Time:1-2 days, depending on the amount of prep work needed.
Everyone wants a home that reflects your style and works best for your family. With a small time commitment and a modest amount of cash, you can transform your space from stale to spectacular.
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Photo Credit: Christine Glade / Shutterstock.com