21 Budget-Friendly DIY Home Makeover Ideas You’ll Love

It is common knowledge that, when it comes to giving a home a facelift without breaking the bank, DIY is the go-to move for many homeowners. But in recent years, economic pressures have taken this trend to a whole other level. 

According to Today Homeowner’s 2023 Survey, inflation has reshaped how homeowners approach home improvements, with about 71% opting to tackle projects themselves instead of hiring professional contractors. This trend is even more significant among GenZ and Millennials. Around 76% of homeowners aged 18 to 24 and 73% of those under 44 are rolling up their sleeves and embracing DIY home remodeling to save money.

Looking for inspiration to join the movement? These 25 budget-friendly DIY home renovation ideas will help you refresh your house without going overboard with spending.

Does DIY Home Remodeling Increase ROI?

While most homeowners take on DIY home renovation projects mainly for financial reasons, Angi reveals other motivations, including the simple desire to avoid boredom, enhance their living space for their own enjoyment, or consider such a project a fun pastime. 

However, they also have their house’s potential resale value in mind. According to the report, 77% of homeowners tackled DIY projects specifically to enhance their home’s future market appeal. 

But is it true? Do DIY home remodeling projects increase ROI? Financial media website Investopedia confirms that they do. According to the publication, minor, low-cost fixes are the most common DIY projects that boost home value. 

Easy-to-do repairs and modifications, like painting the kitchen cabinets, doing tiny landscape upgrades, or cleaning the gutters, may cost a few hundreds but can potentially increase your home’s sale price by thousands of dollars. 

25 Affordable DIY Home Upgrades

We’ve compiled 25 simple, budget-friendly DIY home renovation ideas that offer great value. These projects include refreshing your space with a new coat of paint, upgrading fixtures and lighting, replacing hardware, or tackling deep cleaning and decluttering in specific areas.

By avoiding overly ambitious or highly complex remodeling projects, you can sidestep costly mistakes that might hurt your ROI. A recent Angi survey, highlighted in an NAR article, found that 80% of participants admitted to making mistakes during a DIY project, and 45% confessed to “completely butchering” their efforts. Without further ado, let’s review the projects:

DIY Curb Appeal Ideas

Entrance Makeover

Installing a new front door is one of the home remodeling projects that increases home value the most, according to Remodeling Magazine’s 2024 Cost Vs. Value Report. Replacing the entry door with a contractor costs $2,355, but it can recoup 188% of your investment.

For a simpler DIY upgrade for a small fraction of that price, breathe new life into your home’s entrance with a fresh coat of paint. Choose a bold color for it! You may also replace your current numbers and add a “Welcome” doormat and flower pots. 

Materials: You’ll need quality exterior paint and primer, paintbrushes or rollers, new house numbers, a doormat, and a couple of flower pots (real or artificial).

Instructions: Remove your door’s hardware and clean the surface thoroughly. Sand the door lightly to ensure the paint will adhere. Apply primer if necessary and two coats of exterior paint in your favorite shade. Finish the project by installing new house numbers and placing the doormat and plants at the entrance.

DIY Total Estimated Cost: Approximately $80 to $230 (depending on material choices).

Renovate the Garage Doors

If spending $4,513 on a garage door replacement isn’t feasible, you can renovate it yourself for much less! A popular choice for DIY enthusiasts is to transform your standard garage door into a faux carriage-style door. This method is beautiful and simple and effective for enhancing your home’s curb appeal without the cost of a complete replacement. 

Materials: Faux garage door windows, carriage-style hardware, your choice of exterior paint that complements your home’s exterior, primer, paintbrushes, rollers, and screws/bolts.

Instructions: Clean the garage door surface to remove dirt and debris. If you’re changing the door’s color, apply a coat of primer and let it dry completely before painting the door with your chosen exterior paint hue. Once the paint is dry, position the faux window inserts on the upper section of the door and secure them using the screws or bolts provided in the kit. Finally, place the decorative handles and hinges and attach them using the supplied hardware, following the manufacturer’s instructions. 

DIY Total Estimated Cost: Around $300

Give New Life to Your Mailbox 

Give your mailbox a quick, easy transformation that’ll do wonders for your home’s curb appeal. A new paint player can make it look brand new or replace it entirely for a more modern or stylish design. While this seems like a small, not-so-relevant project it makes a big difference in how your home looks from the street.

If you decide to replace your mailbox, follow the USPS installation guidelines, including construction standards (in case you’re building your own), location, height, and other mandatory details. 

Materials: If you would only paint your existing mailbox, you’ll need rust-prevention primer, exterior paint in your desired color, and paintbrushes or rollers. You’ll need the mailbox, a new post, and a concrete mix for post securing.

Instructions: Remove your existing mailbox and clean it to eliminate dirt and debris. Sand any rusted or rough areas and apply a rust-inhibiting primer. Paint your mailbox with exterior-grade metal paint for a fresh new look, and allow the paint to dry completely before reattaching it.

DIY Total Estimated Cost: If you’re repainting, around $20–$40. To replace your mailbox, expect to pay $50–$200, depending on the mailbox and post style.

DIY Living Room Ideas

Revamp The Fireplace

There are many ways to improve a dated fireplace and make it the focal point of your living room. Many will have to do with your existing decor style, budget, and skill level. One of the most straightforward DIY ideas is using peel-and-stick tiles or giving it a cottage appearance using paint and glaze for a  European style. 

However, you can transform your fireplace with a fresh coat of paint in the surround and update the mantel to create a fresh focal point in your living area. 

Materials: Sandpaper, heat-resistant paint of your liking, paintbrushes, and a new mantel. 

Instructions: Clean your fireplace’s surround, removing any soot and dust. Then, lightly sand the surface to prepare it for painting. Use your brushes to apply the paint. If you decide to replace the mantel, carefully remove the old one and install the new one. 

DIY Estimated Cost: Between $50–$100 if you only paint; $100–$500 if adding a new mantel.

Upgrade Lighting

The simplest of DIY lighting projects have the ability to brighten the space right away, providing a welcoming vibe and accentuating everything else in the room, from the color on the walls to the furniture and decor. 

On this occasion, we propose replacing outdated light fixtures in your living room with modern ones. You may hire an electrician, but they currently charge between $50 and $150 per hour, so if you want to save on home renovation projects, roll your sleeves!

Materials: The new light fixtures of your choosing, screwdrivers, wire connectors, and voltage tester. Restore the power and test the new light. 

Instructions: Turn off the power to the existing light fixture at the breaker box and remove the old fixture carefully. Following the manufacturer’s instructions, install the new fixture, ensuring all wire connections are secure. Restore the power 

DIY Estimated Cost: Light fixtures range from $50 to $200, depending on style and quality.

Install Floating Shelves

Transform your living room into a haven of style and organization with this practical DIY house renovation idea. Placing floating shelves will help you recuperate an empty wall, allowing you to adorn the space with books, travel memories, and other treasures while giving it a sense of elegance. 

Materials: You’ll need the floating shelving units or lumber for custom shelves, brackets and mounting hardware for your project, drill and screw, paint or stain (optional), and a level and measuring tape.

Instructions: Measure the area where you want to place the shelves. Use your level to mark bracket placements on the wall. Then, install the brackets using a drill or screwdriver. Finally, attach the shelves to the brackets securely.

DIY Estimated Cost: Expect to spend $50–$200, depending on materials and number of shelves you want to install.

DIY Dining Room Ideas

Do a Peel-And-Stick Accent Wall

Does your home’s formal dining room look average? With this simple renovation hack, you can easily create the perfect accent wall without breaking the bank. A stylish peel-and-stick design can refresh and elevate the room’s main wall, creating an eye-catching contrast with the rest of the room’s elements. Dinner parties and gatherings will never be boring again!

Materials: A fabulous peel-and-stick wallpaper or vinyl (choose a design that complements your room well), measuring tape, pencil, level, utility knife or scissors, squeegee, or smoothing tool. You may also need a step stool or ladder to easily reach the top of the wall. 

Instructions: Measure the wall to determine how many rolls of peel-and-stick wallpaper you’ll need. Purchase slightly more than required in case you need it for pattern matching or to mend errors. It is time to clean the wall and let it dry thoroughly. Starting from the top (use the step stool if you need it), align the first strip of wallpaper with the edge of the wall. 

Use a level to ensure it’s straight. Peel the backing paper a little at a time and smooth the wallpaper onto the wall with a squeegee to get rid of air bubbles. Repeat with additional strips, carefully aligning patterns (if applicable). Trim the wallpaper excess at the edges using the utility knife for a clean finish.

DIY Estimated Cost: You’ll pay around $50–$200, depending on the size of the wall and the type of peel-and-stick wallpaper you picked.

Add Privacy With a Sliding Barn Door

When there’s no door between high-traffic areas of your home, be it the dining room and the kitchen or the dining room and the living room, you can reclaim privacy by installing a cute sliding barn door. DIY and create a versatile, space-saving partition that does not require swinging open and closing, and it looks modern and sleek, maximizing visual flow between the spaces. 

Pro Tip: A pre-finished barn door will save you time, but paint it yourself if you feel extra crafty.

Materials: Get a sliding barn door kit (it includes door and hardware), a drill and screws, your measuring tape, a level, and a pencil.

Instructions: Measure the doorway to determine the correct size of the barn door and hardware kit. There are several size options in the market, or you can evaluate going with two sliding doors if the space exceeds the standard door sizes. 

When ready, follow the instructions in your kit to mount the sliding track above the doorway, ensuring it’s level. Attach the barn door to the track, following the provided guidelines. Test your door’s movement, making the adjustments needed. You may add decorative handles or locks.

DIY Estimated Cost: $150–$500, depending on the door style and size.

Install a Statement Pendant Lighting

A statement light fixture above your dining table, such as a bold chandelier or sleek pendant, can instantly improve your dining room’s ambiance. It is a stunning centerpiece that speaks loudly about your good taste and creates a warm and inviting atmosphere for get-togethers and family meals. 

Pro Tip: When selecting a statement fixture, consider the size of your dining room and table. Aim for balance to achieve the perfect look. If your fixture seems too small, you can install more than one. 

Materials: Get a chandelier or pendant light that you like. You can easily buy one, but search your local thrift stores for a lower-cost alternative. You’ll also need a screwdriver, a voltage tester, wire connectors, and a ladder.

Instructions: Turn off the power to the existing light fixture at your home’s breaker box for safety; then remove the old fixture, exposing the ceiling wiring. Assemble your new light fixture according to the manufacturer’s instructions and connect the new fixture’s wires to the ceiling wires. The wire colors should match (black to black, white to white, etc.). Secure them with wire connectors. Attach your new fixture to the ceiling, ensuring it’s stable and aligned. You’re ready to turn the power back on and test it. 

DIY Estimated Cost: Around $100–$300, depending on the fixture design.

DIY Bedroom Ideas

Create a Closet Office

The closet of a guest room is not going to be underutilized anymore. A tiny yet highly functional office space can remain concealed so the room continues to fit its purpose, but you’ll gain a dedicated space for working or homeschooling. This clever closet makeover 

will be a productivity haven without taking up additional room in your home.

Pro Tip: The sliding or bi-fold closet doors can conceal the office when not in use, or you can simply remove the doors to create an open nook that integrates with the room’s design.

Materials: For this DIY home remodeling, you need a small desk or wood panel, floating shelves or adjustable shelving units, paint or wallpaper for the back wall (optional), task lighting, such as a desk lamp or puck lights, storage bins, organizers, or baskets, and a chair that fits in

Instructions: Clear out the closet of everything, including rods or shelves not needed for the setup. Make the wall smooth by patching holes and cleaning. Consider painting or applying wallpaper. Place the traditional desk in or install a wall-mount desk that fits. Now, it’s the turn of the shelving units to be mounted over the desk for storage and decor and adding the desk lamp or stick-on puck lights for illumination. Use the storage to keep the office supplies and style the space to your liking with artwork, faux plants, etc. 

DIY Estimated Cost: $200–$500, depending on your existing materials and the closet size.

Install Accent Lighting

For added warmth and depth in your suite, think accent lighting! Installing call sconces or LED strip lights is an effective and easy way to create an inviting and cozy atmosphere, and this is a home improvement you can do on your own. 

Materials: Your choice of wall sconces or LED strip lights, screws and mounting hardware, drill, level, and measuring tape.

Instructions: Decide where accent lighting will most impact, such as above the headboard or along architectural features or works of art in your room. Then, use the measuring tape and level to mark the exact placement of each fixture. To install, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to mount the sconces or attach the LED strips. Use cable covers or run wiring behind walls for a clean look.

DIY Estimated Cost: Around $50–$150, depending on the type and number of fixtures.

Change The Wallpaper

Your bedroom should be your retreat—a space that feels inviting and comforting no matter the time of day. If the vibe feels off lately, it’s a clear sign your sanctuary could use a refreshing update. A new wallpaper can dramatically transform the space, adding personality and style, and it’s a DIY you can complete over the weekend without sweating. Need an easy and removable option? Consider peel-and-stick wallpaper. 

Materials: A peel-and-stick wallpaper of your liking, measuring tape, a utility knife, a smoothing tool (like a squeegee), and a step ladder.

Instructions: Give the walls a good clean-up to remove dust. Measure the height and width of the wall and cut the wallpaper into strips, allowing a slight excess for trimming. Apply the wallpaper starting from the top, peel off the backing, and carefully stick the wallpaper to the wall, smoothing out bubbles as you go. Trim any excess.

DIY Estimated Cost: $50–$200, depending on the wallpaper quality and wall size.

DIY Kitchen Ideas

Repaint Cabinets

According to Angi, replacing your old kitchen cabinets with new ones costs an average of $6,386. This potentially delivers an ROI of 80% or higher, making it one of the most cost-effective and impactful kitchen improvements. 

A more cost-effective alternative is repainting the cabinets. A fresh coat of paint can dramatically transform your kitchen cabinets, giving your space a modern and updated look without the expense of replacing them.

Materials: You’ll need a degreaser or mild cleaner, sandpaper or medium and fine grit, painter’s tape, primer, high-quality paint, paintbrushes, small rollers, and drop cloths. 

Instructions: Remove your cabinet doors and hardware, and clean all the surfaces to remove grease and grime. Lightly sand the cabinets and wipe away dust with a damp cloth. Apply a coat of primer, let it dry, and then go with the first coat of paint. Allow to dry before going for a second coat. Once your cabinets dry, reattach the doors and hardware.

DIY Estimated Cost: Approximately $200–$600, depending on kitchen size and the paint quality.

Add a Sink Water Filter

Imagine sipping clean, refreshing water straight from your tap—no more bulky pitchers or bottled water. Ever. Installing an under-sink water filter is like giving your kitchen a secret upgrade, delivering great-tasting water for all your drinking and cooking needs while boosting your home’s water quality.

Materials: Under-sink water filter kit (includes filter, tubing, and all the fittings), adjustable wrench, Teflon tape, a bucket or towel to catch water, a drill, a marker, or a pencil. 

Instructions: Choose the filter location under the sink, then shut off the cold-water valve under your sink. Open the faucet to release any remaining water pressure. With the adjustable wrench, disconnect the cold-water supply line from the faucet. Place a bucket or towel beneath to catch any drips. Wrap Teflon tape around the threads of the filter kit’s adapter, then attach it to the faucet connection where the cold-water line was removed.

Attach one end of the provided tubing to the adapter you just installed. Connect the other end to the filter’s inlet, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Use the second tubing to connect the filter’s outlet to the faucet or a dedicated filtered water dispenser, depending on your setup. Secure the filter unit to the cabinet wall or another convenient spot using screws and brackets included in the kit. Drill pilot holes if needed. Check the connections and test the system.

DIY Average Cost: $50–$200, depending on your chosen filter system.

A New Backsplash

Updating your kitchen backsplash with peel-and-stick tile adds charm and personality to the space. It serves as a focal point that ties the room together. This straightforward DIY home renovation idea can be realized with little money and time. 

Materials: Peel-and-stick backsplash tiles or panels, measuring tape, your level, a utility knife, cutter, scissors, cleaning supplies (soap, water, and a microfiber cloth).

Instructions: Clean the area and lay out your tiles to determine the best fit. Use a notched trowel to spread adhesive on the wall in small sections. Press your tiles into the adhesive, using spacers for even gaps and trim as needed to fit edges and corners. Once the adhesive sets, remove spacers and apply grout with a float, filling all joints. Wipe excess grout and let dry.

DIY Average Cost: $100–$500, depending on your materials and the kitchen size.

DIY Bathroom Ideas

Refresh the Bathroom Floors

When looking for a dramatic change in your bathroom, do not underestimate the power of revamping the floor. A simple DIY project, like using peek-and-stick, water-resistant vinyl to renew the flooring can transform the room’s appearance and give it renewed splendor. 

Materials: Vinyl tiles, measuring tape, utility knife, straightedge ruler, cleaning supplies.

Instructions: Start by preparing the floor by cleaning it thoroughly. Measure the floor and plan the tile layout to minimize cutting and ensure a balanced appearance. Starting from the center of the room, peel the backing off each vinyl tile and press it firmly onto the floor, following the layout you previously planned. Use the knife and straightedge to cut tiles to fit along the walls and fixtures.

DIY Average Cost: Between $50–$100, depending on bathroom size and the choice of tiles.

New Bathroom Hardware

Replacing outdated hardware, such as faucets, towel bars, and cabinet handles, can modernize your bathroom’s look with minimal effort. Here’s what you need to make it happen in no time.

Materials: The new hardware (faucets, handles, towel bars…), a screwdriver, an adjustable wrench, and plumber’s tape (for faucets).

Instructions: Make sure the hardware you pick matches your bath’s style and existing fittings.

Unscrew and detach existing hardware carefully and install the new ones, ensuring they are secure. For faucets, use the plumber’s tape on threads to prevent leaks.

DIY Estimated Cost: $50–$200, depending on the quality and number of pieces you replace.

Get a Showerhead Replacement

Switching to a new showerhead is an easy way to save water and take your shower to the next level. Today’s showerheads come packed with cool features like multiple spray settings and improved water flow. Ready for every shower to feel like a spa day?

Materials: Your selected showerhead, an adjustable wrench, plumber’s tape, a soft cloth

Instructions: With the wrench, remove the old showerhead. Wipe the shower arm threads clean to remove any debris or old tape. Wrap the plumber’s tape clockwise around the threads to ensure a watertight seal. Screw the new showerhead onto the shower arm by hand, then tighten gently with the wrench. Do not overtight. Turn on the water and check for leaks. 

DIY Estimated Cost: $20–$100, depending on the showerhead model.

DIY Backyard Ideas

Update Your Landscaping

Wake up your inner gardener and give your backyard a fresh look with a DIY landscaping update. Adding flower beds, shrubs, and decorative features is a simple way to bring life and personality to your outdoor space while increasing your home’s value.

Materials: Assorted plants, mulch or decorative stones, gardening tools (shovel, rake, trowel)

edging materials (optional).

Instructions: First, plan your design by sketching a layout. Consider your plants and decorative elements; you can find inspiration online. Clear your desired spot from vegetation and debris, and choose plants suitable for your climate and soil type. Start planting, then apply mulch or decorative stones around plants to retain moisture and reduce weeds. Install edging materials to define garden beds and pathways, if desired.

DIY Estimated Cost: Between $200–$500, depending on plant selection and area size.

Build An Outdoor Path

It is easy to create your own garden path, and this little DIY will greatly enhance your backyard’s aesthetics and functionality, providing a clear walkway and reducing soil compaction.

Materials: The material for the pathway(gravel, mulch, bricks, or stepping stones), landscape fabric, edging elements (optional), sand (if you use bricks or stones), shovel and rake, and tamper for leveling. 

Instructions: Once you designed your path’s shape and direction, outline it with stakes and string, then prepare the ground, removing grass and topsoil along the path’s route to a depth of about 4–6 inches. Place fabric to prevent weed growth. Add a 2-inch layer of sand for brick or stone paths and level it. Install your pathway material (brick, stone, gravel, mulch)

evenly along the path and set edging to keep them in place and define its borders.

Use a tamper to level and compact your path.

DIY Estimated Cost: $100–$300, depending on materials and path length.

Hang Some String Lights

Almost anything will look better with string lights in your backyard: between trees, on a patio or deck, over a canopy or pergola, on poles, attached to fences or walls, or on a balcony or porch. The alternatives are almost endless. Let string lights add warmth and ambiance to your backyard with this little DIY backyard idea. 

Materials: Outdoor string lights of your desired design, hooks or mounting hardware

extension cords, ladder, measuring tape

Instructions: Start by deciding where you want to hang the lights, consider trees, fences, a pergola, or poles. Measure the distance for each light strand and mark the mounting points.

Attach hooks or other hardware at the marked points. Hang the lights. Use zip ties or clips to secure the lights and prevent sagging. Connect the lights to a power source.

DIY Estimated Cost: $30–$100, depending on the number and type of light strings.

Final Words: DIY Home Remodeling 

Transforming your home doesn’t have to drain your wallet. Embrace the DIY trend, just like 81% of homeowners across the country who are rolling up their sleeves and tackling projects themselves. Hopefully, these 21 budget-friendly DIY home renovation ideas inspired you to breathe new life into your space, increase its value, and make it more welcoming—all without the expense of hiring a pro. 

Whether you’re repainting kitchen cabinets, stringing lights in your backyard, or refreshing your landscaping, these simple yet impactful projects show how a little creativity and effort can completely transform a home.