10 Best Home Improvement Projects You Can Do for $1,400 or Less
Updated: Mar. 30, 2021If you've got $1,400 to improve your home, here's how to make the most of it, from adding curb appeal to DIYing an outdoor fire pit.
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Build a Faux Ceiling Beam
A decorative faux ceiling beam is probably easier to install than you think and doesn’t have to cost a fortune. You can go with a natural wood look, or maybe paint the beams white.
Makeover a Bathroom on a Budget
You most likely can’t completely gut your bathroom for $1,400, but you could make major improvements to an outdated room. That budget will likely cover painting over old tile, painting or replacing a small bathroom floor with inexpensive materials, replacing a vanity or mirror, etc.
Add Garage Storage
Whether you live in a mansion or a small home, you can never have too much storage. One area where you can add a lot of storage without spending a lot of money is the garage. A bike storage rack is one option to clear up clutter, especially if you have more than one or two bikes. An overhead garage storage rack is also a good option.
Build or Buy an Outdoor Fire Pit
House the best outdoor gatherings this summer with a fire pit. You can buy one online or try building one yourself. Both are great options. Either way, you shouldn’t have to spend more than a few hundred dollars.
Improve Energy Efficiency
An energy audit, sometimes offered for free by local utility companies, is a good way to determine what energy updates your home needs. Small fixes include caulking over window leaks or adjusting a drafty door. Attic insulation is more expensive, but often has one of the highest cost-value ratio of home improvement projects.
Build a Bunk Bed
Bunk beds are easy ways to save storage in the kids’ room or provide some extra sleeping areas in a guest room. If you don’t want to build one yourself, you can also buy one online.
Replace or Spruce Up Walkway
There are a lot of walkway options, from pouring concrete to laying gravel or bricks. If you already have a nice existing walkway, consider planting some bushes along the sides and adding some inexpensive solar lighting.
Lay Down Sod (Small Area)
You probably can’t sod your whole front or backyard, but $1,400 would be enough to patch up some dead areas or a corner of the yard that is currently dirt. Once you’ve decide what grass type to lay down, make sure you know how to prep for sod installation before you start.
Build a DIY Pergola
You can save time by buying a high end pergola online, or you can DIY one for a custom look. Unless you’re getting wild with your plans, you won’t exceed $1,400.
Improve Curb Appeal
It’s hard to go wrong improving curb appeal, and there are so many little things you can do depending on what your home needs. You could replace or paint your front door, paint your trim, add some flower boxes or window shutters, etc. You get the idea.