Top 7 Budget-Friendly House Remodeling Ideas For 2023

Erin Gobler

6 - Minute Read

UPDATED: May 25, 2023

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Renovating your home can help bring new life and energy to an old space. Not only that, but it can also increase the value of your home, making it a great financial investment in the long term.

Unfortunately, renovations are often known for their large price tags, especially with the supply chain issues and inflation rates we’ve experienced throughout the pandemic. But that doesn’t have to stop you from creating your dream space. Whether you’re hiring a professional or going the DIY route, there are plenty of budget-friendly remodeling ideas you can do this year.

Fund your renovations with a cash-out refinance.

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Home Renovation Ideas On A Budget

One of the reasons that home renovations can be so expensive is that you’re often hiring a contractor to do the job. Not only is there often an upcharge on supplies when you hire someone else for your renovation, but you’re also paying labor costs, which can add thousands of dollars to the job.

DIY remodeling projects have always been a popular way to save money. And during the pandemic, even more people took on home remodeling projects themselves, whether it was due to budget constraints, long waits for contracting services or simply to avoid having other people in their homes.

There’s no doubt that doing your own renovations can be a lot of work, but DIYers are often rewarded with financial savings. Below, we’ll talk about some of the most popular DIY remodeling ideas for 2022.

Note: One of the biggest hurdles with any home renovation is the price tag. Consider a cash-out refinance to pull equity from your home to fund your remodel. Fill out a refinance application with Rocket Mortgage® today.

1. Kitchen

If you’ve explored the idea of making updates to your home, then you probably already know that kitchen remodels are some of the most expensive projects. However, they’re also one of the most popular projects since they tend to add value to the home.

If a full kitchen remodel isn’t in the budget for you, it’s still possible to get a similar effect by changing a few interior design features. Here are a few budget-friendly kitchen remodel ideas to consider for your home:

  • Refinishing countertops
  • Replacing backsplash tiles
  • Painting the kitchen island and cabinetry
  • Adding new kitchen cabinet hardware
  • Choosing a new rug for your kitchen floor

Because of the popularity of kitchen upgrades, it’s easy to find kitchen remodeling tips that will help make the job easier. And while not all kitchen projects can be DIY, you can still make a major difference in the space and help it feel brand new.

2. Bathroom

Bathroom remodeling costs have risen dramatically in recent years, and it’s easy to end up with a huge price tag with all the upgrades you could make. The good news is you can give your bathroom a brand-new look while still saving money if you do some of the work yourself.

Here are just a few ideas for quick projects to create a spa-inspired bathroom on a budget:

  • Repainting vanity cabinets
  • Replacing the mirror or the frame
  • Installing new faucets
  • Hanging up artwork
  • Painting the wall or cabinets

Unfortunately, there are many parts of a bathroom remodel you probably can’t do yourself, including replacing flooring. In that case, you can hire a local contractor to do the more labor-intensive side of the job.

3. Dining Room

Your dining room is often the living space where your family gathers to share a meal, whether it’s every evening or just for special occasions. However, it’s still the part of the floor plan that many homeowners forget about when they’re making home updates.

The good news is the dining room is often one of the easiest rooms to upgrade on a budget. There are plenty of changes you can make yourself that won’t cost much. Here are a few design ideas for your dining room that can help bring new life to the space:

  • Installing new light fixtures
  • Adding built-in shelving
  • Making a gallery wall
  • Adding a new rug
  • Painting the walls or adding a pop of color

Need extra cash for home improvement?

Use your home equity for a cash-out refinance.
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4. Living Room

The living room is the part of the home where many families spend most of their time. As a result, it’s often one of the best places to give a facelift your family will enjoy.

The good news is that, like dining rooms, living rooms are often some of the cheapest rooms to add DIY upgrades on a budget. Here are a few tips to help you revamp your living room without hiring a contractor:

  • Adding a new rug
  • Buying new throw pillows
  • Finding a peel-and-stick flooring option
  • Hanging new curtains or blinds
  • Upgrading your furniture
  • Painting the walls or adding a pop of color

5. Patio And Yard

Many people forget about their outdoor space when considering home upgrades. However, making home improvements to your patio or deck can add livable square footage to the home and make it a space where your family genuinely wants to spend time.

Here are a few patio and backyard ideas you can do on a budget this year:

  • Building a fire pit
  • Touching up landscaping
  • Adding a walkway
  • Replanting and weeding flower beds
  • Adding a water feature
  • Buying new outdoor furniture
  • Refinishing a deck
  • Adding a playset if you have children

6. Basement

Whether you have a finished or unfinished basement, there are plenty of upgrades you can do to make the most of the space. If you have a finished basement, you can make the space even more livable for your family and a place you really want to spend time. Even for an unfinished basement, there are DIY projects that can make the space more functional for your family.

Here are some upgrades to consider if you have an unfinished basement:

  • Waterproofing the basement walls
  • Painting the cement floor
  • Adding storage with shelves
  • Putting a dehumidifier downstairs to prevent mold

And here are a few projects to consider if you have a finished basement:

It’s also worth noting that if you don’t have a finished basement, it might be worth hiring a contractor to do the job. Finished basements can add value to a home, making it an attractive upgrade that provides additional living space. And if your family is growing out of your current home, a finished basement can extend your time there by years, which could be worth the investment in the long run.

7. Garage

Your garage may not be one of the first places you think of when planning your home upgrades for the year, but there are still some projects worth considering. First, since your garage is often one of the primary entrances to your home, you can make it more secure by adding digital keypads and other security measures.

Depending on where you live, you could also use your garage as additional living space. While those living in cold climates likely need the garage as a place to park, others might use the space as a home gym or rec room of sorts.

Here are a few DIY upgrades to consider for your garage:

  • Installing a digital keypad
  • Adding a security camera
  • Transforming the space into a home gym
  • Creating a workspace with tool storage
  • Regulating the temperature of the space
  • Adding paint or a rug
  • Installing additional lighting

The Bottom Line

Homeowners around the United States are doing the research necessary to get their home improvement projects off the ground. If you think your home could use a bit of a makeover, now’s the time to follow suit.

Americans are realizing that even minor adjustments can lead to significant gains in their quality of life. So, take a tour around your home and see what work needs to be done. If you’re interested in making larger-scale, pricier improvements to your home, consider a cash-out refinance. It’s one of the most popular ways to fund home upgrades.

Start the process to get a cash-out refinance today. Fill out a refinance application to see your options and get started on your home improvements.

Headshot of Erin Gobler, freelance personal finance expert and writer for Rocket Mortgage

Erin Gobler

Erin Gobler is a freelance personal finance expert and writer who has been publishing content online for nearly a decade. She specializes in financial topics like mortgages, investing, and credit cards. Erin's work has appeared in publications like Fox Business, NextAdvisor, Credit Karma, and more.