These home improvement ideas - for inside and outside your home - won’t break the bank.
You don’t need a sledge hammer or a winning lottery ticket to make your home cozier, cooler, cuter or fresher. There are plenty of desirable features you can add to your home for $5,000 or less. And if you’re willing to DIY, you can save even more.
Zillow teamed up with the home improvement website Thumbtack to identify and price popular projects that buyers are excited about, based on the homes they save or share on Zillow and the cost of those projects, as tracked by Thumbtack. These prices* reflect how much it costs to hire a local professional to do the work for you, plus the cost of materials.
The analysis used data from 3.9 million homes listed for sale on Zillow between June 2023 and May 2024. Economists then looked for the presence or absence of 265 features mentioned in the listing descriptions to identify the most popular features.
“This data can reassure homeowners that they don’t need to undergo a massive renovation to make a big impact on a home and increase buyer appeal,” said Morgan Olsen, Thumbtack’s design expert. “Whether it’s a DIY project or pro-worthy, these small changes can make a significant transformation.”
If you’re unable to manage the stress or the cost of a large renovation, or you’re curious about what you can do to jazz up your space, inside and out, here are 10 of the most highly desired features that are surprisingly affordable.
1. Add window boxes
Add color and curb appeal to your home with a rectangular container for flowers, plants or herbs that sits just below the window sill, perfect for gazing or picking. Professional installation will run you $100–$150, based on a national average, according to Thumbtack. Depending on the type of window box you’re installing (and how many windows you have), materials could run another $15 to $900.
2. Hang open shelving
Do you have beautiful or meaningful objects you want displayed without filling your home with curio cabinets? Try open shelving. The average national cost is $275 for professional installation only. The shelves will cost you extra; just how much depends on the materials you choose. According to Thumbtack, closet systems and shelving installations are up 31.5% year over year.
3. Paint your brick walls
If you love the color rust, skip to the next one. But if you’re eager for more color choices to compliment the sculptural shape of brick, try painting it. The average national cost runs around $1.85–$3.03 a square foot, while the national cost average for labor, material and equipment is $4,600–$7,600.
4. Embellish with vintage touches and finishes
Adding vintage touches and features to your home can infuse it with charm and character, add architectural interest or even hide imperfections. Pricing for vintage decor and features runs the gamut, but you can grab eye-catching vintage pieces and accessors for under $100. For example, vintage-style crown molding can make your walls seem larger while setting you back $2–$50 a linear foot, depending on the material.
5. Install an outdoor TV
Cool off in your stock-tank pool or hot tub while enjoying one of summer’s hottest features: an outdoor television. Outdoor TV installations are up 12.7% year over year, according to Thumbtack. The average national cost runs $175–$300, though costs could increase depending on your homes’ electrical capabilities and the need for weatherproofing.
6. Erect a picket fence
This is an iconic feature that remains the stuff of dreams. A Thumbtack study found that (39%) of homeowners said their dream yard would have a fenced-in space for pets. Living that dream will cost you $7-$45 a linear foot, based on national averages. And just think of how it’ll look on Instagram.
7. Add a pergola
Homeowners have gone gonzo for outdoor spaces in recent years. And as they spend more time in their yards in record-setting temperatures, they’re looking to take it down a notch with some shade. Pergolas are perfect for that. The average national cost for one runs $3,600 for a 10-by-10-foot pergola, including labor and materials.
8. Construct a fire pit
Few things mesmerize and warm the soul as much cozying up around a fire pit, toasting marshmallows and gazing at stars. This DIY-friendly project costs a few hundred dollars, depending on the kit or materials you purchase. The best part: everything you need is available at your local hardware store.
9. Hook up an outdoor sound system
Dying to throw a dance party on the deck? Or maybe get some better sound when you’re kicking back with a beverage while watching your outdoor TV? Try installing a sound system outside. The average national cost is $500–$2,000, depending on the type and quality of the system. Thumbtack recommends installing the system at the same time as an outdoor TV to same time and money.
10. Install smart lighting
Having control over home lighting through apps, voice commands, wifi or smart home technology has become increasingly attractive to homeowners. Installations of smart home lighting are up 21.8% year over year, according to Thumbtack, with lighting being a huge part of the increase. The average national cost is $308 for installation.
“Certain low-lift projects can deliver a high payoff because they elevate a home in the mind of a buyer,” said Amanda Pendleton, Zillow’s home trends expert. “These features bring a wow factor to a home or they serve as a signal that a home is up-to-date, well-maintained or move-in ready. When it’s time to sell, these features may ultimately help a home sell faster or for more money, because there will likely be more competition for that home among buyers.”
Methodology: *Pricing data is based on national average cost estimates and ranges using data provided either by Thumbtack pros or from external research; real prices may vary based on city and supply. Consult a pro for accurate pricing information.
Article by Susan Kelleher 8.15.2024
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