5 best home Improvement projects for $5,000 or less

Remodel your entrance

The entry doorway gives an instant impression of your home, so change your dull looking entrance to an attractive and live one. Try a new solid door with contemporary fittings and locks or you can update your existing door with paint and new handles. Purchasing a new door from the hardware supply store is a good way to spend your money - just make sure you are able to do the work or hire a handyman to help install it for you. If your front door is fine and you just need to spruce up the front entrance, potted plants, a new exterior light, new house numbers and a new rug can instantly add charm to the exterior. Many of these projects are perfect weekend DIY tasks that don't have to cost a lot of money.

Expected costs: the average price of a front door replacement is about $5,000. If you need to paint your front door, expect to pay around $30 - $100 for supplies.

Modernize the kitchen

Remodeling the kitchen can be expensive, however, if you choose your projects wisely you can make a great impact for $1000. Be sure to choose projects you can do yourself, like updating your cabinet pulls or installing new pendants. And remember that one project, like painting your walls, can go far in terms of updating the look and feel of the space. Even updating your accessories like dishware, linens or rugs can add contemporary colors and style to a neutral space. If you are fairly handy, try updating your cabinet fronts or retiling your backsplash. If you have enough space, you can change the style and functionality of your kitchen by installing an island. It can serve as a breakfast bar, extra cooking area, or an all-purpose worktop. If you do not have enough space, but still wish to have an island, then installing a portable one will be a good idea.

Expected costs: Paint and supplies can cost between $50 - $100. New cabinet hardware can cost between $5 - $20 a piece, or simply spray paint your current handles. New pendant lights can range between $50 - $500 a piece.

Update the bathroom

Bathrooms are generally small rooms where $1,000 can go a long way. Even when hiring a plumber, you could still afford to replace the toilet and sink. Shop sales and look for discontinued models for the best price. New linens and curtains are easy to find on sale, and repainting this room may only take you one weekend to complete. The key is to choose what exactly you want to spend your money on and what will make the biggest impact. If you like to DIY, try updating your plain builder's grade mirror or learn how to tile.

Expected costs: New toilets can be found for around $100 - $300, same with sinks. Vanities can cost more, around $500 - $900.

Get organized

Sometimes just clearing away clutter can enhance a room. Once clutter is contained, it's amazing how much more functional and beautiful a space can be. Sometimes organizing a room or closet is a great rainy-day weekend project and it's easy for the whole family to be involved in donating unused items. Other projects may require help from new cupboards or cabinetry. The garage, for example, is usually one large open space so installing cabinetry is a great way to keep your items organized. Some cabinets are easy to purchase off the shelf and can be installed yourself. You can also consider hiring a professional organizer if the task at hand is too overwhelming. Professional organizers are good for when dealing with difficult to sort objects or for when you simply are too overwhelmed to do it yourself. They can also help set up a better system to keep you organized going forward.

Expected costs: Hiring a professional organizer will vary depending upon their level of expertise as well as your area but expect them to charge by the hour. Cabinetry, boxes, and bins can be purchased for less than $1,000 and customized if you want to add style.

Update lighting

Switch out your old-fashioned lighting fixtures and update them with the latest and energy efficient star rated ones.LED Lighting are the most effecient and last te longest A visit to the most popular home retailer websites will update you with the latest trends in lighting like copper or bronze. Select the fixtures that match the style and decor of your room and think about the size and scale of your lighting pieces. Pendants or chandeliers in attractive metals and designs can create a great impact on the look and feel of a room. Remember that lighting can make a room look larger and more comfortable. Be sure you are using the right type of light bulbs for your rooms.

Expected costs: A quick DIY light replacement or addition (like lamps) can range from $20 - $1,000. If you need to hire an electrician, you may want to choose less expensive lighting to offset your costs. Simply spray painting your current fixtures can cost as little as $20.