Ever wonder what it’s like to flip a house for less than $5,000? I bought a property for just $4,782 and decided to take on the challenge of turning it into a livable home — one project at a time.
It’s been a mix of ups and downs, but I’ve learned a lot and made some real progress. In this post, I’ll walk you through what’s been done so far, what’s next, and a few lessons from working on a budget home renovation.
Whether you're into DIY home improvement projects or just curious about flipping a house on a budget, this update’s for you.
Installing Hardie Board Siding on a Budget
Let’s start with the outside. One of the first major upgrades I tackled was the siding. I decided to go with Hardie board siding — also known as fiber cement siding — because it’s durable, weather-resistant, and just looks good.
I went with a simple style that I felt fit the home’s size and character.
Why I Chose Fiber Cement Siding
A quick tip for anyone considering this kind of siding: you have to paint it. It doesn’t come pre-finished. But once painted, it gives the house a clean, updated look and should help increase the property’s value.
Fixing the Front Porch and Window Alignment
After finishing the siding, I moved on to installing new doors and windows. Both front and back doors are now up, but I’m still thinking about replacing them again to improve the look and feel of the space.
The front door has a bunch of small windows, which isn't great for privacy. The back door is more solid but doesn’t let in much light. Swapping them might strike a better balance — privacy up front, natural light in the back.
Small Details That Made a Big Difference
I noticed something that drove me crazy — the front porch was slightly tilted, and one of the front windows wasn’t centered. The porch is still being worked on, but the window is now fixed and perfectly aligned. A small win, but it made a big difference.
Budget Home Renovation: Bathroom and Patio Progress
Inside the house, we’ve made some big improvements. A new bathroom has been installed — something every livable house obviously needs. It’s clean, functional, and a huge step forward from where we started.
Outdoor Space Adds Real Value
We’ve also been working on the patio, including the railing. It’s still a work in progress, but once it’s done, it’ll provide a cozy little space to relax outside. For a house this size, every square foot counts — especially outdoor space.
Low-Cost Property Renovation Plans
The next steps include finalizing the porch, making door swaps, and touching up paint around the house. I’m also looking at little ways to make the house feel more finished, like better lighting and adding trim around the windows. These smaller details help make the space feel like home.
Final Thoughts on Flipping a $5K House
This $5K house has come a long way, and there’s still more to do. From Hardie board siding installation to fixing that slightly off-center window, every step has brought me closer to the finish line.
Renovating on a tight budget isn’t always easy, but it’s rewarding — especially when you start seeing the results. If you're thinking about taking on a low-cost property renovation, I hope this gives you some ideas and encouragement.
Stick around for more updates and real-life tips on flipping a house without breaking the bank.
