Home Improvement: Top Projects for Under $2,500

A price tag of $2,500 is in the sweet spot for many home improvement projects. It represents a little more than two weeks' salary for the average U.S. household. It's also about the amount of the average federal tax refund. Projects paid with Uncle Sam's givebacks may not be game-changers, but they can still have a substantial impact in terms of comfort, aesthetics, and energy efficiency.

Here are the top 10 candidates for home improvement projects under $2,500, with average cost figures compiled from data provided by homeowners across the country who actually completed these projects.