If someone gave you $5000 what change would you make in your home. (vinyl, laminate)

[Chemistry_Guy]

I would get a new water heater a few years ahead of schedule.

[eastmemphisguy]

Exterior painting and landscaping.

[davebarnes]

Replace carpet on 2nd floor with hardwood.

[CSD610]

Originally Posted by Threestep

Do you have a sprinkler system?

No

[Tiffer E38]

Extend the deck across the rest of the back of the house and do some better landscaping.

[elhelmete]

We're at the end of our renovation projects and have ZERO energy and brain power left to deal with the infinite choices of furniture. I'd use the $5k to pay someone to shop our living room (only need a few pieces and a rug).

[Jbeechuk]

Master bath upgrades. Heated floors or new tile work in the shower.

[Sheepie2000]

Upgrade the laundry room, replace the stove, or take care of some floor tiles/grout issues.

[chet everett]

The quickest "return on investment" for $5k is very likely a mostly basic "update" of existing bathroom -- if the vanity / sink / lighting in that one room are upgraded it will have BIGGEST IMPACT at lowest cost. Even a bathroom that is less than 10 years old will show wear and "dated" design choices much worse than pretty much any kitchen ...

If you have a more "long term horizon" the best use of $5k is almost certainly upgrading insulation / weather sealing. Though this is not "sexy" in most every part of the country / every climate the relative return through reduced energy costs / increased comfort / better maintenance is absolutely worth it especially if this is a "gift".

[House4kids]

I would change the flooring in living room and if there was still some money left, I would sod and sprinkler a portion of the back yard.