Why projects on the weekend are worth it
Improving your home doesn’t always have to be a big job or require skilled help. Simple jobs you can do yourself over the weekend can sometimes make a huge difference in how your home looks, how comfortable it is, and even how much it’s worth on the market. These changes not only make your room look and feel better, but they can also make it more appealing to buyers in the future, which can increase your return on investment. The best part is that they don’t need weeks of work or a lot of money.
Paint the Walls Brighter
Painting something new is one of the fastest and most effective ways to change the look of a room. Adding new paint can quickly make a room look brighter and more modern, whether you’re changing an old color or covering up scuffs and marks. Neutral colors, such as warm whites, soft grays, and greige, look good on everyone. For a bold project over the weekend, you could paint an accent wall or use painter’s tape and stencils to try out different patterns.
Change your light fixtures
The way a room is lit can change how people feel in it. Getting newer light fixtures to replace old ones can make your home look a lot better. You might want to replace the lights in the kitchen, hallway, bedrooms, or attic. Adding dimmer switches or LED lights that use less energy can also make the space feel better and work better. You don’t have to be a plumber to do this—many choices are plug-in or easy-to-install, so you can do it yourself over the weekend.
Use wallpaper or wood to make a wall stand out
Adding peel-and-stick wallpaper or old wood to a wall makes a room more unique right away. You can use wallpaper with large designs, rough prints, or natural tones to create a feature wall in a living room or bedroom. You could give one wall a more modern or country look by adding wood boards or shiplap. These changes don’t cost much, don’t take much time, and have a big effect.
Put in new cabinet hardware
Making small changes to cabinet knobs and drawer pulls can make a big difference in bathrooms and kitchens. Your cabinets can look brand new with new hardware that is finished in brushed nickel, matte black, or old brass. Most of the gear can be installed with just a screwdriver, so this is a great job for a Saturday afternoon that will look great right away.
Landscaping can make your home look better from the street
It’s just as important to improve the outside of your home as it is the inside. You can make your yard look nice by planting flowers, cutting back bushes, and adding new mulch. For a new look, you could put plants in pots near the front door or paint the mailbox. Solar-powered path lights can also be added to make your entrance more inviting and useful at night.
Put a backsplash in the kitchen
You don’t have to spend a lot of money to change the way your kitchen looks; all you need is a new backsplash. There are a lot of different types of peel-and-stick tiles, such as subway, marble, and mosaic. These are smart and stylish for the weekend because they are waterproof and easy to put on. And if you’re more skilled, classic tile and grout will give your room a more lasting look and feel.
Frame your bathroom mirror. Most bathroom mirrors that are made by builders don’t have much personality. Adding a simple frame made of wood or trim can make the look better right away. Cut the pieces to fit the mirror, paint or stain them, and then use glue to stick the frame straight to the glass. This easy do-it-yourself project will give your bathroom a custom, designer-look without the high cost.
Make open shelves
Open shelves look nice and are useful at the same time. You can put them in halls, bathrooms, kitchens, or even bathrooms to hold everyday things or show off decorations. You can make stylish hanging shelves out of wood pieces and frames. You can paint or stain them to fit the colors in your house. This project is great for small rooms that need more storage but don’t want to add big furniture.
Make your front door better
People notice your front door as soon as they walk up to your house. Painting your front door a bright, cheerful color like red, blue, or deep green can make a huge difference in how it looks from the street. For a more finished look, you might want to get rid of old locks or add a stylish door knocker. You can also add a smart lock or a touch enter system to make the home safer and more modern.
Change out old showerheads and faucets
It’s surprisingly easy to update the look and function of your bathroom by replacing old taps or showerheads. To make it look better and work better, choose new designs that use less water. With just a wrench and some plumber’s tape, you can make this small change that makes your kitchen or bathroom feel newer and better.
Make your own mudroom area
If your house doesn’t have a formal mudroom, you can make a small one near the front door or in a hallway nook. Put coat hooks on the wall, a bench with storage space under it for shoes, and baskets for everyday things. You can paint or use peel-and-stick wallpaper to make the area clear and stand out. This useful feature is ideal for families and people who want to buy a house.
Power wash the outside of thingsIt’s not always necessary to change things to improve them. If you power wash your driveway, sidewalk, deck, or patio, you can get rid of years of grime and make everything look new again. It’s cheap to rent a power washer, and the effects are often amazing. In just a few hours, you can finish one of the most enjoyable do-it-yourself jobs.
Fill in cracks and holes around doors and windows
There is a secret value boost in making your home more energy efficient. Put weatherstripping and caulk around windows and doors to fill in any gaps that let air in or out. Your home will feel warmer, and your energy bills will go down with this easy fix. It also lets potential sellers know that the house has been well taken care of and is energy-efficient.
Small projects lead to big rewards
You don’t have to spend a lot of money on big repairs to make your home better. With some imagination and a few hours on the weekend, you can work on projects that make things look better, work better, and be worth more in the long run. These do-it-yourself projects range from painting and replacing tools to improving lighting and street appeal. They are easy to do, fun, and great for anyone who wants to make the most of their room.
