This is a sponsored post. All opinions are my own.
Home Improvement Projects in a Weekend
Have some free time over the weekend and want to do some home improvement projects? There are some projects that are relatively easy, take only a weekend to complete and can add overall value to your home. Whether you’re in the process of selling your home in the near future or not, home improvement projects can keep your home fresh and welcoming.
I don’t know about you, but as the weather starts to cool and we begin spending more time inside, I start to look at what needs (or what I want) to be updated. Even small changes can make a big difference for updating and upgrading your home.
Some weekend home improvement projects are easy to do yourself. With the right tools and maybe a good online video tutorial, even the novice DIY-er can handle a weekend project. Other projects may require professional help. Knowing your abilities and limitations can help set the stage before beginning any home improvement project.
Budgeting for Home Improvement Projects
There are a few things to consider when starting a new home improvement project. First, you want to know your budget. If you aren’t looking to spend any money, you may be looking at simple tasks like decluttering closets, rooms and pantries or rearranging furniture.
Below are ideas for various rooms throughout the house at different price points. I have not included actual pricing as that will vary based on your location, style and specific needs. These are general ideas to get you started.
Second, you want to consider your knowledge and abilities. What can you handle to DIY? What projects are worth paying an expert? Setting your expectations ahead of time can help your project run smoothly and give you the results you want.
Lastly, you want to consider your ultimate home goals. Are you upgrading just to bring about some seasonal change? Or are you looking to sell your home soon and want to add value? Knowing your end goal will also help gage the level of projects, budget and manpower you will need.
Weekend Home Improvement Project Ideas
Kitchen
The kitchen is often regarded as one of the most important rooms in the house. In fact, according to a recent survey of home buyers, 80% ranked the kitchen on their top three list of most important spaces. Obviously, we spend a lot of time here to make food, eat and enjoy time with family.
So, upgrading the kitchen can offer a big reward, both for you to enjoy now and in the future if you plan to sell your house. While complete kitchen remodels can cost a ton of money if you go for the best of the best, little things can also make a big difference.
In just a weekend, you can completely change the look and feel of your kitchen with some paint and fixtures. Below are some quick ideas for kitchen home improvement projects based on cost level and whether you can do-it-yourself or need to call in the pros.
Low-cost DIY
- Add new handles or knobs to your cabinet doors.
- Paint your cabinets.
- Paint your kitchen walls.
Mid-cost DIY or professional
- Add a tile backsplash.
- Paint your countertops with epoxy.
- Replace your faucet.
High-cost professional
- Upgrade your countertops to granite.
- Install new cabinets.
- Redo flooring with tile or laminate.
- Buy new appliances.
Living Room
The living room is another focal point of your home. It’s where guests tend to gather (when they’re not congregating in the kitchen around food) and where the family tends to hang out. This space should be cozy and inviting and can also showcase your personality.
There are several projects you can accomplish in a weekend that can update your living room and make it feel like a new space. While living rooms don’t have as high an ROI as kitchens do, you still want your space to feel updated, fresh and comfortable.
The most low-cost options could be painting the room a new color or rearranging furniture. More extensive renovations could include adding built-in custom bookcases or new flooring. The possibilities range based on your budget, time and comfort level.
Low-cost DIY
- Paint the walls.
- Rearrange the furniture.
- Add new artwork or decor.
Mid-cost DIY or professional
- Buy new furniture.
- Update your blinds or window coverings.
- Add a faux fireplace and mantel.
High-cost professional
- Upgrade your flooring.
- Add wood crown molding.
- Install custom bookcases or an alcove unit.
Bathrooms
The bathroom(s) is another room that is super important to keep clean, fresh and updated. I don’t know about you, but I don’t feel good coming out of the shower if the bathroom is a mess. And older or outdated bathrooms sometimes seem like a mess all the time, even if they are perfectly clean!
Another note regarding home value: bathrooms are also regarded highly by buyers. According to a survey of real estate professionals, 42% said bathrooms are one of the most important rooms to keep in good condition.
Simple upgrades can turn an outdated bathroom around and can take only a weekend to complete. Larger and more expensive upgrades, like a new tub or vanity, could be means for calling in the professionals.
Low-cost DIY
- Paint the walls.
- Paint the vanity or wall cabinets.
- Re-caulk the tub and re-grout tile.
Mid-cost DIY or professional
- Update light fixtures.
- Replace old mirrors or medicine cabinets.
- Install new faucets or hardware.
High-cost professional
- Replace the tub or shower.
- Install new cabinets or vanity.
- Install new flooring.
Final Thoughts
Weekend home improvement projects can be fun and rewarding. Whether you are looking for low budget do-it-yourself projects or higher cost professional remodels, there are plenty of ideas to fill your weekend to do list.
Once you decide what room you want to tackle, how much you’re willing to spend, if you can do it yourself or need to hire someone and what you ultimate goal is, you can begin to work through what projects will best suit your needs and budget.
The above list is only a starting point to get your creative juices flowing. Your individual needs, preferences or style may open other possibilities in the realm of home improvement projects. The important thing is to have fun and do what’s best for you and your space.
Many of the projects listed above can be done on your own, but if you want or need to hire a contractor, it’s important to find someone you can trust. It’s a big decision to spend money and invest in your home, so you want to make sure you can hire someone with experience and passion for helping you reach your home goals.
If you live in New Jersey, a local contractor to consider is C Mac Contracting, located at the Jersey Shore. They specialize in several of the professional projects listed above, including kitchen remodeling, custom carpentry and crown molding and bathroom remodeling, among others.
At the end of the day, any weekend home improvement projects can add value to your home life and home value. Take time to work through what’s best for you, pick a weekend and get started!
I agree with finding out what budget category you can handle – low, mid, or high-cost. My husband and I always get a professional quote for a major project and then decide what are the low and mid-costs that we DIY to save money on the entire project.
I love that idea, Allyson! It’s always good to know the budget range of projects. Thanks for reading!
Thank you for this article! This is really very informative for us. I agree with you totally. It gives some true and insightful information on weekend-home improvement projects. Great blog to share!!
Giving your kitchen cabinets a facelift can be much more cost effective than you think. Instead of getting all new custom cabinetry you can get your cabinets refaced which means you keep the skeletal system the same but just upgrade the face of the cabinets which is usually the only think that really needs repair. You can save yourself thousands of dollars and you can give your kitchen an entirely new feel.
Thank you for sharing these ideas! I’m a new homeowner and just got my home repainted by a painting contractor. I’d like to tackle some other home improvement projects when I have time on the weekend and all of these from your list seem doable!