Want to change things up at home? These home improvement projects can be completed in two days.
There was a marked increase in home renovation projects during the pandemic. Homeowners found themselves stuck at home, and were motivated to improve their living space since they were spending so much more time there. Then people started going back to the office, and life is looking much more like it did before the pandemic. This might mean less time at home to tackle projects, but we don’t have to give up on our redecorating dreams completely. Here’s a list of 6 relatively easy DIY projects that you can get done in a weekend.
Some Quick Tips for a Successful Weekend DIY Project
It’s important to have realistic expectations when it comes to DIY projects. You want to have a clear idea of the time, tools, and skills that will be required to succeed. Home care experts often advise that you budget for more hours than expected, to keep things realistic (and avoid getting discouraged when all doesn’t go to plan). So, if you estimate a project will take you 4 hours, plan on spending at least 6 hours instead.
Next, you need to ensure that you have all the necessary tools your project will require. If you need to purchase any tools or materials, you’ll want to have everything ready to go for your weekend project. If not, your budgeted time is going to get eaten up by trips to the store to get what you need. for things to run smoothly. You increase your chances of a successful Project Day if everything is ready to go when you get started.
And lastly, before you get started, you need to make sure that you have the skills required to complete a project. Certain projects are best left to the pros, like things involving electrical work, gas lines, or major plumbing work. It’s better that you stay safe, and don’t get in over your head with a project that you’re not qualified to take on.
Home Projects You Can Tackle in a Weekend
These weekend DIY projects are manageable for most, and will likely make enough of an impact to be worth the effort.
1. Bring in New Storage Solutions
Adding storage options to a room is an easy way to change things up, and usually means a more organized, functional space. You could tackle the layout of your pantry, add shelving to a closet or bathroom, or consider if adding coat hooks to your home’s entrance would be helpful. Spending a weekend organizing these spaces can make a significant difference.
2. Paint those Walls
Painting a room is a great choice for a significant change that can be made in a weekend. You’ll want to start early, because often more than one coat of paint is needed (with dry-time in between), and you’ll want the paint to dry before you can enjoy the refreshed room.
If you find you can’t get a particular type of paint that you want, or it just feels like too much, you can always change the look of your walls by painting just one feature wall, a doorway or two, or using artwork to bring some personality into your space.
3. Or Add Wallpaper
If you don’t feel like painting but still want to make a significant change to a room, consider adding wallpaper. This is a good way to add in a fun pattern, or color without taking out a paint brush. There are prepasted options today that make this a much easier DIY project than in the past. Start with just one wall if you’re uncertain, or you could wallpaper the inside of a piece of furniture to add some interest.
4. Add a Kitchen Backsplash
There are some tiling projects – think a kitchen or bathroom floor – that can be very time consuming. A kitchen backsplash, on the other hand, is definitely a feasible weekend goal.
With the variety of options available, you can make a big impact with a new backsplash. For a weekend project, make sure you choose tiles that are easy to lay down, and opt for the quick-drying grout.
5. Put in a flower bed
For a weekend project, adding a flower bed or two – or a few planters – is a great way to bring some color and interest to your outdoor space. Unlike a big mulching or tree-removal project, this is certainly a manageable goal for most, and doesn’t require too much time or physical effort.
Visit your local nursery to choose some plants that you like – and take the time to ask the staff for recommendations. They should be able to help you choose something that will do well.
6. Neaten up Your Yard
Spending some time cutting back overgrown plants, removing dead leaves, and tidying up any toys or miscellaneous objects in our backyard is another good (and free!) project to tackle on a weekend. You could also hose off any patios and steps, or maybe add an outdoor rug or new pillows for outdoor seating to bring in a pop of color.
7. Paint or Stain a Deck
Another way to freshen up that outdoor space is by painting or staining your wooden deck. This would ideally be done about every two years, and can be completed in a weekend.
It’s often helpful (and in some cases necessary) to first pressure wash your deck. Do this ahead of time to make sure everything is dry before you get started.
Is the Effort of a DIY Project Worth it?
It’s not always going to save you money, and certainly not time, to tackle a home project yourself. But there is the bonus of having full control over your desired outcome, and maybe learning a new skill. Also there’s no denying the satisfaction that comes from completing a weekend project on your own, or with friends and family. There are certainly worse ways to spend a weekend.
