You might use your weekends to relax after a busy week, but you’d only miss out on completing home improvement projects you’ve put off for a long time. It’s much better to use your free days to spruce up your home, declutter and organize your life.
Let’s look at some of the more popular home renovation trends this year and which weekend home improvement projects you can start immediately.
Most Popular Home Improvement Projects of 2023
According to a 2023 study, interior upgrades — particularly kitchens and bathrooms — remain the most popular home improvement projects among 72% of survey respondents, with many simultaneously taking on three interior projects.
The survey also demonstrated increased electrical, plumbing, and heating and cooling upgrades in older homes. Twenty-eight percent and 25% of homeowners reported upgrading their electrical systems and home automation, respectively — a trend likely due to advancing innovative technology.
Although trends change, home improvement projects show little sign of slowing down overall. Even amid inflation and rising supply and demand issues, homeowners look to tackle smaller tasks first and postpone more extensive renovations.
7 Easy Home Improvement Projects for the Weekend
While some renovations require hiring a contractor and vacating your home for months, more people are spending time doing weekend home improvement projects. Here are seven projects you can complete in one or two days.
Apply Fresh Paint
Have you been thinking about painting the living room? You may want to give your home fresh curb appeal with a bright, colorful door. The weekend is the perfect time to paint rooms, trims, moldings and furniture for a clean aesthetic.
It is best to paint when the weather is nice so you can open a window for ventilation. Paints and sealants usually emit volatile organic compounds, which could lessen air quality and make you and your household sick.
Also read: Vinyl Siding Colors- Here’s How to Choose the Perfect Match
Stain Your Patio or Deck
If the wood on your deck or patio is fading, absorbing too much water, splintering or growing mold and mildew, it’s probably time to stain it again.
Early fall and late spring are usually the most conducive for staining a deck or patio. Wait for a dry, cloudy day when the temperatures hover between 50 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit and humidity is low.
High moisture makes it difficult for wood to retain stain products. Likewise, when temperatures are too cold, it takes much longer for the stain to dry.
Seal Windows and Doors
Weather stripping windows and doors is one of the quickest and most effective home improvement projects to optimize your home’s indoor temperature. Sealing around window panes ensures heat becomes trapped inside and cold air stays out.
You can easily apply fresh caulk or buy a weather-stripping kit for this weekend endeavor. Kits typically require cutting the weather strip to size before applying it. If you decide to caulk, fill in large cracks and press the caulk down using a putty knife.
Add Storage
Creating storage may require creativity, yet installing a closet organization system is possible over a weekend. Start in the garage and work your way indoors — this may require some minor construction.
If this is your first time drilling into a wall, consider using smart power tools. Smart tools often have sensors and automatic shut-off features to prevent injuries and ensure smoother results. Once you get the hang of it, you can add shelving, hanging mechanisms and other types of organization to keep clutter at bay.
Apply a Kitchen Backsplash
Applying a new backsplash in the kitchen may seem complicated and time-consuming, but there are easier methods. You can adhere a tile sheet to the wall with a two-sided adhesive mat and pre-mixed grout.
Whether you want subway tiles or a mosaic, there are thousands of tile sheets to choose from to complete your design. Tile sheets are also easy to cut to size to ensure everything comes together seamlessly. You only need the suitable materials to finish this project in one or two days.
Hang New Light Fixtures
Brighten up your home with new light fixtures. Swap out chandeliers for modern styles and opt for LED light bulbs for greater energy efficiency. Likewise, consider installing lights in a pantry, closet or under your kitchen cabinets.
If you’re inexperienced in installing light fixtures, proceed with caution. Tinkering with electricity can be dangerous. While 30,000 annual electric shocks in the United States are non-fatal, 5% of burn admissions at the hospital are due to electrical injuries.
Upgrade Cabinet Hardware
For as simple of a weekend home improvement project as upgrading hardware, it is surprisingly impactful in altering your home design. Are you looking to create a magical spa-like feeling in your primary bathroom or give your eat-in area a more contemporary style?
Chrome or brushed nickel remains a popular choice for bathroom vanities, while some people have opted for black or gold in their kitchens. Once you’ve finished upgrading your cabinetry hardware in different rooms, consider doing the same for console tables and other furniture with drawers.
Simple Upgrades Are Perfect for the Weekend
Weekend home improvement projects should be easy enough for you to do yourself. Make a checklist of items you can upgrade for each season. You only need one or two days to complete most projects in your house.