Working on your home is not only a fruitful way to have fun, but it can also help increase the value of your property. However, most home improvement projects take more than just a few days to finish, and if you’re like many other busy homeowners, you probably don’t have enough time to do anything big.
Nevertheless, there are a lot of home improvement projects that you can do on a weekend. If you are looking forward to one to do some work on the house, here are some of the best small projects that you can finish in a day or two:
1. Repaint the fence
Breathing new life into your fence can be as simple as giving it a new layer of paint. Better yet, repainting a whole fence can take only as much as half a day–including applying the second layer and it is relatively inexpensive to do. If you have Trex Horizons horizontal fence, for example, repainting is even easier (especially on your knees) since you’ll be painting the panels left to right instead of top to bottom.
2. Replace the front door
Changing your front door can make a big difference for your home’s curb appeal. And if your door is as old as the house, it may be high time for an update since older doors tend to be less energy-efficient. So not only are you upgrading your home’s exteriors, but you’re also cutting down on energy loss in the process.
3. Refinish the deck
An older deck is prone to rot and is generally unpleasant, appearance-wise. If it’s been a while since you last refinished your deck, considering tackling this project over your next free weekend.
Restoring a deck involves three to four simple steps, which are: making repairs, cleaning the surface, applying the stain, and replacing or repairing the railings (if you have any). Depending on your pace, you can definitely finish the job in just two days; one day for repairing and cleaning, and then one day for applying the stain. However, you won’t be able to use the deck until the stain is completely dry, so be sure that you don’t have any outdoor gatherings planned before you start refinishing your deck.
4. Clear the backyard
You might be putting off this job for months now, so take the weekend as an opportunity to finally get the job done. Clear the backyard of garden equipment, toys, weeds, pet waste, unnecessary lawn decor, and anything else that doesn’t belong there. It will only take half a day at most, and you will end up with a nice outdoor space to relax after you’re done. Better yet, this ‘upgrade’ won’t cost you a dime.
5. Trim the greenery
Save some money on landscaping costs and trim the greenery around the house yourself. Cut the bushes, trim the hedges, saw off overhanging branches, and cut away all other overgrowths on your lawn. Combining both the cutting and clearing processes, this job may not even consume a full day.
However, avoid cutting large branches yourself. To maintain safety, call a professional arborist to do it for you, especially if the branch is hanging over another structure on your property.
6. Install outdoor lighting
Outdoor lighting serves as a deterrent for criminals who might lurk around your neighborhood at night. More than that, it can minimize the risk of accidents by keeping walkways well-illuminated. If your outdoor lighting is a little bit lacking, use the weekend to install some outdoor lights, such as bollards, in-ground lights, wall sconces, and more.
7. Fix cracks on the pavement
When left ignored, small cracks in the pavement can grow bigger and cause even more damage to surrounding slabs or structures. That said, be sure to address cracks in the pavement as soon as they appear. Use a ready-to-use sealant to patch cracks in the concrete or asphalt to keep them from growing larger. Sealants can be found in most home improvement and hardware stores, and are generally inexpensive at $5 to $10 per tube.
8. Install gutter guards
Leaves, branches, nuts, and other types of debris accumulate on your gutters over time. It is extremely important to clear them out to prevent your gutters from clogging and causing water damage to your home’s exteriors. However, clearing out your gutters time and time again can be a tedious process. Luckily, you have the option of installing gutter guards, which makes clean-up easier and prevents your gutters from clogging in any type of weather.
Weekends are generally for rest and recreation, but home improvement projects can be relaxing and fun, too. If you have a free weekend coming up, try one or more of these exterior home improvement projects to increase your property’s quality and gain a great sense of accomplishment in the process.
