6 DIY Home Renovations That Can Be Done Over a Weekend

You don’t have any plans on the calendar this weekend, but you’re not interested in lounging around the house. Instead, you want to use your idle time to complete a home improvement project.

Quick and relatively easy, you’d like to tackle a project that won’t take any longer than this Saturday and Sunday to accomplish. This will allow you to wake up Monday morning feeling like you truly made the most of a free weekend.

Maybe you want to make your home more uniquely yours or perhaps you’d like it to be a little more comfortable. A weekend is plenty of time to complete minor projects that can make a huge difference.

Whether you’re pretty handy around the house or more of a novice, there’s no shortage of DIY projects to choose from. Of course, some might require a bit more know-how than others, so be realistic about your abilities — or call in a favor from a friend with the right skills. Ready to get to work? Here’s a look at six DIY home renovations you can do this weekend.

• Cost: $10-$40 for exterior paint

Your front door greets every guest to your home, and right now, it isn’t sending the best message. If the paint is chipped, cracked, faded or simply doesn’t match your preferred aesthetic, it’s time for a fresh coat.

Generally speaking, it takes around one quart of exterior paint to cover a standard — 80 inches by 36 inches — front door, according HomeAdvisor. Of course, you’ll also need primer and painting tools, which will add to the cost.

• Cost: $300

If your kitchen is a little boring, spice it up with a backsplash. This is a great way to freshen up a dated space or add personality to an otherwise generic kitchen.

In addition to the tiles, to tackle a backsplash project on your own, you’ll need a trowel, rubber float, cement back board, grout, caulk and spacers, according to Angi. Tile prices vary from around $2 per square foot for ceramic to up to $95 per square foot for marble.

You could opt for a peel-and-stick backsplash, which can start at $4 per square foot, according to Angi. This can be a good option if you’re a renter or want to try a style out before making a long-term decision.

• Cost: From $10-$65 for a 25-pound bag of grout

If you have a steady hand and an abundance of patience, take on the cracked, stained grout in your shower. The most difficult part, expect removing the old grout to take four times longer than installing the new grout, according to Angi.

In addition to the grout itself, you’ll need to purchase a few tools, such as a grout rake, grout float and a large-heavy duty sponge. This will cost around $25-$35.

• Cost: $20-$250

Is your wood deck faded and drab looking? If so, get outside and stain it this weekend — if the weather allows. Overcast days with little to no wind and temperatures in the 60-degree to 75-degree range are ideal, according to Decks.com.

This project will bring back the warm wood glow your deck once had. It will also protect it from the elements and keep it from warping.

The cost varies according to the type of mixture and the amount of stain you’ll need.

• Cost: Varies, but approximately $75-$150 for wallpaper to cover an 8-by-10-foot accent wall

Wallpapering an entire room can be a lot, so give your space an entirely new look by creating an accent wall. This is a great way to add a fun pattern to a room in your home, without going overboard.

In addition to wallpaper, you’ll also need a smoothing tool kit. You can get one on Amazon — including two squeegees, craft knife, tape measure, vinyl tool cutter and more — for $5.99.

• Cost: Approximately $5-$6 per window

If your existing weather stripping is worn or you don’t currently have it on your windows, installing new is a project you won’t regret. In addition to helping keep bugs out, it can make your home more comfortable, while lowering your heating and cooling bills.

Costs vary according to the type and size of your doors and windows. This is a great project to take on before a change in season, to ensure your home is prepared for the elements.