If you’re looking for ways to increase the value of your home without making major renovations, small weekend projects can go a long way. Many simple upgrades can improve the look and functionality of your home for less than a few hundred dollars. With just a little time and a modest budget, these weekend home projects can make a noticeable impact on your space and even add long-term value to your home. Whether you live in a townhouse in Washington, DC, or a cabin in Lexington, Kentucky, here are affordable weekend home projects that can be completed quickly for less than $200.
1. Create a statement wall with wallpaper
Wallpaper is a great way to add personality and style to any room. Choose bold patterns and unique textures to create a striking wall in your living room, bedroom, or home office. Many home improvement stores offer affordable, easy-to-apply wallpaper options, and DIY installers can cover a standard wall with budget materials for about $100. The changes will be immediately noticeable and give your space a unique touch that reflects your personal style.
2. Introduction of energy efficient LED lighting
LED bulbs use less energy, last longer than traditional incandescent bulbs, and come in a variety of color temperatures, allowing you to customize the look of your home. LED bulbs typically cost between $3 and $10 each, but you can dramatically change the lighting in your home for less than $100 by updating a few light fixtures.
Energy-efficient lighting can not only improve the look and feel of a space, it can also reduce energy bills and make your home more appealing to buyers by showing it has been thoughtfully updated with the latest cost-saving features.
3. Enhance your bathroom with new fixtures
New fixtures can instantly update the look and feel of your bathroom, taking it from outdated to more modern and sophisticated. For a budget of around $200, you can find quality fixtures in a variety of finishes that add both elegance and functionality to your space. These small updates can also help increase the value of your home by making your bathroom feel more up-to-date and well-maintained. Buyers tend to notice this right away.
4. Freshen up your walls and floors with paint
One of the most cost-effective ways to refresh your home’s interior is with paint. A fresh coat of paint instantly revitalizes a room and creates a new, inviting feel. Choose a color to match your existing furniture and decor.
If you want to get even more creative, consider painting your vinyl flooring. “Do you have ugly tile or vinyl floors? Did you know you can paint them? It’s a cost-effective way to enjoy your home until you plan on replacing your floors in the future,” shares Katie Adams of The Crafty Blog Stalker.
A gallon of paint typically costs between $30 and $60, and with proper preparation and consistency, you can achieve a professional-looking finish.
5. Create a gallery wall
Transform a plain wall into an inviting focal point by creating a gallery wall with a selection of your favorite photos, artwork, or prints arranged in a visually appealing layout. The affordable frames and prints make this an easy weekend project. In addition to enhancing the style of a room, a well-designed gallery wall can make a space feel larger, brighter, and more thoughtfully decorated, leaving a lasting impression on both visitors and potential buyers.
6. Install a smart thermostat
Upgrade your home’s heating and cooling system with a smart thermostat. These devices not only provide convenience, but also help you save energy and reduce your utility bills. Many smart thermostats cost less than $200, but with features like programmable schedules, remote control via a smartphone app, and energy usage insights, you can bet the price will go up from there.
>>Read: Does smart home automation increase the value of your home?
7. Try a woodworking project
If you’re looking for an easy DIY project that will make a noticeable difference to your home, woodworking is a great place to start. “My top tip for small, budget-friendly DIY projects that can be completed in a weekend is to build with wood,” recommends Jen, along with Anna White. “Paint may be cheap, but it rarely adds lasting value or functionality to your home like a simple woodworking project. With inexpensive wood and a few basic tools, you can build custom-sized bookshelves, accent tables, and even permanent fixtures like features and cabinets. Projects like this can add storage, improve the functionality of a space, make your home feel more custom, and even increase the value of your home without the need for a big budget.”
