Top 5 Easiest DIY Jobs for Weekend Warriors

For homeowners in Denver and the wider Colorado area, enhancing your home's value and appeal doesn't always require a major renovation. Sometimes, tackling a few well-chosen DIY projects can make a significant difference. If you're looking for impactful improvements you can handle over a weekend, here are five projects that offer great returns with relatively low investment.

1. Revamp with a Fresh Coat of Paint

Painting is one of the most transformative and cost-effective ways to update your home. A new color can change the atmosphere of a room, making it feel brighter, more modern, or cozier. According to Zillow, certain shades can even increase your home's resale value.

How to Do It:

1. Choose Your Colors: Opt for neutral tones like soft grays, beiges, or light blues. These colors are versatile and appeal to a broad range of buyers.

2. Prepare the Space: Move furniture, cover floors with drop cloths, and tape off edges to ensure clean lines.

3. Paint the Walls: Use high-quality paint and tools. Consider using a paint extender to manage the fast drying time in Denver’s dry climate.

4. Finish Up: Allow the paint to dry thoroughly before removing the painter’s tape and replacing the furniture.

Pro Tip: Invest in a good primer if you’re painting over dark colors or patchy walls. This will help achieve a more even finish and reduce the number of coats needed.

2. Upgrade Your Cabinet Hardware

Replacing old cabinet hardware is a simple yet effective way to refresh your kitchen or bathroom. Modern hardware can dramatically change the look of cabinets, making them appear more updated and cohesive. House Beautiful highlights how this small change can make a big difference in both aesthetics and functionality.

How to Do It:

1. Select New Hardware: Choose knobs or pulls that match the style you want to achieve—whether contemporary, traditional, or industrial.

2. Remove Old Hardware: Unscrew the existing knobs or pulls and remove them carefully.

3. Install New Hardware: Align the new hardware with existing holes. For new installations, measure and drill holes precisely to ensure a perfect fit.

4. Secure and Test: Tighten screws firmly and ensure all hardware is aligned properly.

Pro Tip: Use a template for drilling new holes to ensure consistency across all cabinets. If you’re updating hardware on existing holes, measure the spacing to match the new pieces.

3. Install Smart Home Devices

Incorporating smart home technology can greatly enhance convenience and efficiency. Devices such as smart thermostats, lighting, and security systems are increasingly sought after in Denver’s tech-savvy real estate market. Forbes explores how these devices can make your home more attractive and functional.

How to Do It:

1. Choose Devices: Start with essentials like a smart thermostat or smart lighting. Ensure they are compatible with your home’s existing systems.

2. Install and Set Up: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation. Many smart devices connect to your Wi-Fi network and can be controlled via a smartphone app.

3. Configure Settings: Customize settings to optimize energy savings and convenience. For example, set schedules for your thermostat or adjust light brightness and color.

Pro Tip: Before purchasing, check if your home’s Wi-Fi signal is strong enough to support smart devices in all intended areas. Consider a mesh Wi-Fi system if coverage is an issue.

4. Enhance Curb Appeal with Landscaping

Improving your home’s exterior with simple landscaping can boost curb appeal and create a welcoming entrance. In Denver’s real estate market, well-maintained landscaping can significantly impact a buyer's first impression. According to the National Association of Realtors, effective landscaping is a top investment for increasing property value.

How to Do It:

1. Plan Your Design: Choose low-maintenance, drought-resistant plants that thrive in Colorado’s climate. Native species like lavender and sage are excellent options.

2. Prepare the Area: Clear existing weeds or debris and prepare the soil for new planting.

3. Plant and Mulch: Plant your chosen flora according to their spacing requirements. Apply mulch around the base to retain moisture and prevent weeds.

4. Maintain Regularly: Water and trim plants as needed to keep your landscaping looking fresh and attractive.

Pro Tip: Use landscape lighting to highlight key features and extend the visual appeal of your garden into the evening.

5. Install a Stylish Backsplash

Adding a backsplash in your kitchen or bathroom can refresh the space and provide practical benefits. According to Houzz, a well-designed backsplash can serve as a focal point and protect walls from splashes and stains.

How to Do It:

1. Choose Your Material: Decide between options like tile, glass, or peel-and-stick materials. Consider both aesthetics and ease of maintenance.

2. Prepare the Surface: Clean and dry the area where the backsplash will be installed. Apply a primer if necessary.

3. Install the Backsplash: For tiles, apply adhesive and set each piece carefully. For peel-and-stick options, align and press each piece onto the wall.

4. Grout and Seal: For tiled backsplashes, apply grout between tiles and wipe off excess. Seal the grout to prevent stains and moisture damage.

Pro Tip: Use spacers to ensure even gaps between tiles and maintain a consistent look. For peel-and-stick backsplashes, ensure the wall surface is smooth and clean for the best adhesion.

Final Thoughts

These five DIY projects can enhance your home’s value and appeal with minimal effort and cost. Whether you’re preparing to sell or simply want to enjoy your space more, these improvements offer significant benefits and are manageable within a weekend.

For more tips and expert advice on Denver’s real estate market, visit Blue Pebble Homes. We’re here to help you navigate the local market and achieve your home improvement goals.