Weekend Home Projects for All Budgets

As the long lines at Home Depot and Lowe’s prove, people are taking advantage of their time at home to tackle DIY home improvement projects. Whatever budget you have to work with, there are changes you can make to help you enjoy the time you are spending at home.

$ - Under $50

Clean Your Pantry

We are taking a lot more trips than usual to the pantry and fridge. Having a well-organized panty allows you to easily see what items you have, and prevent food from going to waste. Some inexpensive shelving and clear plastic bins make a world of difference. Don’t forget to set aside canned goods to donate to your local foodbank while you are cleaning.

Recaulk the Bathroom(s)

If any of your caulking is looking dingy, discolored, or cracked, it’s time to remove it and start fresh. Old caulk can grow mildew and cause water damage by leaking – especially between the tub and bathroom floor. All you need to do is remove old caulk, clean the area well, and replace with a new layer. A good seal can last you 10 years.

Organize the Garage

Use scrap wood to make shelves, and hang tools and garden equipment with hooks. Organizing your garage saves you from buying tools you already have just because you can’t find them, and keeps things like rakes from falling over and scratching your car.

$$ - Under $500

Screen in Your Patio

Make your patio into a screened in porch. This keeps bugs away, and gives your pets a nice safe area to enjoy some fresh air. Use the existing framework of your patio cover, and build wood frames for the screens.

Redesign Your Master Bedroom

Having a peaceful retreat leads to better sleep and happier moods. Update your bedding, put on a fresh coat of paint, and choose a few accents to update your space.

Plant a Garden

Gardening reduces stress, and provides you with a continuous supply of fresh fruits and vegetables. Research what grows best in your environment, and set up an area in your yard, or build some raised beds. If space is limited, you can do container gardening in pots.

Add Curb Appeal

Curb appeal adds value not only to your home, but other homes in your neighborhood. Some inexpensive things you can do are update your mailbox, power wash your driveway, and repair cracks, or plant some flowers and bushes.

$$$ - Under $2500

Refinish Wood Flooring

It’s important to maintain your wood floors, especially in high-traffic areas. The protective layers can wear off and leave your floors open to water damage, warping, and staining. A good test to see if your floors need to be refinished is to pour a tablespoon of water on a high-traffic area. If it beads up, you are good, but if it soaks in or creates a dark spot, it’s time to refinish.

Install a Solar Water Heater

A high-quality solar water heater saves you money on your energy bills, and lasts 50% longer than conventional water heaters. Plus, it’s a great step towards a greener home.

Paint the Interior of Your Home

Painting is the easiest way to freshen up any room. Try a new color, or, at the very least, make your walls look new with a fresh coat.

$$$$ - Under $5000

Install Hardwood Floors

Hardwood flooring not only looks nice, but improves the value of your home, and is a desirable feature to many homebuyers should you ever sell in the future.

Update Your Bathroom

Depending on finishing and fixtures, you could redo your entire bathroom for under $5,000. Changes that make the biggest impact are installing a new vanity, light fixtures, and retiling the shower and tub. Bathrooms are another great update to do as well if you are looking to add value to your home.

Small-Scale Kitchen Remodel

Kitchens are likely the most expensive room to remodel, but can also add the most value to your home. Some well-planned updates can make a big difference. For under $5,000, you can update your countertops, add a backsplash or install new appliances.

Have several home projects you want to tackle? Sandia Area is here to help with a Home Equity Loan or Home Equity Line of Credit. Use your equity to increase the value of your home at great low rates.