You know that home improvement project you’ve been putting off? The one that would make your house feel a little nicer, but somehow never seems important enough to tackle? Good news: not every home improvement project requires a contractor, a dumpster, and three weeks of chaos.
Some projects can be finished in a single day, and they can make a surprisingly big difference. If you’re a homeowner in Surprise, Sun City, El Mirage, Goodyear, or anywhere else in the West Valley, here are 10 weekend projects worth putting on your list.
1. Touch Up Interior Paint
You don’t always need to repaint an entire room. Patch a few nail holes, sand away scuffs, and touch up areas that have seen better days. Fresh paint in a high-traffic hallway or entryway can make your home look cleaner almost instantly.
2. Replace Old Light Fixtures
Swapping an outdated light fixture can completely change the feel of a room. Consider a new fixture in the entryway, dining area, bathroom, or kitchen. Just remember: if the project involves electrical work you’re not comfortable handling, it’s better to call a professional.
3. Upgrade Cabinet Hardware
New cabinet knobs and pulls are one of the easiest ways to give a kitchen or bathroom a quick facelift. Choose a consistent finish such as matte black, brushed nickel, or brass – and you can create a more updated look without replacing the cabinets.
4. Fix Those Drywall Dings
Small holes, dents, and cracks tend to multiply when you stop noticing them. Set aside an afternoon to repair minor drywall damage, let the compound dry, sand it smooth, and touch up the paint. Your walls will thank you.
5. Refresh Your Caulk
Old, cracked, or discolored caulk around sinks, tubs, showers, and backsplashes can make an otherwise clean space look worn out. Removing the old caulk and applying a fresh bead can give your bathroom or kitchen a cleaner appearance, and helps keep moisture where it belongs.
6. Replace a Bathroom Faucet
A dated or leaky faucet is a small problem that can have a big impact on your bathroom. Replacing it with a modern fixture is often a manageable weekend project and can instantly make the space feel more updated.
7. Install New Baseboards or Trim
If your walls look fine but the room still feels unfinished, take a look at the trim. Replacing damaged baseboards or adding fresh door casing can give a room a more polished appearance. This project takes some measuring and cutting, but the finished result can be worth the effort.
8. Give a Room a Flooring Refresh
Depending on the size of the space, replacing worn flooring can be a one-day project. Vinyl plank and other homeowner-friendly flooring options can provide a dramatic update without the commitment of a major remodel. For larger or more complicated flooring jobs, professional installation can save you time and frustration.
9. Repair Small Stucco Problems
Arizona homes take a beating from the sun and weather, so small exterior cracks or damaged stucco are worth addressing before they become bigger problems. Minor repairs may be manageable for an experienced DIYer, but larger cracks or recurring damage deserve a closer look from a professional.
10. Make a Punch List
Not ready to tackle a full project? Walk through your home with a notepad and write down every little thing that needs attention: loose doors, damaged drywall, sticking cabinets, leaky fixtures, missing trim, and other small repairs.
Then prioritize the list. You may discover that several small handyman jobs can be completed together, saving you multiple trips to the hardware store and a whole lot of time.
Ready for the Projects That Aren’t DIY?
A weekend project can be satisfying, but you don’t have to do everything yourself. Damian’s Handyman and Remodeling Services helps homeowners throughout the West Valley with everything from smaller home repairs to larger remodeling projects, including drywall, stucco, electrical and plumbing, tile and flooring, kitchens, and bathrooms.
If your weekend project has turned into a “maybe I should call someone” project, that’s what professional help is for. Sometimes the best home improvement decision is knowing when to put down the toolbox and call a handyman.