Home Improvements • July 9, 2024

Bathroom Upgrades You Can Finish in a Weekend


Are you looking to give your bathroom a fresh new look without breaking the bank? You don’t need to hire an expensive contractor or spend weeks on renovations. In fact, there are several easy and inexpensive do-it-yourself (DIY) projects you can complete in just a weekend. Here are ten affordable bathroom upgrades you can finish in a weekend that will transform your space, making it feel fresh and updated.

Bathroom Upgrades You Can Finish in a Weekend

Let’s get started…

1. Fresh Coat of Paint

One of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to refresh your bathroom is by giving it a new coat of paint. Choose a color that complements your tiles and fixtures. Lighter shades can make the room feel bigger, while darker colors add a touch of elegance.

Steps:

  1. Remove any decorations and cover fixtures with painter’s tape.
  2. Clean the walls to remove any dirt or grime.
  3. Use a roller to paint the larger areas and a brush for edges and corners.
  4. Allow the paint to dry completely before adding a second coat if necessary.
  5. Enjoy your refreshed space!

2. Update the Hardware

Replacing old hardware like faucets, drawer pulls, and towel bars is a quick and simple way to modernize your bathroom. Choose finishes that match your style, such as brushed nickel or matte black.

Steps:

  1. Use a screwdriver to remove the old hardware.
  2. Attach the new hardware using the screws provided.
  3. Make sure everything is tightly secured.
  4. Immediately notice the uplift in your bathroom’s appearance!

3. Install Peel-and-Stick Backsplash

Adding a backsplash can transform your bathroom, giving it a polished look. Peel-and-stick tiles are an easy and budget-friendly option.

Steps:

  1. Measure the area where you will apply the backsplash.
  2. Clean the wall to ensure the tiles adhere properly.
  3. Peel off the backing and carefully stick the tiles onto the wall.
  4. Smooth out any bubbles with a flat object.
  5. Trim any excess using a utility knife for a perfect fit.

4. Refresh Grout Lines

Dirty and stained grout can make a bathroom look outdated. Refreshing the grout lines can make your tiles look brand new.

Steps:

  1. Use a grout cleaner or a mixture of baking soda and water.
  2. Apply the cleaner to the grout lines and scrub with a stiff brush.
  3. Rinse the area with water and let it dry.
  4. Consider using a grout pen to recolor the grout for a more dramatic change.

5. Replace the Shower Curtain and Liners

A new shower curtain can instantly add a pop of color and pattern to your bathroom. Choose a fabric and design that complements your bathroom’s theme.

Steps:

  1. Remove the old shower curtain and liner.
  2. Choose a new curtain and liner that fit your style.
  3. Hang them up, making sure they are attached securely.
  4. Enjoy the fresh new look.

6. Add New Lighting

Proper lighting can make a big difference in any bathroom. Swap out old fixtures for new, modern ones to brighten up the space.

Steps:

  1. Turn off the electricity to the bathroom.
  2. Remove the old light fixture.
  3. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to install the new fixture.
  4. Turn the electricity back on and test the new lighting.

7. Install Shelving for Extra Storage

Adding shelves can maximize your storage space and keep your bathroom organized. Floating shelves are a stylish and practical choice.

Steps:

  1. Measure the wall space where you’ll install the shelves.
  2. Use a level to ensure they’ll be straight.
  3. Attach the brackets to the wall with screws.
  4. Place the shelves on the brackets and secure them.
  5. Arrange your toiletries and decorations for a clutter-free bathroom.

8. Frame Your Bathroom Mirror

Framing a plain bathroom mirror can give it a more finished and elegant look.

Steps:

  1. Measure the mirror and cut the frame pieces to size.
  2. Paint or stain the frame to match your bathroom decor.
  3. Attach the frame to the mirror using mirror adhesive.
  4. Hold the frame in place until the adhesive sets.
  5. Admire your handiwork!

9. Upgrade to a Rain Showerhead

Swapping your old showerhead for a rain showerhead can make your daily shower feel more luxurious.

Steps:

  1. Unscrew the old showerhead.
  2. Apply plumber’s tape to the threads of the shower arm.
  3. Screw on the new rain showerhead.
  4. Tighten with a wrench if necessary.
  5. Test the water flow and enjoy your upgraded shower experience.

10. Add a Fresh Set of Towels and Bath Mats

New towels and bath mats can add color and comfort to your bathroom.

Steps:

  1. Choose towels and mats that match your bathroom’s color scheme.
  2. Replace old, worn towels and bath mats with the new ones.
  3. Arrange them neatly to add a touch of style.

Final Thoughts

With just a weekend of your time and a modest budget, you can easily transform your bathroom into a refreshed and inviting space. These ten DIY upgrades are simple yet impactful, making your bathroom feel like new without a major renovation. So roll up your sleeves, gather your supplies, and get started on these affordable bathroom upgrades you can finish in a weekend!

Additional Resources:


Home Maintenance • October 3, 2023

October Home Maintenance Checklist

October is here! October brings much beauty to Cape Girardeau County. Whether you live in Cape Girardeau MO or Jackson MO, the landscape is sure to be full of vibrant fall colors. Why bother with the October Home Maintenance Checklist when we could be enjoying the outdoors?

October also means the temps are starting to drop as we begin to move indoors.

It is important to start preparing our homes for the winter migration to come.

October Home Maintenance Checklist

Here are a few things we need to focus on to start preparing our homes for that move. Let’s get started…

  • Check Furnace Filters / Change if Needed
  • Run Water & Flush Toilets in Unused Spaces
  • Check Water Softener & Add Salt if Needed
  • Clean Gutters & Downspouts
  • Clean and Inspect Chimney
  • Clean Garbage Disposal
  • Treat Septic System if Needed
  • Fall Deep Clean Living Areas
  • Fertilize and Seed Lawn
  • Check Outdoor Light Bulbs

Tackling a couple of tasks from the list each week will still allow plenty of time to visit the local pumpkin patch with the rest of the family.

Cleaning the gutters can be a challenging task. Not the kind of job you look forward to even though it is a very important job to keep current. You will find some very helpful tips in this article, “9 Tips To Clean Your Gutters Without Breaking a Sweat.” Safety First. Make sure you have an assistant ready to help!

Not sure how to clean your garbage disposal? Here is a short video with a couple of quick steps to keep it clean…

Just in case you missed September, you can find it here.

So there you have it, Cape County! Start the list this weekend and leave much time to enjoy October!

Things To Consider When Selling Your House
Home Maintenance • September 1, 2023

September Home Maintenance Checklist

Can you believe it is September already? Let’s get this September Home Maintenance Checklist out of the way so we can really enjoy fall.

–Inspect Roofing for Damage and Leaks
–Get Furnace Serviced
–Check Weatherstripping
–Clean Garbage Disposal
–Treat Septic Tank
–Test Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Detectors
–Clean Range Hood and Filter

The weather will soon be turning cold. Hard to imagine after this hot summer…it will happen though. Now is the time to start preparing your home for those cold winds before they arrive. Start by checking the weatherstripping. Here is a Guide To Weatherstripping that will help. Click here.

Just in case you missed August, you can find it here.

There…that’s not so bad! Now that the September Home Maintenance Checklist is finished, we still have time to go to the Pumpkin Patch!

Home Maintenance • August 1, 2023

August Home Maintenance Checklist

It’s August! The year to going by so fast! The August Home Maintenance Checklist is a list of maintenance items to start preparing for the shift in seasons. After completing this short list, treat yourself to a relaxing country drive.

August Home Maintenance Checklist

Let’s get started on this month’s checklist…

  • Check Furnace Filters / Change If Needed
  • Test Garage Door Auto-Reverse
  • Check for Signs of Ants and Other Insects
  • Clean Garbage Disposal
  • Treat Septic Tank
  • Clean Range Hood & Filter

It’s that time of year! The little creatures start moving around. Call your pest control provider to check for signs of ants and other insects. While they are inspecting around your home, they will spray to create a barrier between indoors and outdoors to stop the insects from coming in. No one wants to see insects inside!

With the August Home Maintenance Checklist, we want to make sure the garage door is functioning properly. Check the garage door auto-reverse is a quick and simple way to know your door will operate safely when children are around. Check to make sure the door sensors to picking up activity when the door is going down. Also, place an obstacle on the ground to make sure the door will release when it encounters something on the ground. It is better to check these functions BEFORE there is an emergency need for it to work. Here are some additional tips for testing the garage door auto-reverse safety feature.

Just in case you missed July, you can find it here.

So there you have it, Cape County! A few August home maintenance tasks to keep your home running smoothly all year long.

Home Maintenance • December 1, 2022

December Home Maintenance Checklist

The year is coming to an end…and what a year it has been! While traveling through this challenging year, many changes, new experiences, and even a few opportunities have entered. Let’s wrap up this year with a brief December Home Maintenance Checklist so there is time to make the most of these final weeks of the year.

Grab a cup of hot chocolate and let’s get started…

December Home Maintenance Checklist

  • Check Furnace Filters / Change if Needed
  • Check Sinks and Toilets for Leaks
  • Check Door and Window Locks
  • Clean Garbage Disposal
  • Treat Septic System if Needed

Leaky sinks and toilets can cause a lot of damage if left undetected. Depending on the size of the leak, that damage can happen real quick! Click here for some tips for finding those pesky leaks a little faster.

Just in case you missed November, you can find it here.

So there you have it, Cape County! A short and sweet December Home Maintenance Checklist. Start the list this weekend and leave much time to enjoy all the holiday festivities!

Home Maintenance • November 2, 2022

Home Maintenance Checklist – November

Welcome to November! November also means the holiday season is here. It’s time to gather family and friends to reflect on all the blessings that surround us. First, let’s make sure our homes are in good repair with the November Home Maintenance Checklist.

November Home Maintenance Checklist

Let’s just jump right in…

  • Check Furnace Filters / Change if Needed
  • Test Carbon Monoxide & Smoke Detectors
  • Test Garage Door Auto-Reverse
  • Clean Carpets
  • Remove Lint From Dryer Exhaust
  • Check Fire Extinguishers
  • Clean Garbage Disposal
  • Treat Septic System if Needed
  • Oil Garage Door Tracks
  • Turn Off & Flush Outdoor Faucets

Excess lint in dryer vents can reduce the efficiency of the dryer. That excess lint also creates a fire hazard in your home. Here are some tips on How To Clean A Dryer Vent. Click Here.

Just in case you missed October, you can find it here.

So there you have it, Cape County! The weather is cooling off and the landscape is preparing for winter! November is a transition month for Cape Girardeau County. Whether you live in Cape Girardeau MO or Jackson MO, our outdoor scenery is changing all around us. Start the list this weekend and leave much time to enjoy November!

Home Maintenance • July 1, 2022

July Home Maintenance Checklist

The July Home Maintenance Checklist is a little shorter as we start dealing with the heat of summer. Check off these items quickly and head for the lake!

July Home Maintenance Checklist

Let’s get started on this month’s checklist…

  • Check Furnace Filters / Change If Needed
  • Test Carbon Monoxide & Smoke Detectors
  • Run Water & flush Toilets in Unused Spaces
  • Check Water Softener & Add Salt
  • Vacuum Refrigerator Coils
  • Clean Garbage Disposal
  • Treat Septic Tank
  • Clean Range Hood & Filter

This month we are looking at some of the unused areas of your home. It is not unusual to have a basement bathroom or sink that does not see much activity. Set aside some time this month to check these unused areas by flushing the toilet and running water to make sure leaks haven’t developed.

While thinking about water, check the water softener for salt. Avoid those hard water stains in and on appliances by maintaining an adequate level of salt in the softener. For more tips to keep your water softener running at its best, check out these Water Softener Maintenance: 7 Tips on How to Prolong Your Water Softener’s Life.

Just in case you missed June, you can find it here.

So there you have it, Cape County! A few tasks to keep your home running smoothly all year long.

Home Maintenance • May 27, 2022

June Home Maintenance Checklist

Welcome Summer! Summertime brings a lot more outdoor time and vacations. I want to get through the June Home Maintenance Checklist as quickly as possible to enjoy some time off.

June Home Maintenance Checklist

Let’s get started on this month’s checklist…

  • Check Furnace Filters / Change If Needed
  • Remove Lint From Dryer Exhaust
  • Check Washing Machine Hoses
  • Power Wash Decks/Patios/Driveways
  • Power Wash Exterior as needed
  • Deep Clean Garage
  • Inspect For Plumbing Leaks
  • Check Dishwasher Hoses
  • Clean Garbage Disposal
  • Treat Septic Tank
  • Clean Range Hood & Filter
Exterior House Wash

In June, we are starting spring cleaning by power washing around the home to get ready to invite friends and family over for a barbeque. A friend shared with me the perfect exterior house wash recipe which is included here. This wash is very effective at removing the grime and mildew with minimal effort. If you are not a DIYer, we have several house wash companies in the area to choose from.

Don’t forget to clean the dryer exhaust. Lint builds up in the exhaust which can become a real fire hazard. Take the time to give yourself peace of mind knowing that is one less hazard to think about. These helpful instructions will make this task easier.

Just in case you missed May, you can find it here.

So there you have it, Cape County! A few May tasks to keep your home running smoothly all year long.

Home Maintenance • May 2, 2022

May Home Maintenance Checklist

I get excited each year as the flowers start blooming outside. The May Home Maintenance Checklist moves outdoors to start preparing the yard for summer while enjoying the May flowers.

May Home Maintenance Checklist

Let’s get started on this month’s checklist…

  • Check Furnace Filters / Change If Needed
  • Test Carbon Monoxide / Smoke Detectors
  • Test Garage Door Auto-Reverse
  • Pump & Inspect Septic Tank (every 3-5 years)
  • Oil Garage Door Tracks
  • Trim Trees, Bushes & Shrubs
  • Fertilize Lawn & Treat Weeds
  • Mulch Around Trees
  • Clean Garbage Disposal
  • Treat Septic Tank
  • Clean Range Hood & Filter

Early May is a good time to focus on a little annual yard work. Trimming trees, bushes and shrubs will prepare them for the summer growing season. While trimming the trees, add a little mulch to help the soil accumulate more nutrients allowing the tree to grow faster. Mulch also helps the overall aesthetics and makes the grass a little easier to mow. Too much mulch can harm the tree so limit it to 2-3 inches.

Once the May Home Checklist is complete, here are a few more things to consider doing around the house so you can enjoy your summer outdoors. Bob Villa’s “Must Do” Projects for May. Click here.

Just in case you missed April, you can find it here.

So there you have it, Cape County! A few May tasks to keep your home running smoothly all year long.

Home Maintenance • April 1, 2022

April Home Maintenance Checklist

Hello April! The April Home Maintenance Checklist covers some of the areas to keep an eye on as the spring showers start falling and little critters start crawling.

April Home Maintenance Checklist

Let’s get started on this month’s checklist…

  • Check Furnace Filters / Change If Needed
  • Clean Range Hood & Filter
  • Run Water & Flush Toilets in Unused Spaces
  • Check Toilet Shut-off Values
  • Check Water Softener & Add Salt
  • Remove Dead Landscaping Plants & Leaves
  • Clean Garbage Disposal
  • Treat Septic Tank
  • Clean Windows & Screens
  • Check for Signs of Ants and Other Insects
  • Clean Gutters & Downspouts

It’s that time of year! The little creatures start crawling. Call your pest control provider to check for signs of ants and other insects. While they are inspecting around your home, they will spray to create a barrier between indoors and outdoors to stop the insects from coming in. No one wants to see insects inside!

Spring showers are more frequent in April. Keep the rain draining away from your home by cleaning the gutters and downspouts if needed. A gutter full of leaves and debris can cause the gutter to overflow allowing water to puddle near the foundation. That water can seep through the walls if it sits there too long. Keep the inside dry by draining the water away. Here are some ways to clean your gutters including some tips that do not include crawling up ladders. Click here.

Just in case you missed March, you can find it here.

So there you have it, Cape County! A few April tasks to keep your home running smoothly all year long.