Whether you’re preparing to sell your cottage in Muskoka or Parry Sound in a few weeks or a few years, strategic upgrades can make all the difference. Fortunately, you don’t have to embark on a major remodel to make a significant improvement. Even minor updates can significantly impact your property’s aesthetic; particular renovations can boost its future sale price. From curb appeal to interior updates, here are seven-weekend projects to enhance your cottage’s charm and long-term value, potentially offering a high return on your investment.
1. Freshen Your Front Door
Is your front door looking a little tired? A new coat of paint can make your cottage more inviting to today’s guests and tomorrow’s buyers. But before you grab that paintbrush, think carefully about your choice of hue. The colour of your front door can boost—or lower—your home’s sale price by thousands of dollars. Going too bold can also deter home shoppers.
Why It Matters
The front door is often the first thing people notice about a home. It’s a statement piece that sets the tone for the entire property. By refreshing your front door, you create a positive first impression that can significantly influence potential buyers’ perceptions of your cottage.
How to Do It
Choose a durable exterior paint and adequately prep the door by cleaning and sanding it. Apply a primer if needed, then follow with your chosen paint colour. This project, including drying time, can typically be completed on a weekend.
2. Upgrade Your Hardware and Lighting
It’s easy to overlook dated cabinet pulls or dingy light switches in your cottage. However, those seemingly minor details can leave a wrong impression on visitors. Swapping out old hardware for modern alternatives can quickly and affordably elevate your space. New cabinet handles, for example, are inexpensive and require just a few minutes and a screwdriver to install. To maximize the longevity of your update, consider classic shapes and finishes like brass knobs or nickel cup pulls. Take a look at your light fixtures, too. Try replacing an out-of-style chandelier with a more contemporary option. Updating your lampshades and lightbulbs can create a brighter, more welcoming space. Additionally, many experts agree that high-quality lighting can show off your property’s best features when it comes time to sell.
Why It Matters
Small details can significantly impact a space’s overall feel. Updated hardware and lighting can modernize your cottage, making it feel more luxurious without a hefty price tag.
How to Do It
Start by identifying the hardware and light fixtures that need updating. Visit local home improvement stores or online retailers to find affordable, stylish options. Replacing these items is often straightforward and can be done with essential tools.
3. Update Your Bathroom Fixtures
Bathrooms can show their age quickly, but a few inexpensive updates can take years off in just a few hours. And since many buyers will be more drawn to a home that feels clean and modern, even small changes can make a big difference. Bathroom hardware is a great place to start. Consider updating your faucets and showerheads (we recommend lower-flow options to save money and the environment). Remember something about towel racks, toilet paper holders, or other fixtures that look worn or discoloured. Spa-like upgrades, like steam and luxury hand showers, are also in high demand. If your existing vanity is in poor condition, installing a new one is a slightly bigger project, but it significantly impacts the look and feel of the room.
Why It Matters
A modern, clean bathroom is a significant selling point for any property. Buyers want to see a space to relax and unwind; outdated fixtures can detract from that experience.
How to Do It
Begin by replacing small fixtures like towel racks and toilet paper holders. Then, move on to more oversized items like faucets and showerheads. If you’re updating the vanity, choose a design that complements the overall style of your bathroom. This project may take an entire weekend, especially if you’re installing a new vanity.
4. Give Your Kitchen Cabinets a Makeover
If your kitchen cabinets are from another era, that’s probably the first place you’ll want to start. Fortunately, you don’t need to commit to the hassle and expense of installing new cabinets if your current ones are in good shape. Instead, consider painting them. Not only is it more affordable and eco-friendly than replacement, but it also offers a significant return on investment. When choosing the right colour, warm neutrals and shades of green and blue are incredibly on-trend.
Why It Matters
The kitchen is often considered the heart of the home, and its appearance can make or break a buyer’s decision. Updated cabinets can transform the entire space, making it look fresh and inviting.
How to Do It
Painting cabinets is a detailed process that requires preparation. Remove all cabinet doors and hardware, clean and sand the surfaces, and apply a primer. Choose a high-quality paint that can withstand kitchen wear and tear. This project typically requires an entire weekend, as you’ll need time for the paint to dry between coats.
5. Look at Your Landscaping
First impressions matter, and putting some work into your cottage’s exterior can make a big difference in how your guests and neighbours view it. Curb appeal can also make or break a potential buyer’s perception of your home—and significantly impact their offer. One of the best ways to improve curb appeal is through landscaping, which doesn’t have to be elaborate. First and foremost, focus on keeping things neat, tidy, and welcoming. Mow your lawn, refresh any mulch, prune overgrown shrubs, and add pops of colour with flowers. Add outdoor lighting and plant perennial flowers along the sides of your walkway to take things up a notch.
Why It Matters
The exterior of your cottage is the first thing potential buyers see, and a well-maintained yard can significantly enhance their overall impression. Good landscaping can increase property value and attract more buyers.
How to Do It
Start with essential yard maintenance:
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Mow the lawn, trim shrubs, and remove weeds.
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Add fresh mulch to flower beds and plant colourful flowers for added appeal.
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Consider installing outdoor lighting to highlight key features of your yard.
Depending on the extent of the work, this project can be completed in a single weekend.
6. Refinish Your Wood Floors
For many buyers, wood floors are a huge selling point. Unfortunately, they also get scuffed and worn, especially if you have kids or pets. The good news? If your wood floors could use a touch-up, it’s well worth the time and cost. If you have a few days to devote to your floors, rent the necessary equipment from a local hardware store. While there, pick up basic supplies, like a putty knife, paintbrushes, sandpaper, and stain. And if you want to modernize your space, opt for a lighter wood tone, which is the current trend.
Why It Matters
Wood floors add a touch of elegance and warmth to any home. Refinishing them can restore their original beauty and increase the overall value of your property.
How to Do It
Rent a sander from a local hardware store and sand down the floors to remove old finishes and scratches. Apply a new stain or finish to protect the wood and enhance its appearance. This project can be completed on a long weekend, allowing sanding, staining, and drying time.
7. Clean or Replace Your Grout
Let’s face it: Grout gets grimy over time, even with regular cleaning, whether on a kitchen floor or a bathroom wall. Fortunately, refreshing your grout is a relatively simple and affordable project that can yield impressive results. Grout in poor condition is often one of the first things a potential buyer notices when they tour a bathroom. On the other hand, fresh, clean grout makes your bathroom sparkle—and that can pay off in a big way in terms of buyer’s perceptions. A focused cleaning session can make a big difference if your grout is stained. Try a specialized product or a simple mix of baking soda, water, and hydrogen peroxide. If the grout is cracked, crumbling, or stained beyond repair, it’s time to replace it. Luckily, the right tools make that a very doable DIY project, even if it can get messy—and it’s a lot easier and less expensive than retiling.
Why It Matters
Clean grout makes tiles look new and well-maintained, enhancing the overall appearance of your kitchen or bathroom. It’s a small detail that can make a big difference in how buyers perceive your home.
How to Do It
To clean:
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Mix baking soda and water into a paste and scrub the grout lines.
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For tougher stains, add hydrogen peroxide.
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If replacing grout, use a grout removal tool to remove the old grout and apply the new grout carefully. This project can be completed in a single weekend and will significantly improve the look of your tiled areas.
Share Your Story – Comment Below
Do you have a weekend project that worked out well for you? What did you learn? What weekend project are you planning? ⬇️ Comment Below! 👇 😁
Choosing the Project, That’s Right for You
Embarking on home improvements can be exciting, but choosing projects that align with your goals, budget, and skill level is essential. Whether you’re preparing to sell your cottage or want to enhance its value, there are projects to suit every homeowner.
Contact us today for personalized advice and recommendations if you need help figuring out where to start. With the right approach, you can unlock the cottage’s full potential and enjoy the rewards for years.
