You don’t need a full-scale, expensive renovation to refresh your home. Often, the most impactful changes come from small, affordable projects you can finish between Friday night and Sunday afternoon. Instead of a massive overhaul, focus on high-impact, low-cost areas like hardware, millwork, and curb appeal that make a huge difference in how your space looks and feels right now. At Star Lumber in Wichita, KS, we stock all the materials you need, from a single box of cabinet pulls to the perfect wood stain. To help homeowners even more, We’ve compiled five proven DIY home projects under $500 that deliver huge visual returns, perfect for your next weekend home project.
The 5 High-Impact, Low-Budget DIY Weekend Projects
Ready to ditch the design delay? Here are five projects you can easily tackle this weekend.
1. Upgrade Project: Swap Out Kitchen & Bath
This is the ultimate quick fix. A fresh set of knobs and pulls can instantly modernize outdated cabinets and drawers, completely changing the character of a room. Think of it as changing the ‘jewelry’ of your space. Switching from traditional brass to sleek matte black or brushed nickel hardware is the fastest way to achieve a contemporary feel in your kitchen or bathroom.
- Impact: Instantly modernizes any room with cabinets.
- Estimated Cost: $100 – $300 (easily covers materials for an average kitchen size).
- How-To Focus: Before purchasing, make sure to measure the center-to-center distance of your existing cabinet pulls to make sure your new hardware fits the existing holes, saving you from drilling and patching.
- Star Lumber Materials: Explore our Hardware collection. Our team can walk you through the many styles and finishes we carry, helping you find the perfect match for your budget.
2. Curb Appeal Project: The Front Door Facelift
Your front door is the first thing guests and neighbors see. Maximizing your home’s first impression is one of the best ways to boost Wichita curb appeal on a budget. Additionally, The Journal of Light Construction states that an entry door replacement can recoup over 200% of its cost.
- Impact: A huge visual boost that sets the tone for your entire home.
- Estimated Cost: $50 – $150 (for quality exterior paint, primer, and sundries).
- Why It Works: A bold, contrasting color, like deep navy, charcoal, or even a classic, rich red, creates an immediate focal point.
- How-To Focus:
- Plan for a simple 3-step process: Clean, lightly Sand/Prime, and Paint. Use a specific brand/type of durable exterior paint designed to withstand the Kansas weather shifts. Consider replacing your old mailbox or house numbers as an optional upgrade to keep the project looking fresh and modern.
- Star Lumber Materials: Stop by our Doors & Windows section for the right preparation tools and durable exterior paint recommendations.
3. Interior Project: Install Crown Molding
Crown molding is a classic architectural detail that makes any room feel instantly more “finished” and high-end. This is one of the easiest ways to transform a builder-grade space into a custom space without tearing down walls.
- Impact: Adds architectural sophistication and perceived value.
- Estimated Cost: $150 – $400 (for molding materials for a small room and basic tools).
- Why It Works: It bridges the visual gap where the wall meets the ceiling, giving the room a polished, custom feel.
- How-To Focus: While cutting corner angles can be tricky, the simplest way for beginners is to use pre-mitered corner blocks or opt for simpler composite materials.
- Pro Tip: Always emphasize safety and remember to measure twice.
4. Flooring Project: The Tile Grout Refresh
If your kitchen or entryway floors are looking old and dingy, the culprit is often the grout, not the tile. Dirty, stained grout makes the entire floor look ancient. You can bring old tile floors back to life without replacing a single tile, perfect for entryways or bathrooms.
- Impact: Brightens and sanitizes old affordable flooring without demolition.
- Estimated Cost: $50 – $100 (for grout cleaner, sealer, and colorant).
- Why It Works: Cleaning or painting the grout lines drastically brightens the space, creating the illusion of a brand-new floor.
- How-To Focus: Start with a deep cleaning solution. If the stains are stubborn, apply a grout stain or colorant directly to the lines. This is a very satisfying step-by-step change you can complete over a weekend.
5. Outdoor Project: Building Raised Planter Boxes
Enhance your patio or porch with custom-built raised planter boxes. This project instantly defines outdoor spaces and adds immediate life, color, and texture, making your yard feel more intentional and welcoming.
- Impact: Creates instant visual appeal and structured landscaping.
- Estimated Cost: $150 – $350 (for lumber, hardware, and soil).
- Why It Works: It brings height and color variation to your yard or deck, improving the view both from outside and through your windows.
- How-To Focus: This is a basic assembly project. Provide a simple cut list for a standard 4 ft x 2 ft rectangular box that even beginners can assemble with basic tools. Use wood screws designed for exterior use to help longevity.
For more information on home projects check out our article, “Top Home Improvement Projects to Boost Home Value.“
Ready to Start? Visit Star Lumber in Wichita, KS
You don’t need to spend thousands to love your home again. These five DIY home projects under $500 are proof that small, strategic updates yield huge results, all completed within a single weekend.
Before you begin your next weekend home project, schedule a free design appointment with our design experts. Our team can help you select the exact quantity of materials, from cabinet hardware to millwork, helping you stay on budget and finish on time. Serving homeowners and builders across Kansas and Oklahoma for over 80 years, we’re your trusted local partner for every project.
FAQs About Budget Home Improvements
Q: Which small project offers the best ROI?
A: Generally, refreshing your front door and upgrading kitchen cabinet hardware offer the highest visual return for the lowest investment, which can be critical when preparing a home for sale in the Wichita market.
Q: Can I really install crown molding myself?
A: Yes. While cutting the angles can be tricky, modern trim materials are lightweight and forgiving. With a good miter box and a detailed guide, it’s a perfect two-person weekend job.
Q: Where in Wichita can I find unique cabinet hardware options?
A: Star Lumber & Supply offers an extensive selection of hardware styles, finishes, and price points far beyond what you’d find at a typical big-box store.
