When people think of “home improvement”, they often think of a long and extensive remodeling project. Fortunately, that isn’t always the case. There are tons of simple and easy things you can do that will improve the aesthetics and value of your home. So if you’re looking for something to keep you busy this week, consider doing a few of these home improvement tasks.

5 Easy Home Improvement Tasks You Can Tackle This Week

Update Your Kitchen

While it’s true that 76% of homeowners choose to change the style of their kitchen when they’re renovating, you don’t have to completely re-do your kitchen to update it. There are plenty of small changes you can make that will make a big difference. Replacing hardware, re-painting cabinets, and adding a backsplash can completely transform your kitchen. Interestingly, one-third of homeowners say they changed to a healthier lifestyle after remodeling their kitchen. The benefits of a kitchen remodeling extend far beyond the home.

Do Some Landscaping

The outside of your house is just as important as the inside, especially for resale value. This is why you should consider doing some simple landscaping. Mowing the lawn, planting a few flowers, and trimming overgrown trees can significantly increase the aesthetics of your property. Additionally, if your driveway or walkways are cracked and damage, consider getting those fixed. Having smoother pavement can extend pavement life by up to 25% and looks a lot nicer.

Improve Lighting

Lighting is important in the home for both aesthetic and functional purposes. So if you have some areas in your home that have poor or outdated lighting, consider upgrading them. Even something simple like swapping out old bulbs for LEDs can make a big improvement in the amount of light and in your energy expenses. You should replace old bulbs, get new and modern fixtures, and even add light where there wasn’t any before. If you have a patio or deck, adding outdoor lights can be a good idea. And remember to use the appropriate surge protectors to defend your electronics against power surges.

Check Your Insulation

Insulation is one of those things that homeowners don’t really think about until there’s a problem. But insulation plays a big role in keeping your home a comfortable temperature, especially in the spring and summer, and can have a major influence on your energy bill. Get up in the attic and check the insulation and your roof. Normally, your roof should be inspected once or twice a year by a professional, but checking for damage on your own is beneficial, too. Water damage can be especially problematic. If you come across it, make sure you take action within 48 hours if you want to avoid mold setting in. So if you haven’t looked at your insulation in a while, check it out and add more as needed.

Install a Programmable Thermostat

Another super simple step you can take that will increase the comfort and value of your home is installing a programmable thermostat. Having a programmable thermostat will greatly improve how well your home stays warm or cool and can help you save money. Going digital is easy to do and can come with functions that other thermostats don’t, like humidifying. So before the hot weather arrives, make sure to get a new thermostat.

You don’t have to spend a lot of time or money making upgrades to your home. Choosing one, or all, of these tasks can help you make some really great improvements around the house. They could just help you lower the amount of money you spend when it comes time to sell your home.