Labor Day Weekend may be a time to relax and take a break from work, but that doesn't mean you can't tackle some home improvement projects during your time off. In fact, this may be the best time to get started on those tasks you've been putting off for months. Here are a few DIY projects that our real estate agents suggest undertaking this upcoming long weekend. 

• Revamp Your Outdoor Deck or Patio
  Adding an outdoor deck or patio to your backyard opens up tons of possibilities for activities, dining, entertaining, and more. If you already have one, give this space a refresh by painting or adding a new stain to it. Also, consider shopping for furniture or planters that help you fully utilize this outdoor space.
  
  
• Do Some Landscaping 
  With the cold weather just about to start setting in, now is a great time to get your landscaping in order. Mow your lawn and trim any bushes or shrubs that have become overgrown during the summer. Remove any dead plants from your garden beds and fill in the spaces with new perennials that still have time to grow before winter arrives. 
  
  
• Work on Organizational Projects 
  If you've been meaning to get your kitchen, bedroom, basement, or any other room in your home organized, the long weekend is the perfect time to tame the chaos. Not only will you have enough time to get through the whole mess, but you'll also be able to step away for a few minutes if the task starts to feel too overwhelming. 
  
  Stock up on trash bags, hangers, organizers, and anything else you might need before you start. Then, sort the items using the classic three-pile method: one pile for things you'll keep, one for things you'll throw out, and one for things you'll give away. 
  
  
• Complete a Garage Makeover 
  Is your garage looking a little worse for wear? Labor Day Weekend is the perfect time to fix it up a bit before the holidays arrive. Start by cleaning up any loose objects or messy piles lying around, then dust any major surfaces to get ready for your fresh start. 
  
  What you do from here is up to you. Do you want to declutter? Gather up all of the items you no longer need and hold a garage sale to free up some room or donate items to a local charity. Want to turn your garage into a rustic rec room? Clear a space for your couches, TV, game tables, arcade units, or whatever else you want to place there, then add some welcoming touches like a soft rug or some string lights. Want to set up your own DIY workshop? Arrange your tools and equipment around a central space where you can work. The possibilities are endless.
  
  
• Make Some Energy-Efficient Upgrades
  Dreading your upcoming heating costs? You can easily cut down on this winter's high power bills early by making some energy-efficient upgrades around your home on Labor Day Weekend. All it takes is some caulking and spray foam to seal up any cracks or gaps that are affecting your home's ability to hold heat. 
  
  Homeowners with higher budgets can go the extra mile and install additional upgrades like a smart thermostat, an energy-efficient water heater, and LED light bulbs. These high-tech solutions will cut your home's energy use even further.

While improving your current home is a worthwhile endeavor, shopping for a new home gives you the chance to secure all your dream features without all the hassle of extensive renovations. If this sounds good to you, our real estate team can help. Contact us today to learn more about our Albany and Corvallis homes for sale and find the one with every feature on your wishlist.