Why not spruce up your home this long weekend? 4 days, 4 projects, $400

If you're among the fortunate souls taking an extra long weekend in honour of Canada Day (can you tell I'll be working?), why not seize this chance to tackle those weekend chores you've been putting off?

And, to help get you started, I thought I'd share this handy weekend project guide from the Home Depot - four projects, one for each day of the four-day weekend, each with a $100 budget.

Of course, you could also pick and choose your tasks - two days, two projects and $200 works just as well.

Project 1: Improve your curb appeal

Paint your front door - which will make it look new at a fraction of the cost of replacing it. To get started, scrape off the old flaky paint and debris, give it a quick sand, wash, then paint. Easy-peasy.

And, if you want to take the look even further - and invest a little more money - there's always new lighting, door hardware, house numbers, door mats, planters, and mail boxes to provide even more polish.

Project 2: Paint your space

You know those rather dreary walls you've been staring at all winter? Odds are you're sick of the colour, and, come next winter, you'll be thankful you devoted one day of your long weekend to updating it!

Patch your walls, apply your painting tape, prime and paint, then go out and enjoy a cold beverage on a patio while you wait for it to dry. 

Project 3: Stain your deck

You can extend the life of your shabby looking deck with a coat of outdoor stain. A little bit of elbow grease is needed for this one, as you've got to thoroughly clean and prep the surface. Then start staining! Home Depot suggests remembering to pick up a stain brush to ensure an even distribution and prevent streaks.

And, of course, you can top your newly spruced up outdoor space with goodies like a new dining set, an outdoor area rug, lighting, planters and accessories. Get more exterior decorating ideas in our outdoor living guide.

Project 4: Organize the garage

If you've got to move the garbage bins, a couple of bikes, a toy chest and your gardening gear just to find the mower - and, truthfully, this is the case for many of us - it's not a bad time to tackle the garage. (Check out the seven deadly sins of garage disorganization here).

Empty out your storage space, chuck, donate or sell what you don't need, then restore the rest with some smart storage solutions, like shelving, hooks and pegboard.

(SHUTTERSTOCK PHOTO ILLUSTRATION)