4 DIY projects you can do in a weekend

If your house feels neglected and is begging for some TLC, here are 4 DIY projects you can easily do in a weekend that will give you a sense of accomplishment, and still leave you enough time to relax!

Homeowners are always looking for ways to save time and money on the upkeep of their home: while most are mired in work during the week, the weekend is the perfect opportunity for repairs and other home-related activities. If you're looking for medium-sized projects that can be completed in two days, consider these 4 budget-friendly DIY ideas.

Over time, the screens on your windows can become compromised: whether damaged by an animal, the elements, or rambunctious children, your screens may develop holes, leaving your home open to insects and other pests.

• Fortunately, with a roll of new screening, screen sealer and a spline tool, you can easily replace all of your home's screens in a weekend.
• Don't forget the screens on your doors as well!
• Before you attach the screens back to your windows, why not go the extra mile and also clean your windows.

The garage is one of those areas that can go neglected for years; it is very often a repository for unused exercise equipment, miscellaneous boxes, old holiday decorations, and much more.

• While cleaning and de-cluttering it can be a huge job, with energy, it's definitely one that can be completed in a weekend.

Adding insulation can help to increase the efficiency of your home's heating system in winter. (In summer, it can also help to keep your house cooler!)

• If you don't have a minimum of 40 cm of insulation in your attic, you're probably letting some of your heat escape, which will end up costing you money.
• Pick up rolls of insulation at the thickness recommended for your geographic area and roll it out between your attic joists. You'll likely quickly notice a difference on your next energy bill.

If you have an interest in carpentry, creating that custom bookshelf you've always wanted is a great DIY weekend project. And as with any project, precision and accuracy is key. Fortunately, there are plenty of online resources, how-to tutorials and plans to help you out, especially if you're a beginner.

With this in mind:

• You'll need some basic tools. However, if you don't have the proper ones, consider having the hardware store or lumber yard where you purchase the wood cut your shelving pieces to size for you.
• If installing the bookshelf permanently to a wall or corner of your home, a level and stud sensor is a must.
• Think safety first when using tools, especially power tools.
• If it's your first time building a bookshelf, remember the simplest designs are often the most attractive.