Summer is the perfect time to go swimming, have a barbeque and check off those home improvement projects you’ve been dying to get done. The warm weather, while nice, will only last so long. Take advantage of the higher temperatures to knock out any projects requiring you to be outside or in a well-ventilated space.
1. Build a Deck
For most, summer is all about getting outside and enjoying what nature has to offer. If your home doesn’t currently have an outdoor deck, you’re missing out on the perfect spot to spend time with friends and family and enjoy the outdoors. In fact, 77 percent of surveyed homeowners said they have a greater desire to be home since completing their deck project.
Ground-level decks are reasonably easy to build, requiring just basic instructions and knowledge on how to use power tools. Raised decks, while very nice, need a little more expertise and may require the help of an experienced contractor.
2. Upgrade Your Bathroom
Upgrading your bathroom will yield results that you can enjoy for years to come, even when the warm weather is gone. Bathrooms tend to be small, meaning a remodel project will require ample ventilation to prevent the inhalation of particles or chemicals. In the summer, when the skies are blue and the weather is beautiful, it's the perfect time to open your windows wide and get started. When you're painting or sanding, you should also wear safety gear for extra precaution, such as a mask or respirator.
One easy step is to upgrade your faucets and shower attachments. Polish all countertops, marble and tile to give it that brand new shine. If your vanity is outdated, consider installing a new style. Then, lay down some plastic and choose a fresh new paint color.
3. Repaint the Exterior
Years of wear and weathering to the outside of your home can make paint or siding start to peel. For your summer project, why not consider sprucing things up? A new paint job will significantly increase your house’s value and appearance while also leaving you with a sense of pride for what you were able to accomplish.
If a complete redo is out of the budget for the year, consider power washing. This more affordable option will remove decades of built-up dirt and grime in as little as a couple of hours, leaving your home’s exterior looking good as new.
4. Add a Sunroom
A sunroom is an indoor space that allows you to enjoy all the benefits of being outside, like the warm weather, sunshine and beautiful view. One of the advantages to this type of space is that you can be protected from all of nature’s less appealing elements, including wind, snow and rain. Depending on how many seasons you plan for, you can enjoy this addition throughout the year.
This is of course a bigger project, and will require some careful discussion and design. The best sunroom design is one that blends with your existing home layout, making it seem like a natural addition instead of an afterthought. Elements like the size and number of windows in the sunroom are entirely up to you — you can really let that sunlight flow through and spend your summer in a relaxing space.
5. Fix Your Roof
Do you have some missing shingles? Perhaps your roof has been leaking off and on for the past couple of years. Wouldn’t it be nice to forget about the hassle and simply enjoy your home?
If you have roof issues, the summer months are the perfect time to go outside and find a solution. A new roof will be relatively easy to install, especially if it's a metal roof, which can be placed directly on top of your old shingle roof.
While the up-front cost of a new roof may seem expensive, it’s important to remember how long this improvement will last. Typically, the lifespan of a roof is between 20 and 30 years, meaning once you’ve implemented the right solution, you shouldn’t have to worry about it again for the next few decades.
Start Your New Summer Project
Choosing which project you want to tackle next is always exciting. When you're deciding how to utilize your summer, remember to be realistic about the scope of the project and how much free time you have available. It can be easy to plan more than you're able to accomplish. Try to choose a project that, when winter rolls around again, allows you to feel excitement over the fact that your home is looking fantastic with its new improvements.
