6 perfect home improvement projects for summertime

Summer is upon us, which, for many, means it’s time for outdoor lounging and swimming, and taking advantage of long sunny days. It’s quite possible that home improvement projects are the last thing on your mind, because who wants to deal with renovations right now? As it happens, summer can be the perfect time to take on specific projects around your home for a variety of reasons. If you have a particular renovation in mind, read on to see if it’s best suited for this time of year. If so, don’t delay! 

Here are some home improvement projects that will benefit you, your home’s appeal, and even the environment this season.

1. Residing your home

Residing the exterior of your home can be an excellent way to improve its look and feel from the outside. This task spruces up your home while also increasing its value, making it a double hit for effective home improvement projects. You can choose between several materials for this project, depending on your price range and durability requirements. For example, engineered wood, stucco, vinyl, and cement are all popular options. You can also add a window box on your siding to hold plants, which gives your home some extra charm.

Residing is a great summer project because this is a job best done in mild weather, with less risk of interruptions from rain and snow. Residing can also repair any structural issues with your home, such as cracks or leaks. It’s best to fix these up now to prevent water damage later on in the year.

2. Kitchen projects

Does your kitchen need any work done? Maybe you need new countertops, cabinets, or backsplash tiles. It might be time for a new table and chairs, or perhaps new flooring. Whatever the case, summertime is often the best time of year to take on any kitchen home improvement projects. First, you can migrate outdoors while these renovations are underway so you don’t have to worry about being in the way. Second, summer avoids most main holidays like Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas, when families often gather and cook big meals. It’s a good idea to have these projects done by the time these holidays roll around if you celebrate them, especially if you plan on doing any hosting or cooking. Of course, preparing for these gatherings hasn’t been a problem for the past year or so, but it’s something to keep in mind for the future!

3. Add a path to your front door

Another way to add curb appeal to your home is to add a paved pathway that leads from your driveway to your front door. These pathways are both aesthetically pleasing and efficient. They provide a direct track to your door to avoid trudging across your lawn, and they give your yard a completed look. You can plant hedges and shrubs around your path to add to the design as well. As is the case with siding, you have many choices in materials for a pathway. These include stone, brick, and cement. Summer is a great time to complete this project while the ground is free of snow!

4. Stain your deck

Staining your deck is a bit like the easier, faster, and more effective version of paint. Deck stains tint your deck a certain colour, giving you the option to change the natural wood hue if you want. It’s easy to stain your deck yourself without needing to hire someone, and it can usually be done in one day. A good deck stain will act as a water seal, keeping your deck from taking in too much moisture and causing rot. It also keeps away the pests that might normally chew on wood. Finally, deck stain protects from the sun. Tinted stains, especially dark tints, act as a shield to preserve your deck and keep it safe from UV rays.

If you want to avoid any coloured tint, you can also use a regular deck sealer. It basically does the same job as a stain, but without any colour treatment. However, deck sealer lacks the sun protection that a tinted stain has.

5. Consider ceiling fans

Ceiling fans are one of the most efficient home improvement projects for summer. In the warmer months, fans are a great way to help keep your home cool in an environmentally friendly way. They use much less energy than air conditioners, saving you money as well. Ceiling fans come in various shapes and sizes to suit any room size. The right fan can also add to the look of a room, and be decorative as well as useful. A little-known fact about ceiling fans is they’re also handy for spreading warm air in the winter months. You can switch the direction of the blade movements to alter the kind of air they spread – counter clockwise for cool air, and clockwise for warm.

6. Check for any air leaks

Finally, it’s a great idea to check your home for any spots where air might be leaking out and causing cool air to escape your home. You can check insulation for cracks, as well as windows and doors to see if anything needs to be caulked. If there are any areas where air is leaking out, be sure to seal them right away to prevent any issues. Keeping the air in your home is much more energy efficient and cost effective for you than having air pouring out into your yard. You can get a proper inspection done if you’re not sure where to begin with this job. 

These home improvement projects are great ways to ensure you have a smooth summer in your house. Consider whether your home could benefit from any of these tasks in preparation for the warmer months. You can also read about some additional renovation projects here. If you have any questions about buying a home this summer, get in touch with us at Clinton Wilkins Mortgage Team! You can call us at (902) 482-2770 or contact us here.