Summer home renovations and green energy projects to take on

What are the best summer home renovations to tackle as a home owner? If you own a house, you know that home improvements seem never-ending, and there is always something new you could take on. Realistically, of course, you need to choose the projects that are most important to you, and make those a priority if you are hoping to upgrade your home. While your home’s needs are likely different from those of your neighbour, there are some common renovations that are the perfect fit for summer. Plus, you can even take things one step further with green energy additions. Here are some ideas to help you get started!

The best summer home renovations

Replace your roof or driveway

Your roof and driveway endure all the elements year-round, from the scorching sun to wind, rain, and snow. After a while, they will start to fade or weaken, meaning it may be time to consider an upgrade. Spring and summer are the ideal times to take on these two projects, when there is no snow on the ground and conditions are (hopefully) good for contractors to do their work. 

You can either take on a partial repair or replacement for your roof and driveway, or invest in a complete overhaul. If your roof is just missing a few shingles, you may be content to replace just those few to make your roof whole again. If the entire structure is weak and old, however, this could be a good time to fully redo the roof, which will increase curb appeal as well as your home’s safety. Similarly, you can simply repave your driveway for a fresh take on what you currently have. Alternatively, you can choose a whole new pattern and material, and start from scratch with a new design.

Remodel your garage

For many people, their garages are a messy storage space where they toss items they don’t know what to do with, and occasionally park their cars. However, why not put that space to good use if you can? Remodeling your garage can be as simple or ambitious as you want. If you are just looking for a better way to store your items, you can install shelving units or standing cupboards to create a more organized space. On the other hand, you can also heavily invest in your garage’s functionality and appearance if you’d like. Some home owners like to treat their garage like the rest of their home, installing durable flooring, painting the walls, and carefully planning where things should go. The extent of your garage design depends on you!

Update your flooring

Moving inside, you might think your flooring is starting to look a bit old. Whether you have shag carpeting or the original linoleum the house came with, if you’re tired of your flooring, it’s time for an update! The reason we recommend this as a summer home renovation is because when contractors are in your home ripping up your floor, you will need somewhere else to go. In the winter, outdoors is much less of an option. In the summer, however, the weather is more likely to cooperate and give you a place to hang out. The noise and bustle of having workers in your home can feel a bit overwhelming, and you will likely want to make an escape. Plus, this gives the floorers room to work efficiently, likely increasing the speed of the project.

Worthwhile green energy projects

Switch to a smart thermostat

Investing in a smart thermostat for your house is a great place to start your green energy journey. It is a relatively simple investment that doesn’t change your day-to-day life much, but can make a big difference on the environment and your home’s value. A smart thermostat can detect not only the temperature, but also the humidity levels of your home and its occupancy. It learns from your preferences and can adjust the temperature in your home accordingly. If you are not home, the lack of movement can tell the thermostat to reduce its usage by pulling back on the heat or air conditioning. Not only are these products good for regulating your consumption, but they are also easy to use! Most systems can be controlled on your phone, making them simple to access.

Install energy efficient appliances

If you’re looking for a way to gradually introduce green energy into your home, investing in new appliances can be a good way to begin. This allows you to pick and choose where you want to make changes, and how much you want to spend on them. Appliances like fridges, freezers, dishwashers, and washing machines all have energy efficient alternatives that didn’t exist even a decade ago. If you are in need of an upgrade, consider looking into one of these options. They operate using less energy, water, and heat than traditional home appliances, lowering your bills and helping your home run more efficiently. While the upfront cost is sometimes higher, you will likely end up saving in the long run.

Consider solar panels

Want to go all out with green energy? Installing solar panels on your roof is one of the biggest investments you can make. These panels turn sunlight into electricity, which is then used throughout your home. Of course, this means your electricity bills will be significantly cut down or even eliminated. The lack of fossil fuels also benefits the environment, making it a win-win. Of course, the cost of installing solar panels can be quite high, and it is not an investment everyone is able or willing to make. If you are interested in this path, it’s important to carefully weigh the pros and cons before making a final decision.

There are endless summer home renovations and green energy projects you could take on this year. These are just a few ideas to get you started and help you think about what changes you could make in your house! If you are interested in purchasing a new home to make these improvements in, be sure to reach out to your local mortgage broker. We are here to help you secure the mortgage product and rate you deserve, in a home you love!

If you have any questions about your mortgage, get in touch with us at Clinton Wilkins Mortgage Team! You can call us at (902) 482-2770 or contact us here.