Summer is here and, between dips in the pool and the family vacation, you might want to consider this: all that sunny weather and available free time isn’t just good for getting a tan, it’s also the perfect time to tackle some projects around the house! While nobody wants to spend every weekend on household projects, the reality is this: homeownership means some responsibility, especially when it comes to maintaining your property and keeping it not only looking good, but making sure it stays in good structural condition. Not keeping up with routine maintenance could even mean your home loses value over time.
Whenever starting any kind of project, a little planning can go a long way. Below is a list for some relatively easy projects to accomplish in a summer weekend.
- Pressure Wash your Home – winter and spring are seasons full of precipitation and can leave your home’s exterior looking grimy. Add in pollen and even surface mold as the weather gets warmer, and most homes can stand a round with a power washer. Start with the highest points on the house, as dirt rolls downhill, before moving on to porches and finally driveways. While professionals might do the best job, pressure washing can sometimes be fun- especially if you get the whole family involved- with power washers being affordable and often are readily available for rental at many hardware stores.
- Clean the Gutters – When you think of summer, you probably think of sunny days with clear skies, but you have to remember that summer can also mean intense rainstorms. Leaves, pine needles, and other debris can easily clog a gutter and can cause expensive water damage to your home if not addressed. Make sure your gutters are clean and clear and that drains are located suitably far from your home, as to not erode the dirt around your foundation.
- Re-stain the Deck – Decks can last years! A great way to give a wooden deck a facelift is by re-staining your deck. Not only will your deck look better (just in time for that next summer barbecue) but it will also be protected from future wear and tear!
- Exterior Paint – They say a fresh coat of paint can really transform a room, and the same is true for the exterior of your home. While repainting an entire house is a major project, there are some smaller details you can paint to help give your home a great new summer look. Doors and shutters are great options, along with trim details such as window moldings, columns, or railings.
- Spruce Up the Landscaping – Landscaping is a popular summer project, and for good reason. A well landscaped yard and garden will vastly improve a home’s curb appeal, and can be done easily without excessive costs. With so many landscaping projects available, it’s up to you if you want to enhance what you already have or add entirely new features like a flower bed, water feature, or new garden area. Perhaps a few shrubs are all you need to really take your yard to the next level. Imitation is the finest form of flattery, so don’t be afraid to drive around the neighborhood and look for inspiration elsewhere.
- Buy or Build a Shed – Who couldn’t use a little extra space? If you’ve been suffering an overstuffed garage, now is the right time to consider a storage shed. With free plans available online, and prefab options readily available at home improvement stores and even from local businesses, there’s never been a better time to find a shed that looks great- and will help you get organized.
- Replace the Air Filters – Clean filters are key to living in a healthy home. During the spring and summer months, allergens like dust, mold, and pollen can easily clog filters and leave you feeling stuffy and congested. Avoid the headaches by regularly cleaning or replacing your home’s air filters. Not only will you feel better, breathing cleaner air, but your AC will run more efficiently, without having to try and operate through clogged filters.
- Upgrade your Fans – While Air conditioning is common these days, the humble ceiling fan should never be overlooked. A modern, high efficiency ceiling fan can help keep you cool while not having to rely as heavily on the thermostat. This improved circulation can also help improve airflow in your home. Outside on a porch, or even in a garage, a ceiling fan can make a world of difference, making these enjoyable spaces to be even on warm summer days. Note: Ceiling fans should be turning counterclockwise to pull the cool air from the floor up into the air.
Summer is all about having a good time, but sometimes you must take a little break from the fun to maintain your responsibilities as a homeowner. These eight projects will keep your home looking and feeling its best, without breaking the bank or taking up all your free time. Here’s to a happy home improvement summer!
