Home Improvements to Consider this Summer

Summer offers one of the best times to start home improvement projects and there isn’t any time to waste once the weather gets warmer. However, with so many different home improvement projects to consider, it can be difficult to know where to start. Thankfully, it doesn’t have to be too complicated, and to help make it easier, here are eight home improvement projects that you should consider.

1. Landscaping

Landscaping improvements are some of the best to start and complete during the summer months, since the weather is nice and the ground isn’t frozen. Improving your yard during this time can also give you something to enjoy during the late summer and fall, as well.

Landscaping companies can provide a lot of help when it comes to fixing up your yard and giving you a space that you can enjoy. This can take many forms, from adding flower beds, cleaning up the flower beds you have, planting new flowers, bushes, and trees, and revitalizing your lawn so that it’s greener and healthier. If you want to install a herb or vegetable garden, a landscaping company can also help you do this, so that you can start growing your own food as a hobby.

If you have space in your yard, you should even consider installing water features, paved walkways, fire pits, and additional seating areas that you can take advantage of while the weather is good. Features like this can make your yard more relaxing and inviting for both your family and any guests that you have. It can also give you more reasons to spend time outside.

In addition to all of this, improving your landscaping can also help increase the value of your home and your curb appeal, meaning that, if you ever choose to sell, you can expect more interest and better offers.

2. Roof Replacement

Roof replacement and repair is another improvement project that you should consider, and the summer is one of the best times to get started on it. Professional roofers recommend getting your roof inspected at least once a year, although preferable twice, once in the spring and again before winter. If you haven’t had your roof inspected recently, it may be worth calling a local roofing company and having them come out to check your roof. This can help locate any damaged areas that may need repair, as well as give you a better idea of when replacement is needed.

If you do need to replace your entire roof, the summertime is the best time to do so, and you should start considering the roofing materials that are the best for your home. For instance, although asphalt roofs are some of the most common, they only have a lifespan of around 20 to 25 years, depending on where you live and the weather conditions they will face. However, slate and metal roofs can have lifespans for as long as 100 years, making them good investments for homeowners who are planning on staying in their homes for a long period of time.

This summer, if you’re looking to make improvements around your home, it may be worth calling up a local roofer to give your roof a look to see if this is one of the updates you should make this year.

3. New Windows

Another home improvement project to consider this summer is replacing your old, worn-out windows. Not only is replacing windows during the summer easier than in the winter, but it can also help you save on energy costs both during the summer and in the winter. This is because windows can be one of the easiest points for energy to escape, which can make it more difficult to keep your home at a comfortable temperature. It can also cause your HVAC system to have to work harder to keep your home cool or warm. Overworking your AC or furnace like this can even cause parts to break down sooner than they otherwise would, making heating and AC repair necessary.

When looking for new windows, try to make sure that the new ones you purchase are EnergyStar rated to help prevent energy loss. If you have odd-shaped windows, some window companies may even offer custom glass installation with energy efficiency in mind. Because of this, even custom windows can benefit from protection from energy loss.

If your home has old, outdated windows, this summer may be the best time to call a commercial glass installation company and replace them before winter rolls around.

4. Shed Building

Another great project to start in the summer is shed building, and it could give you a great place to store outdoor equipment that you don’t need all of the time. Equipment like this can clutter up your garage or get ruined if left out, so creating an outdoor storage space can be a great summer project.

Similarly, a custom metal building can also function for other purposes instead of just storage. Backyard office spaces are becoming increasingly popular with people who work from home, and building them can help provide extra workspace without having to construct a whole new home addition. A backyard office like this is also good for helping to separate home and work life, and it can keep kids away from any important papers and equipment.

These custom buildings can also function as small guest homes, studios, mancaves, or she-sheds. And, because they can be customized, you can really have them built to function any way you need. If you need extra space, but your home can’t provide it, consider speaking to a custom building contractor to see the various designs that they can provide for you. Having a shed or other tiny building built during the summer can give you a great way to expand the usable space around your home, and it can be tailored to suit whatever you need it for.

5. Septic Repair

If your home runs on a septic system, maintaining it is very important. On average, your septic tank should be pumped every three to five years, depending on the size of the tank and the amount of wastewater your home produces.

However, if your tank isn’t pumped by a septic service you could end up with some disgusting problems. This is because, without regular pumping, solids will begin to accumulate in the tank until the capacity is diminished. Eventually, when this buildup gets to a certain point, it will reach the pipes that run into the drain field, causing them to clog. If this pipe is clogged, you can begin smelling sewage in your yard as the area above the drain field turns swampy. Some sewage can even begin backing up into your home, which could potentially expose you and your family to unhealthy conditions.

If your home has a septic system and you have never had it pumped, this summer you should seriously consider having a septic service company come out to inspect your system. Even if it currently doesn’t need pumping, they will be able to tell you when it does, so that you won’t run the risk of ending up with a clog and backup.

6. Replace Your Driveway

Another great home improvement to undergo during the summer is repaving or replacing your driveway. Driveways can wear down with constant use and exposure to the elements, making them crack and appear less attractive. If you choose to have your driveway repaired or replaced with asphalt, sealcoating can help prolong its lifespan and improve its appearance further.

Asphalt sealcoating can help protect the asphalt from UV rays, water, and oil. Unsealed asphalt can be prone to cracking and potholes over time, which can diminish its appearance and make it difficult to drive over.

Additionally, if you have kids, repaving your driveway can give them a great canvas to draw on with chalk. Not only is this an outlet for creativity, but it can help get the kids out of the house during the summer, giving them something fun to do that doesn’t involve a screen.

7. Bathroom Remodeling

Moving into the house, another summer home improvement project that you should consider is remodeling your bathroom. Although indoor remodeling projects can be done at any time throughout the year, they can still be easier during the summer, as moving materials in and out of the house can be hindered by snow.

When thinking about bathroom remodeling, you can first consider how you would like your bathroom to function, as well as how you can change it to be more comfortable. For instance, if both your spouse and you use the bathroom to get ready at the same time in the morning, expanding counter space and adding another sink can be a great way to make it more functional. You may also consider replacing your water heater if you both have to shower and one always ends up using all the hot water. Tankless water heaters can provide a seamless stream of warm water, and running out is something that most households won’t have to worry about.

Other things to consider involve replacing your shower or bathtub to be more comfortable for relaxing, or easier to access for older or very young family members. Additionally, even smaller details like adding tiles to the walls or floors can help make the space look more modern and inviting.

8. Kitchen Remodeling

Sticking with the remodeling theme, another of the most popular remodeling projects includes the kitchen. Along with the bathroom, the kitchen is one of the most used spaces in most homes, and it is something that everyone uses multiple times every day. Because of this, it’s important that your kitchen is functional and inviting.

When it comes to remodeling your kitchen, there is a lot to consider depending on what changes you want to make. For instance, old, outdated kitchens can benefit from a complete overhaul, while more recently updated kitchens may only need some cabinet refurbishing, a new coat of paint, and some eye-catching flowers from a local florist. The most common changes include replacing countertops, replacing appliances, replacing the flooring, adding a new backsplash, and improving storage. These changes can either be made altogether or made over a period of time-based on what changes you want and need most.

Additionally, you may even consider completely changing the layout of your kitchen if you feel that it isn’t conducive to cooking. For instance, it may be too small or the stove might be right next to the sink, making it hard to cook or do dishes. To improve this, you should consider contacting a professional kitchen contractor to help you create a new kitchen layout that works best for your needs.

9. Garage Door Repair

When you decide to fix your garage door, you should consider the costs associated with the replacement components. For example, a garage door roller will typically cost around $130 to replace. You may also spend $100 on the hinges for the garage door. The garage door bearing replacement cost may be $250, and it won’t usually be less than $80.

If you need to purchase multiple older garage door components, a replacement garage door might still be cheaper by comparison. However, some types of garage doors are much more costly than others. A tilt-up garage door could only cost $480, which will also be true for sectional garage doors.

Replacing the door roller, bearing, and hinges will frequently cost you at least that much. Since your current garage door might be damaged or faded, a new sectional or tilt-up garage door might eventually save you money.

However, other garage doors are substantially more expensive than that, whether you get them from garage door companies nearby or not. An entire roll up garage door will cost at least $650. Some customers may spend $2,000 on a door like this. Different garage door companies local will have the supplies you need one way or another.

Taking Advantage of the Summer

Summer is the best time to start undertaking home improvement projects, and it’s important to make the most of the good weather. When it comes to deciding which improvement projects are best for your home, you should consider sitting down with your family to ask about the changes that they would like to make. Create a list of all the improvements, and rank them by what is most needed or important. For instance, if you’re having septic problems, repairing that should be paramount and landscaping should be put off until that is settled. Plus, you don’t want to risk having sewage ruin your new landscaping. Although some improvements may be more practical than aesthetic, these can be some of the most important to knockout first.

By doing this, you can start to take advantage of the summer while helping to make lasting improvements to your home that you can enjoy all year long.