The Most Popular Home Improvement Projects To Do In the Summer

Summertime is not only a time of vacations, it is also the time to tackle projects that require your presence outside or require parts of your home to be open. Some people actually dedicate a portion of their vacation to improving their homes. Whether it is a weekend project or a week-long renovation, the key is to plan ahead. Nothing is more irksome than a project left unfinished for long periods of time.

Some of the most popular large projects during the summer include:

• Updating or building your ideal deck. It is a well-known fact that a functional, well-built deck will add value to your home. If you live in an area that experiences severe weather, you may consider using composite materials in order to avoid warping and fading. Maintaining your deck by sealing and repairing it every summer will allow your deck to remain as beautiful as the day you built it.
• An addition to your home. Summer has the highest probability of having days where you can work without being deterred by bad weather. When you create a new addition to your home, the addition will be open to the elements a good part of the time until you can erect the outer walls. Expanding your porch, converting a room or creating more living space are all excellent projects during the summer.
• Replacement windows and storm doors. Summer is the time right before storm season and is the perfect time to make your home energy efficient. One of the best ways to do this is by replacing your windows and doors with the newest energy efficient products. Homes often have 20 or 30 year old windows and doors. 20 years ago, double glazing, low-E coatings and multiple paned windows were not standard. Even though changing your windows is a significant expense, it will save you a great deal of money and energy in the long run.

Short term weekend projects that many people love to do in the summer include:

• Add shade to your outdoor space. Whether you prefer awnings or gazebos, creating shade in your yard can be a fun and fast weekend project. More shaded areas will allow you to enjoy the outdoors more on hot sunny days and allow you to entertain without worrying that your guests will suffer from sun stroke.

• Painting. Everyone has something exposed to the outdoors that needs to be painted or retouched. Summer is the perfect time to beautify your home by making small changes such as painting trim or sealing and painting the deck.

• Adding a fence. Fences make for good neighbors, a wise person once said. Summer, when the ground is soft, is the perfect time to sink some post holes for your new fencing.

Choose a project that you will not only enjoy doing, but enjoy looking at when you are finished. Adding beauty to your home not only adds value, but adds to your own appreciation of your living space.