Summer home improvements transform your home from good to great.
Summer is the classic time for home renovation projects. The weather is great, and you have more daytime hours to get the work done. And if you plan to list your home for sale, choosing the right projects can boost your its value.
Here are 7 projects that are ideal for warm weather:
Replace Windows and Doors
New windows and doors punctuate an attractive exterior and interior. If your windows are older, in poor shape, or just unattractive, summer is a great time to replace them.
Do your homework, especially on windows. Cheap replacements aren't an improvement over well-built older windows. But some newer windows block UV rays and help hold conditioned air inside.
A new kitchen makes your life better, and it holds its value.
Update the Kitchen
Kitchens give you one of the highest returns on investment of any home improvement project, according to This Old House. They might cost more than other projects, but they hold their value.
You could renovate the kitchen any time of year. But working in the summer lets you take advantage of outdoor cooking, which puts less pressure on getting the job done fast.
Build an Addition
Another high return renovation idea is a new addition. If you can built up or out, adding bedrooms and bathrooms can dramatically improve your home's value.
Summer is perfect for building a new addition. Workers will be more comfortable. And because an addition is a lengthy project, you won't have to worry about whether it will be complete before the holidays, the way that you would if you broke ground in the fall.
Improve or Replace the Driveway
Driveways are unsung heroes of the curb appeal game. Potential buyers notice your home's appearance, but the driveway can make or break its beauty.
You can refinish asphalt or concrete or pour more gravel. Or you can excavate and build a whole new drive. If yours is narrow, this is the perfect time to make it wider and allow for more parking.
Install a New Fence
Fences define property boundaries and add an attractive feature to the home. They're especially attractive to people who have pets and young children, too.
Warm weather is best for installing a fence for a couple of reasons. First, the ground will be softer and easier to dig for setting posts. Second, the concrete you'll use to stabilize posts sets better in warmer weather. Just avoid working when it's extremely hot.
Replace the Roof
Roofing protects your home and adds another layer of beauty. If your roof is approaching the 10-15 year mark, it's time to think about replacement.
A full tear off and new installation is recommended by professionals, such as Fischer Roofing. While you can roof over old shingles in some area, you won't get a good inspection of the roof deck and the new roof could hide existing problems.
Contemporary Deck by Other Metro Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers C.O.S DesignA new deck can take as little as a week to build.
Add a New Deck
Summer is made for outdoor living, and there are few better ways to enjoy the backyard like a new deck. This is a great project for summer because even a large deck is a fairly quick build. You'll have plenty of time to enjoy it before fall arrives.
Pressure-treated decking materials are still big sellers. But don't overlook composite products. They never splinter, don't need repainting, and they clean up easily. This Old House suggests that better composites might even be superior to wood.
Renovation improves your biggest investment - your home. And summer gives you better conditions and longer days for the work. What's better, the improvements that you make now can boost its value if you list it for sale.
If you're wondering which projects might make your home more competitive with others in the area, check out comparable properties to see what's selling now. You can do that in a matter of minutes. Click here for a free property valuation from eppraisal today.
