Summer is officially here. Aside from having some fun in the sun or sipping Margaritas by the pool, it’s time to do some work around the house. You don’t need to go through a major overhaul of your home unless you haven’t done so in decades. Even small improvements can make your crib look completely different and make the neighbors want to keep up with you. Here are the top five things you can do in the following months.
Get Ready for Winter
When the sun is shining the last thing on your mind is the leaky roof. However, as the saying goes, you should prepare for the foul in fair weather. Your top priorities should include insulation, roof fixing, and central heating systems. The good news is that during summertime you can survive a few days without hot water if you need to shut it down for upgrading.
Next, look at the windows and try to find the most energy efficient solutions. Great glass can set you back between $1000-$5000, depending on the size of your home, but you will get in back in time by spending less on heating.
Don’t neglect cleaning and fixing your gutters which could be clogged from springtime.
Upgrade your Backyard and Driveway
Maybe you’ve always dreamed about a gazebo or a patio. Now it’s the perfect time to make it happen. Take some inspiration from this Amish community and invite your neighbors and friends to help you build the picture-perfect backyard. Of course, don’t forget to ask them afterward with their families to enjoy the fruits of the hard work.
Repave your driveway with Asphalt Driveway Paving if you think it needs a breath of fresh air. Not only is the work easier during summertime, but you get better adhering and longer lasting results. Upgrade any walkways while you are at it. When it’s time to tear up an old driveway and replace it, you will need to find the right dumpster for concrete disposal if this aspect is your responsibility. Generally, there are two sizes available for concrete removal, with the most popular size being the 10 -yard dumpster.
The Bathroom and the Kitchen
You don’t need to break the bank to take your kitchen from the 80’s to present. You can keep the internal structure of wall cabinets and only replace front panels in the kitchen. A modern sink can transform the entire room and make it more contemporary.
For the bathroom, you might want to take a home improvement loan. Replace tiling, fixtures and functional furniture. Try to use bright colors and few items to promote cleanliness. Mix enamel with more natural essences like wood. Bamboo looks luxurious and resists better in a humid environment.
Paint Your Home and Surroundings
This is one of the safest DIY projects. Sometimes a drop of fresh pain can upcycle and brighten any wall or fence. Make this a fun weekend project with the entire family. Give everyone a brush and a paint mask and let them have fun. In the end, it’s not about being perfect, it’s about time spent together with your loved ones. In a few years, you will remember that time when all of you painted the white picket fence together. If you’re feeling artistic, you can use acrylic paint on cupboards or tables for extra character.
Keep Cool
The most important thing during the summer is to keep cool. Depending on your budget you could install a full HVAC system, or make due with a couple of ceiling fans. If you already have AC installed be sure to clean it regularly at the beginning of each hot season. Dirty AC systems can be a threat to your family’s health due to dangerous bacteria.
As you can see, there is a project for every family and every budget. The only rule is to plan before you start so that you don’t feel overwhelmed or run out of money before you finish. Always count in an extra 10-15%.
