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Summer is usually the season for relaxing and enjoying the warm weather, but maintaining your house is a year-round responsibility. You can seize the end of the summer with all kinds of cost-effective renovations.
Check these 10 home improvement ideas off your to-do list before the cooler fall weather arrives.
1. Declutter The Interior
Although decluttering usually happens with spring cleaning, summer is also a good time for this project for one big reason — yard sales. It’s ideal because people will most likely be outside exploring the neighbourhood during this time of year, especially on weekend mornings. You can reorganize your home and make extra money for other projects.
Decluttering in the summer is also a good idea because you won’t have interruptions. Everyone will be out of the house during the day enjoying the weather, allowing you to rearrange and experiment with different furniture layouts.
2. Upgrade Your Windows
Window upgrades are fantastic renovations in the summer because they improve your home’s energy efficiency by trapping cool air inside and preventing drafts. Dual-pane windows will also give you added security and less outside noise. Proper installation will ensure this minor improvement will provide you with a full return on investment in the long run.
3. Try A New Paint Color
Summer is the best season for painting projects because the heat allows the paint to dry more quickly due to the warm and dry environment.
This enables you to complete the project in minimal time. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider using a complementary paint colour scheme to give your home a new dynamic.
4. Build A Backyard Patio
It’s never too late in the summer to build a backyard patio. This project might cost upwards of $5,000, but it has an average ROI of 80% and can increase your home’s value by up to $30,000. Patios and other outdoor hangout spaces are some of the most highly coveted features on the housing market.
Stamped concrete is often a good option because of its affordable installation and low maintenance requirements compared to traditional pavers. Both options have great design versatility, so it still comes down to your personal preference.
5. Build A Fire Pit
A fire pit would make a great centrepiece for your new patio because you’ll be able to relax outside year-round. Instead of huddling indoors during Canada’s long and cold winters, you can light a fire and get more fresh air. If you’re worried about smoke emissions, many smokeless fire pit options are available that still emit strong heat.
6. Pressure Wash The Exterior
Summer’s warm weather provides an ideal environment to pressure wash your home’s exterior, including the siding, driveway, deck and walkways. It’s easy to rent a power washer and knock out this project over the weekend. Just remember to use a low-pressure setting on the house so you don’t remove paint or break windows.
7. Freshen Up Your Front Door
If you’re looking for the simplest way to boost your home’s curb appeal, start by freshening up your front door. You can make many simple adjustments, such as painting it a new colour, replacing the handles, adding a mail slot or installing brighter lighting. These small changes make a huge difference in your house’s overall appearance.
8. Update The Landscaping
Similarly, you can make lots of effective lawn care changes to improve your home’s curb appeal and increase its value. You can reseed or aerate the yard, add new plant species to the garden, or prune the trees and shrubs around your property. Late summer is a great time for landscaping projects before the cooler temperatures set in and plants start to go dormant.
9. Check The Gutters
You should check your gutters every summer before the weather changes. Once the leaves start to fall, they will quickly fill up your gutters and potentially clog them. Doing a close inspection and removing debris will prevent drainage problems during the fall and winter when precipitation increases.
10. Replace HVAC Filters
Summer is a good time to replace your HVAC’s filters. The system has been working hard all season to keep your home cool and comfortable, so the filters are probably full of debris. While you’re at it, you can also dust off the air vents so your HVAC is free of dust and allergens.
End Summer On A High Note
Knocking out these interior and exterior improvements will help you end summer on a high note and prepare your home for the colder months. Some of them also substantially increase your property value. You can complete all these projects in just a few weeks and completely revive your home’s appearance in no time.
About The Author
Oscar Collins is the managing editor at Modded, where he writes about cars, fitness, the outdoors and more. Check out @TModded for regular updates!
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