Get ready for the heat wave. Whether it’s your favorite season or not, summer is coming and in some places it feels like it’s already here. With the hottest season of the year often comes a list of home improvements every homeowner wishes to tackle. Some tasks may be those you hire professionals to help with, while others have do-it-yourself written all over them.
People all over the country make an effort to get the most of the warmer months by enjoying their homes and properties as much as possible before winter creeps back in. Grab a fresh, cold glass of lemonade, or sweet tea, or iced coffee, or your beverage of choice and see if any of the items on your summer to-do list are listed among the top home improvements for the upcoming season.
Build a deck or expand your current deck’s footprint.
Nothing provides the best of both worlds for relaxing and entertaining like that of a deck off the back of your home. As a fairly straightforward improvement, deck construction always ensures you’ll get the biggest return on your investment, and the biggest impact as far as practicality is concerned. Decks are a space where family and friends can gather, or it can be a place where you retreat once the kids are tucked in and the heat of the day has settled.
Regardless of how you use it or when you use it, the fact remains that decks are an easy home improvement that sits at the top of everyone’s list. If you wish to take your deck to the next level, install an outdoor kitchen. It doesn’t have to be large to be successful; a small kitchen and grill area is all you need to make the most of warm nights.
Power wash all outdoor surfaces.
Since spring is on its way out and summer is on its way in, now is the perfect time to wash away all the pollen and pesky coat from the colder months. Pressure washing the outside of your home including sidewalks, decks, and patios, is a quick way to breathe life into your property.
Similar to how we feel after a fresh bath, looking and smelling our best, a power wash can do the same for your home. Walkways are brighter and more defined, vinyl siding and brick appear to be new again, and decks are free of Mother Nature’s debris.
When tackling this home improvement yourself, make sure to read and follow all necessary instructions regarding proper technique for power washing to prevent damage.
Upgrade your air conditioning for a retreat from the heat.
An air conditioning upgrade is the perfect treat during the summer months. Whether you had central air installed in your home or are thinking of having it installed, explore the option of upgrading to an energy efficient condenser that will save money on your energy bill.
Nothing says rest and relaxation like cool air that doesn’t make a dent in your wallet. If your home uses a traditional AC system or window units, they may be working harder than you realize to keep your home cool. Now is a good time to consider installing a ductless system that cools your home faster without working as hard.
Create a space for the kids.
While installing a pool is more of a wish list item than a home improvement item, don’t forget about the kids and what keeps them busy in summer. Since our children are out of school during the summer months, it’s important to keep them active. Designating a space specifically for them will ensure they’re not in and out of the house throughout the day.
Sure, they can enjoy the deck and air conditioned spaces just like the adults do, but we were all kids once and know the importance of having our own area to explore. A playhouse or trampoline, or a fun seating area somewhere on the deck or in the yard, is an easy improvement that incorporates their use of your home as well.
There are numerous improvements for any home and they change with the seasons. By taking advantage of the warmer weather and checking a few off your list while you can, you will get the most enjoyment during your downtime. Cheers to the loud laughs, cool refreshments, and warm nights that come with summer.
About Joanne Aubuchon
Joanne is a resident writer for SERVIZ, an on-demand home services company offering everything from Plumbing repairs to Carpet Cleaning across the US. Joanne is a writer by day and reader by night. Joanne loves writing about saving money, raising kids and improving the quality of our lives. When she is not writing, you can find her trying out new salad recipes, playing ball with her kids, or cheering in the stands at her son’s soccer games.