Home improvement season is officially here. The warm weather beckons everyone to get outside and move, and what better way to do so than by enhancing the beauty and value of your homestead? If you haven’t made your to-do list yet, you can discover a suggestion below to suit nearly any budget. You can complete some of these ideas in a single weekend, leaving you plenty of time to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Here are nine fun and unique home improvement projects to tackle this summer.
1. Paint
A fresh coat of paint is one of the most cost-effective home improvements you can make to enhance your curb appeal and property value. You can go as wild as you like on your interior if you don’t plan to sell anytime soon. If you’re looking to list, soft green and tan tones make a less boring alternative to beige. Painting your exterior is another project you can finish on the weekend. However, if you don’t feel ambitious enough to tackle the entire facade, why not touch up your windowsills and doors? Your entryway is the first thing prospective buyers see, and you want it to scream, “Welcome home.” Painting your trim a slightly different color adds an elegant touch. This project is one where you can save a small fortune if you DIY. You’ll pay anywhere from $1.50 to $4.00 per square foot if you hire someone, but you can pick up a can for $30.
2. Garden
Did you miss out on the summer gardening craze? If you did, there’s no better time than now to get out there and dig in the good earth. You might even get many of your vegetable plants for free once you master the art of saving the seeds from your organic produce and sprouting them into seedlings. What if you only have a small area? It doesn’t matter if you own a townhome with a 10×10 patio space. Chances are good you can go vertical on your walls. Stop by your local hardware store, where you can often snag a discarded wooden pallet for free. Once you sand and paint it, you can use it to create a vertical garden for fresh herbs or flowers.
3. Patio
If you recently refinanced your mortgage and find yourself with extra cash each month, why not dedicate it to enhancing your outdoor living spaces? Even before the pandemic, such areas were in high demand among homebuyers. With the new emphasis on outdoor activities, your patio adds to your property value more than ever. If your patio consists of a boring concrete slab, why not investigate stone pavers to give it a more elegant look? You can build a railing defining the space and giving room to hang potted plants. If you have a bigger budget, adding an outdoor kitchen will up your barbecue game and make your backyard the neighborhood hotspot.
4. Screened-In Deck
Do you and your family adore dining outdoors — except for all the flies? If so, consider screening in your deck to upgrade your living space. This project offers you the opportunity for year-round outdoor living. You can easily construct clear vinyl inserts for use during the winter months. These temporary “windows” act like a natural greenhouse, letting you sit out in your DIY Florida room or get an early start on next summer’s tomatoes.
5. Garage Overhaul
Along with outdoor living space, today’s homebuyers also want properties with a well-organized garage for all their toys. This project has the advantage of getting you out of the worst of the sun since you’ll be covered — but you’ll still enjoy plenty of fresh air. Start by insulating the space. Doing so protects your vehicle and keeps your entire house warmer — no more icy blasts each time you come home in the winter. Then, add shelves and pegboards for hanging lawn tools. It’s also wise to add some locking cabinets for items you want to keep safely away from little fingers, like turpentine and antifreeze.
6. Appliance Upgrades
If your appliances date back before 2011, upgrading could save you a small fortune with improved energy efficiency. This year marked when the Energy Star program began. Since then, manufacturers have continually improved their products to earn a higher rating. Today’s models use far less electricity and water. You can also opt for features that you need, like an ice dispenser.
7. Windows
Do you sometimes catch a chill when you sit by a window in the winter? If so, you’re leaking electricity and money. Now’s the time to determine if you can DIY or need full replacements. Start by adding caulk, using a gun to apply a smooth line. Inspect the glass for any cracks — you might be able to get away with replacing the single pane. If the seals themselves have come loose with age and wear, you may need to redo the entire window.
8. Flooring
Do you groan every time you drop money renting one of those carpet cleaners — not to mention the backache you get lifting it in and out of your car? Why not switch to a lower-maintenance and longer-lasting flooring choice, especially if you have pets that sometimes make a mess on the rug? If you have linoleum flooring, you might get lucky — some homeowners have discovered beautiful hardwood underneath that only required a bit of restoration. Tile, wood, and Pergo are all accessible choices, as they allow wheelchairs and walkers to roll freely, making this upgrade ideal if you have an aging family member moving in with you.
9. Solar
If you have been thinking of reaping the tax benefits of converting to solar power, you should jump on this home improvement project this summer. Unless Congress acts first, the credits are set to expire in 2022. However, keeping more of your hard-earned cash out of Uncle Sam’s hands isn’t the only reason to make this upgrade. You’ll save a small fortune every month when your electricity and heating bills come due. Plus, you’ll sleep more soundly, knowing that you went above and beyond to do your part to protect the planet by living sustainably.
Tackle These 9 Fun and Unique Home Improvement Projects This Summer
Summer is the season for making home improvements. Why not tackle these nine fun and unique projects before October? by: Rose Morrison Rose Morrison is a real estate and home improvement writer and the managing editor of Renovated. Check out her Twitter to see more of her work.