To take advantage of the warmer and sunnier months ahead, set aside some time to spruce up both your home and yard. Here are a few excellent home improvement ideas to get your home ready for summer.
Exterior Home Improvements
Do an Exterior Inventory
Walk around the outside of your house and take note of any damage that may have occurred over the winter.
- Clear built-up dirt from the driveway and walkway, and power wash the siding and trim.
- Check your roof for loose or missing shingles, and repair or replace as needed.
- Is your gutter properly aligned and unclogged? You’ll want to address any gutter issues and clear out any buildup of debris.
- Pay attention to the foundation of your home and note any cracks or leaks, which you should fix as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
Clean Your Patio and Deck
Get rid of any grime or dirt that has collected on your deck or patio. Hire a professional, or DIY, but heed caution that pressure washers can damage your deck’s wood if used improperly. Also, if you see any boards that need replaced or repaired, now is a smart time to do so.
Check Windows and Doors
Check doors and windows for any cracks, holes, or leaks. Replace any worn or missing weather-stripping around doors and windows, or caulk wherever needed. Check with your local utility company, as they could offer cost-free energy audits, which can help assess any of your home’s insulation issues.
Yard Improvements
Clear Away Debris
If you decided to put off raking leaves this past fall, then now’s the time to do so. Clear out your yard and garden areas of any old leaves, vines, or other debris to help better prepare your yard for summer landscaping. Having a cleared out base makes it easier to lay mulch and compost; plus, it creates a healthier environment for your outdoor plants.
Lay Compost and Mulch
Now that your yard is cleared away of any leaves and debris, plan to add compost, and then mulch, to all garden and side-bed areas. Compost adds a wealth of valuable nutrients to your lawn and garden, and mulch will help protect against erosion, seal in moisture, and help decrease weed growth around your other plants.
Plant New Outdoor Plants
Add color and beauty to your yard by planting several new plants around your yard. Be sure to pay attention to lighting requirements and plant accordingly. Many low light plants, such as ferns and ivy, are excellent for adding a bit of charm to your landscaping and can thrive where other plants may not. Take advantage of a very sunny area and plant a vegetable and herb garden. It’s easy if you start from small plants, such as tomatoes and basil, which are generally sold at many hardware and home improvement stores, as well as garden centers.
Interior Home Improvements
Embrace The Sunshine
Save on energy costs during the day by opening blinds and curtains to let the sunshine in. This way, there will be no need for you to turn on interior lighting until well into the evening hours. You’ll be surprised at how quickly lightbulb usage can add up on your home’s energy bill—so, cut your energy costs this summer and embrace the sun.
Get Rid of Clutter
Take an inventory of all your “stuff” within your home and get rid of any unnecessary items or furniture you no longer need or want. This will open up your home and give you more space to enjoy those summer days spent at home. Nicer weather means it’s easier to take multiple trips to donation centers and drop off areas, so take advantage of it.
Shampoo Carpets and Rugs
Rent a rug shampooing machine and thoroughly clean your home’s carpets and rugs. Regular carpet cleaning won’t only make them look better, it will help them last longer by keeping them in excellent shape for years to come.
Have a Maintenance Check on Your Home’s Cooling System
This is a sure-fire way to ensure better energy efficiency as well as HVAC longevity. And, since summertime is when you’ll be using your A/C the most, it makes sense to ensure that it is in excellent working order for the warm weather ahead. Don’t forget to change your air filter! If you’re HVAC system is in need of a checkup, give us a call today at 317-759-5562.
