Summer is here, and that usually means more get-togethers with family and friends. Whether it’s a dinner party in your home or a relaxing barbecue in your yard, you want your property looking its best. Because of this, summer is a great time to work on home improvement projects to make your abode a welcoming place for you and your guests, while also adding value to your investment.

We’ve put together a few ideas for simple projects and recommended renovations that you can try out this summer season.

 

Improve Your Energy Efficiency

Does your electricity bill skyrocket every summer? Obviously, the more you run the air conditioner, lights and other appliances, the more it’s going to cost you. The first thing you should look at is installing windows with energy-efficient glass. These will help you conserve energy by keeping the cool air in and the warm air out. They can also add a little modern style to your home in the process, as well as increase your home’s resale value in the long run. Then, as fall approaches and the nights cool down again, you can open the windows to let fresh air in or keep them closed to trap in the heat and keep your furnace costs down during the cold winter months.

new-windows

Perhaps your A/C system itself could be replaced or tuned up to maximize its energy efficiency. How about your washer/dryer, stove, refrigerator, dishwasher and other outdated appliances that are a drain on your energy (and your budget)? Now is a great time to update and replace old appliances with more sustainable options.

 

Spruce Up a Room or Two

Perhaps you don’t want to go too crazy with home upgrades, but still want to spruce things up. Take advantage of the long summer days and the dryer air by painting a room—or the whole interior if you are so inclined. Maybe it’s time to switch up the color or the old paint just might be looking a bit worn out after a few years of neglect.

Painting can be a fun project that the whole family can work on together. Let the kids pick out the colors for their own room, so they are more willing to help out with the actual painting. Oftentimes, something as simple as adding a fresh coat of paint throughout will result in a 112% return on your investment. It’s one of many easy ways to add value to your home.

Did you know? Paint is often on sale or has rebates available over Memorial Day weekend. 

 

It may also be time to purchase some new furniture and replace some of the older, worn-out items. It’s amazing how one or two new pieces can really change the presentation of your whole home. Bringing in some modern things to your home will remind you why you fell in love with it in the first place.

Make Your Backyard the Place to Be

If you have a nice yard, summer is obviously the time to take advantage of it. And if your yard isn’t quite as nice as you want it to be, now is the time to make some improvements.

Add a new patio set or build a cozy fire pit to enjoy those long summer nights alongside your family and friends. Build a new gazebo or build a simple wooden bench or swing for the kids to enjoy. Change up your outdoor lighting for a more inviting patio setting.

Of course, the grass itself needs to be taken care of with feeding and watering, and summer is also the perfect time to make some improvements in your garden. There are a lot of creative ways to repurpose old furniture and even kid’s toys as plant holders and garden decor. Take that rusty old Radio Flyer wagon and turn it into an adorable planter. Use some slats of wood from that beat-up old bookshelf that’s been gathering dust in the garage to make a little picket fence around your garden. There are many great possibilities that can be very affordable solutions, especially if you get creative and use your imagination.

Another popular gardening trend is planting some of your own fruits, herbs and vegetables. Not only is it great to see the fruits of your labor (pun intended) after caring for them, but you can also use anything you harvest in your meals. Friends and neighbors will certainly be impressed when you tell them the salad you prepared was made with items from your own vegetable garden!

pallet-upcycle-gardening

What Are You Waiting For?

These are just a few simple ideas for making some improvements to your home and yard in order to make the most of the sunny summer months—now and for many years to come. Now is the time to take some action and work on those projects you’ve been putting off, so don’t let this summer pass you by.