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For many homeowners, the return of warm weather is the perfect time to begin summer home improvement projects.
Judging by a brand-new 2022 report from the National Association of Realtors, the impact of summertime renovations goes beyond the satisfaction of a job well done. Americans spend $420 billion a year on DIY projects and renovations.
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Post-remodeling, the report found that 84% of homeowners had a greater desire to be in their homes, and 69% felt a significant sense of accomplishment directly because of their hard work.
For example, something as simple as a fresh coat of paint scored exceptionally high on the NAR study’s “joy score.”
As you can see, the impact of home improvement projects goes deeper than just an increase in real estate value. But, of course, raising your home’s curb appeal is nothing to dismiss either when it comes time to sell.
Here are Homefinity’s top summer home improvement projects to give you some great ideas on making your home an even greater enjoyment for yourself.
Easy home improvement projects
Pressure washing
Winter grime and dirt will eventually give way to springtime rain and mud.
For a simple way to spruce up your home, take advantage of the hot weather to cool off with a high-powered cleaning. Pressure washing makes for quick work against dirty buildup on your home’s siding, driveways, decks, walkways, and patios.
Plus, you don’t have to invest in buying your own pressure washer yourself. Many local hardware stores or home centers offer these handy machines for rent.
Pro tips for your home’s exterior:
- Make sure to spray at an angle to avoid forcing high pressures into seams or cracks.
- Use a lower pressure setting for more sensitive surfaces like wood decks or painted siding.
Drain your water heater
Draining a water heater is one of the quickest and easiest home maintenance tasks you can achieve. It also can yield some surprising results.
Regularly draining your water heater can help remove sediment, allowing more hot water to flow through your plumbing. Hot water tends to be more of a concern in the winter months, but your family might appreciate a lack of cold water surprises all year round.
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Check your gutters
While it may not sound like the most tremendous fun you can have on a warm summer’s day, cleaning your gutters can save you money, clean up effort, and a big headache.
Ignoring your gutters and downspouts could mean you have to replace them down the line. Debris, like leaves and branches, will clog the drainage system that is supposed to prevent water damage to your foundation. The price of a ladder or hose attachment is nothing compared to foundation home repairs or drying out your basement.
Plus, landscape erosion from overflowing gutters can erase all the hard work you’ve done for curb appeal.
Install a ceiling fan
Ceiling fans are a cost-effective and energy-efficient cooling method compared to air conditioners. Air conditioning can be costly, especially as the cost of electricity rises.
Some summer days are not particularly hot, especially in the early transition period from spring weather. An aesthetically pleasing ceiling fan can cost as little as $50 but can save you hundreds in HVAC cooling costs over the years.
Renovations that add curb appeal
Landscaping
One of the best home improvement projects that add value to a home is landscaping. Outdoor projects beautifying your home’s exterior improve the curb appeal for visitors and potential buyers.
Landscaping reflects both the quality of the home and the surrounding neighborhood. This sort of change can add approximately 28% to the overall value of a home.
Plus, it doesn’t have to be a pricey home renovation project. A simple do-it-yourself flower bed, strategically placed, can have a dramatic effect.
Install an outdoor kitchen
Those home renovators with extra ambition might consider creating a culinary oasis in their yard as a summer project.
Outdoor living spaces are becoming more sophisticated these days, and the popularity of outdoor kitchens is a sign that the trend is going strong. The kitchen you install can be as simple as a premade outdoor grill island or a countertop made of reclaimed wood and antique bricks. But you can also go fancy with a stone oven for making wood-fired pizzas under a cedar and stone canopy—it all depends on your ambition and available space.
New windows
Cold weather can sneak up on you fast. Enjoying your home if you are constantly chilly or feeling a draft can be challenging.
Therefore, the summer months are an ideal time to replace inefficient windows with new, energy-efficient models.
According to Energy.gov, the heat loss and heat gain through your windows can equal up to 30% of your residential energy usage. Plus, Remodeling Magazine’s 2022 Cost Vs. Value assessment put the return on value for replacing your windows with modern vinyl models at 67.5%—one of the highest returns on investment.
This remodeling project can also do wonders for your home’s value, encouraging visitors and potential buyers to come through your front door.
Financing your summer home improvement projects
Whether it’s during the warm summer months or other seasons, home improvement projects can elevate your home’s value as well as your level of satisfaction. But, regardless of the reason for your renovations, there will be a question about financing.
As we’ve shown, some home renovations take little time and money—while others can be on the pricey side. One of the best ways to finance your home renovations is with a cash-out refinancing of your home.
Cash-out refinancing is ideal for home renovations, and you may be able to negotiate a lower interest rate than what you’re currently paying.
Contact one of Homefinity’s loan officers for a no-obligation quote to refinance your mortgage for a cash-out payment. This option could be the best way to spruce up your home for the long winter months or get it ready to be sold before school starts in the fall.
Photo by Blue Bird
