7 Home Upgrades That Will Let You Soak Up Every Bit of Summer
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Warmer temperatures and longer days could only mean one thing — summer is coming! What better time of year to dive into some home improvement projects?
Summer months tend to be peak timing for home remodeling. Of course, with such high demand, available contractors are more difficult to come by while price increases on building materials are likely. Nevertheless, homeowners love a good summer project, especially when renovations get done while they’re away on vacation. There are also plenty of DIY projects you can do yourself.
If your home exteriors could use a facelift this sunny season, consider these seven upgrades that’ll have you kicking back in your lounge chair in no time.
1. Add a Patio or Deck
Since the pandemic, more homeowners have added outdoor living space to their wish list — somewhere they can unwind and entertain guests in the fresh air.
According to the 2021 “Future of Home Design” study by Pro Builder and the New Home Trends Institute (NHIT), 58% of respondents agree that their design choices depend heavily on their need to connect to nature. As such, 68% and 55% of homeowners want patios and decks, respectively.
A patio is ideal for those who want to dine al fresco or set up a comfortable outdoor seating area for reading, relaxing or spending quality time with family and friends. Patios present several design options, too — homeowners could choose more rustic or contemporary hardscaping materials to match their preferred aesthetic.
Include unique lighting, such as string lights, tiki torches or bollard lights, for nighttime gatherings outside.
2. Enclose Your Patio
There are few downsides to summer, but bugs definitely make the list. People spend hundreds of dollars annually on exterminators, citronella candles and other repellants to keep pests away.
If your patio has an overhang, enclosing it with a screen or glass window panes will deliver an insect-free space to enjoy the outdoors. Enclosed lanais have become increasingly popular, allowing homeowners to feel like they’re directly outside but with some airflow.
If your patio or deck doesn’t have an overhang, a birdcage screen that attaches to the house could still do the job.
3. Revamp Your Home’s Siding
Sometimes giving your home some sparkle and shine is enough to spread positive vibes that last all summer long. When your house looks good, you’ll feel good. Therefore, you may want to give your home’s siding a makeover.
Winter weather is often harsh on your house, causing wear and tear to the exterior. Therefore, it may be time to replace or switch to vinyl siding. Vinyl siding is the most cost-effective option at $7,000-$14,000 for a 2,300-square-foot home. It’s also the longest-lasting and requires the least amount of maintenance.
You also have an opportunity to give your home an entirely new shade if you go with vinyl, as this siding comes in wide-ranging colors. White vinyl siding is obviously a classic look, but you might also be ready to go with something slightly off-kilter and unique.
4. Spruce Up the Landscaping
Many homeowners start working on their landscaping at the first sign of spring — but now that summer has arrived, the lawn should be a vibrant green and buds have reached full bloom.
Warmer seasons provide a clean slate to perfect your curb appeal. Consider installing garden beds, pulling weeds, and laying fresh mulch. You can also plant new trees or shrubs to give your garden a fuller look.
Routine lawn maintenance is necessary to ensure your yard looks loved and well-kept. Fertilize patchy grass and get into the routine of mowing weekly or every other week so the grass isn’t overgrown.
5. Create a Meditation Garden
If you’re hoping to spend more time relaxing outside this summer, a meditation garden may deliver a soothing and comfortable sanctuary. Look for a quiet area in your yard, write up a list of materials you’ll need and sketch the layout.
A movable screen or plant border will provide much-needed privacy. You should also look for greenery with different textures and shapes, from bushes to grasses to weeping trees.
Hardscape the area with stone or pavers and add a gravel path to get to and from the meditation garden. Wind chimes, spiritual statues, and a small water feature — like a pond or fountain — are a nice touch.
6. Paint the Front Door
Small changes go a long way when zhuzhing up your house for the summer. Even just painting the front door can make a tremendous difference. A 2021 Zillow survey suggests that certain door colors can actually increase your home value.
For instance, a blue-gray door is most popular among potential buyers, with people willing to pay $1,537 more for a house with a door that color. Otherwise, black doors can increase a sale by $6,449.
If you’re not in the market to sell, paint your front door whatever color speaks to you. Did you ever want a yellow or red accent door? Maybe a bright turquoise blue makes you happy. Painting the front door is an easy DIY project you can do again wherever you want.
7. Install a Backyard Fire Pit
Fire pits are a popular backyard feature for those looking to sit around with friends in the evening. Whether you’re warming up or making s’mores, fire pits deliver a beautiful outdoor aesthetic for any occasion.
You can purchase a free-standing fire pit online or in a store and set it up yourself. Otherwise, you’ll want to call in an expert to integrate a built-in fire pit feature into your patio. Some homeowners hire masonry specialists to build an entire unit with bench seating.
A built-in fire pit could use natural gas or propane, making it easy to ignite and turn off when you’re done using it. It also helps keep the flames in the pit and ensures everyone’s safety.
Enjoy Your Summer With Home Improvements
You can dive into numerous outdoor home improvement projects this summer — some are easier than others, but all of them will turn your home exteriors into a space you can’t get enough of. Relax in a finished outdoor area all summer long.
