8 Renovation Projects to Help You Enjoy Every Last Moment of Summer

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Though summer is almost over, you still have time to soak up the last bit of the freest, warmest season of the year. Since you’ll often be outside, you should ensure your property is ready for all the fun you plan to pack into these last weeks.

Something that will give you a great return on your investment or maximize your enjoyment of your home is well worth the work. Here are some of the best renovation projects that can keep you enjoying your outdoor spaces for months to come, even into the milder fall weather.

1. Build a Firepit

You can complete this simple upgrade in a single weekend and its benefits far outweigh the work it takes. The materials could be costly, but once you finish designing a unique firepit for your home, you'll realize just what a boon it is to have.

Then, you'll have a space to gather with your household or guests, tell stories, make fun snacks, or just chill out and enjoy the fruits of your labor. This project is an excellent investment for the upcoming months — a fire can warm you up on those chilly autumn nights when you want to spend a little more time in nature.

2. Create an Outdoor Kitchen Space

If a firepit isn't ideal for your lifestyle, you can always spruce up your outdoor kitchen space. For some people, it may not be more than a grill and a little countertop space. Others may want several appliances and the ability to cook an entire meal outside or to stock a bar full of ingredients for cocktails.

Start by defining what you want out of your outdoor kitchen. From there, you can decide what to add and any upgrades to make. Make your backyard a place you love to retreat to when the weather's nice.

3. Add a Patio or Deck

A patio or deck in your backyard is a great way to increase your home's value and give you a better way to enjoy the outdoors. When you have one of these structures, you can set up a grill or chairs to relax in the sun or enjoy the fresh breezes of the upcoming cooler months. The materials you choose for your deck or patio are up to you, though you'll most commonly see stained wood as an option.

A composite deck is manufactured of several types of wood and can be more expensive up front. However, it's often the more cost-effective choice in the long run, as you won't have to worry about keeping up with staining and sanding in the future.

You should also think of what will work best with your lifestyle. A deck is typically elevated and could have stairs leading down into the yard, while a patio is flat — a difference that could matter a lot to someone in your home with mobility issues.

4. Switch to More Energy Efficient Windows

Your family and your wallet will thank you for this simple home improvement. Energy-efficient windows can improve your home's security by replacing their old counterparts, which is an impressive draw.

They can also retain cool air in the summer heat and keep warm air inside as it gets cooler, ensuring you don't lose any temperature-controlled air to outside leaks. Lastly, they just look better — leveling up your windows is a great way to give your home a fresh look while saving you monthly money.

5. Plant Some Greenery

One way to increase your curb appeal drastically is to liven up your space with plenty of plants. In addition to making your home feel cozier, it can cool down the vicinity of your home. With 25° Fahrenheit cooler weather around your home thanks to shade, you'll be grateful for the time you spent planting things. These plants make a great return on investment — you may just have to wait a few years for them to grow.

6. Replace Your Siding

When was the last time you made your house feel new again? Replacing your siding can ensure your home's health for years to come, as well as brighten its appearance and enhance its curb appeal. Though it can be costly, it's well worth the investment to keep your house functioning well.

If you have pieces of siding missing, you can purchase tape that will cover small holes and protect your house from inclement weather or pests that could invade. It's an easy fix, though not a permanent one, so you should look for ways to replace it more effectively in the future.

7. Pressure Wash Your Home and Driveway

One quick way to level up your home's appearance is to give it a good wash. After all, you clean your fabric furniture regularly, so why shouldn't your house get a bath now and then? Pressure washing your home and driveway is the best way to make your house look clean and shiny, upping your curb appeal while giving you a place you can be proud of. You can easily rent a machine or buy your own for subsequent washes.

If you're using soap to clean your home, make sure its components are as green as the label says. When some chemicals break down, they can pose a danger to aquatic life and harm the water they’re washed into as easily as a non-green soap. It may take a trained hand to pressure wash your home effectively, but it's something you can work on over time.

8. Change Up Your Garage Door

Your garage door might be a focal point of your home, depending on how it faces the street. If you drastically want to improve your curb appeal and deal with your current garage door's potential insulation issues, you may want to replace it. You don’t want it to malfunction as the temperature drops, leaving your home vulnerable.

Your garage door should be functional without any problems. Contact a professional the moment you detect something wrong. If you try to fix it yourself, you might end up putting your household in danger.

If you need more money for a complete garage door upgrade but still want to improve its look, you can use magnetic options to level up the door's appearance. For example, adhere magnetic handles to the door. These small accents can change your garage door drastically and make it look much more expensive than it might have been originally.

Make the Most of the Last Days of Summer

As temperatures stay nice, you'll want to be outside more often. Even as you enter autumn, you may want to enjoy the crisp outside air and prepare for the fun holidays. The days will shorten soon, so you have to enjoy the sunlight while you can.

The best way to ensure your household gets the sunshine it deserves is to transform your space into a welcoming, exciting one. With just a little extra work, you'll develop a home and yard you love to spend time in, no matter the season.