Home improvement is something every American homeowner has to deal with at some point in their lives.
Nearly 15% of homeowners are expected to spend between $5,000 and $10,000 on home improvements in a given year. Some people might spend a lot more than that if they’re doing a kitchen remodel or putting an addition to their home.
The point is, home improvement costs a lot of money, so you want to be sure you’re spending your money wisely. Home improvement projects should add value to your home so that the ROI comes right back should you decide to sell. They should also make sense of your current needs as a home owner.
In this post, we’re going to help you out by telling you six home improvement projects to tackle this summer. We understand how overwhelming it can be to look at an older house and try to figure out where to start. Read on and you’ll have the inspiration to turn your house into your dream home.
1. Add a New Deck
Replacing your back deck is the perfect summer renovation project because you can do it yourself and it can transform how you use your outdoor space. A good deck is a place where you want to spend time with your family on summer days and nights.
They’re also great for entertaining. If you’re someone who enjoys having friends over for a BBQ or a pool party, you need a spacious deck for guests to lounge on.
You can build your own deck for less than $1,000, but there are plenty of amazing local landscapers that can help as well. If you’re at a loss for how to design and build one, consult a builder who can help you envision your space a bit better.
2. New Roof
Your roof is your first line of defense against everything from rain showers and snow to falling branches and animal infestation. It’s responsible for a lot and it gradually deteriorates as a result. The average asphalt shingle roof lasts between 25 and 30 years, so long as it’s well-maintained.
If your roof is getting on in age, or you’ve noticed signs of deterioration (missing shingles, moss/algae, etc.), it might be time to get it replaced. The summer months are a great time to do this because it’s more hospitable for workers. Other homeowners will have this idea too, so make sure you book in advance.
When selecting new roofing materials, consider the overall look, as well as durability. A slate or metal roof might cost a bit more right now, but you won’t have to replace it for up to 50 (or more) years.
3. Solar Panel Installation
When it comes to the value of adding home improvements, you can’t do much better than installing a solar panel. Solar panels have come way down in price over the last 10-15 years, but many homeowners haven’t quite realized just how affordable they are these days.
If you care about lowering your carbon footprint and want to lower your monthly bills in the process, solar panels are the way to go. In a matter of days, you can consult with a contractor to get solar power installed in your home and start enjoying the benefits.
We understand that the up-front price tag can still feel a bit daunting, but there’s more than meets the eye with diesel. Once you learn more about the federal solar tax credit, as well as the state and local rebates, you quickly realize that the break-even point on solar panels is only a few years.
They carry great ROI as well. If you decide you want to sell, buyers are going to be heavily enticed by your solar panels, which should help drive up the price tag of your home.
4. Kitchen Renovations
Kitchen renovations are among the best home renovation projects because they add so much value to your home. That being said, your kitchen is easily the most expensive room in your home to remodel, so you’ve got to be ready to spend the big bucks.
Summer is a great time to renovate your kitchen simply because it’s easier to get out of the house. Your building crew is going to be in your kitchen all day, every day for a week or two, so your home will be a bit of a mess until they’re done. Doing it in the summer makes it easy to escape outside while the work is happening.
5. Swimming Pool
A good home makeover doesn’t necessarily have to involve your home at all. It’s the summer, so what better addition to make than a swimming pool?
If you’ve got kids, this is one of those no-brainer home improvement ideas, but it’s not just for kids. Swimming is one of the healthiest activities for your body and mind, so having your own pool is like adding a spa to your home.
Before you break ground on the pool, make sure that you understand all of the upkeep involved. Pools are renowned for being tricky and sometimes expensive to deal with. Someone has to make sure it’s clean and that the filters are changed, or else it’ll become more of a hindrance than a joy.
6. Install Flower Beds
Another way to improve your outdoor space and give your home a bit more curb appeal is to install garden beds in your front and backyard. Flower beds are an easy way to breathe life into your home and completely transform the way it looks and feels.
Landscaping can be a lot of work, but it’s also really rewarding. You can also use garden beds to plant vegetable seeds and turn your backyard into your very own small farm. There’s nothing more rewarding than growing your own vegetables from seeds.
This is a great DIY project that you can do at the start of the summer. All you really need is a bit of lumber and a drill, then you can fill your beds with soil and get planting.
Choose Your Home Improvement Projects Carefully
These are some of the best home improvement projects you can tackle in the summer. We hope we’ve given you the inspiration to boost your home’s value while making it a more enjoyable place to spend time with your family and friends. Choose one or two of these projects and improve your home during these beautiful summer months.
If you liked this post, come back again for more on home improvement and finance.
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