Top Sumer Home Improvement Projects

Summer has arrived. That means you need to prep your home for the heat and long days. Here are some helpful home upgrades that will help you beat the summer heat:

#1 Think about natural air with ceiling fans.

Depending on where you live, your utility bill could skyrocket over the summer with the use of your A/C system. To avoid this, consider investing in ceiling fans. Fans are a great way to cool your home during the day with airflow. You can also keep your fans on at night to filter in the cool air. The cost of a ceiling fan is about $240, though you need to consider additional expenses like electrical wiring.

#2 Upgrade your windows.

During the summer, old windows can make a difference in your utility bills and temperature of your home. If your windows have improper sealing and cracks in the frame, your bill could increase from all the escaping cold air. Keep your cool air indoors with double-paned, energy-efficient windows. Updated windows also help to block the home-heating sunlight from coming inside.

#3 Scrub the pool clean.

You’ll want to take advantage of your pool during the summer heat. But before you jump in, make sure your pool is clean. If you want to DIY your pool maintenance, expect to pay:

• $7 for a skimmer
• $8 for a pool vacuum
• $10 to $80 for a pool filter (if your old one is worn down)

Chlorine and other water-cleaning chemicals are an additional cost. Be sure you’re familiar with pool maintenance before you begin your prep.

#4 Get rid of those pests.

Pests are out in force during the summer. While you can set temporary traps for most household vermin, permanent solutions are always best. Call in an exterminator for long-lasting pest prevention. Exterminators have equipment and chemicals that can take care of your problem. Be sure to keep children and pets away from treated areas.

#5 Renew exterior surfaces with power washing.

During the fall and winter, your home’s exterior endures a lot of inclement weather. Snow, hail and ice weathers your deck, siding and porch. With summer ensuring mostly sunny weather, think about renewing these areas. The best way is with a power washer that can blast away grime from any surface. A pressure washer will cost anywhere between $180 and $381, though you can also rent a washer and do some of the work yourself.

#6 Restain the deck and fence.

It’s important to keep your wood deck or fence properly stained. Staining helps to protect against pests and damage from climate conditions. For hardwood fencing and decking, restaining can make a huge difference in how long the wood lasts. Restaining is a simple DIY job and costs very little. The results are worth your investment and time.

Conclusion

Preparing your home for the summer can be quick, simple and show immediate results. The summertime home upgrades listed are just some of the projects you might consider. Some additional updates might include painting your interior, sprucing up your landscape or replacing your HVAC system with a more efficient model. It all depends on the time and money you want to spend to be ready for summer.