So, summer is finally at our doorstep and it’s the ideal time to get started with some (long overdue) home maintenance and landscaping projects. Are you looking to spruce up your backyard? Or do you want to catch up on maintenance work that has been put off for a different day for too long? Whatever the case, this article will encourage and inspire you!
Don’t let this summer be just another lazy one, use the time you have to enhance your home and make it a better place. We’ll be looking at several really cool ideas to not only help you make your house look better but also boost its functionality and create an outdoor space that could be the envy of your entire neighborhood.
Ready? Let’s get started!
Storm-Proof Your Home
Storms are never fun and cause an incredible amount of damage and loss. Make sure you don’t suffer too badly if a storm rolls into your area by making sure you’re prepared. Begin by removing dead or overhanging branches near your home that could potentially fall on your house during a storm. Then, trim trees away from power lines to avoid power outages and damage.
Secure or bring indoors any outdoor furniture, grills, or other items that could become projectiles in high winds. Store them in a secure location or tie them down to prevent them from being swept away.
It’s also a really good idea to install storm shutters or reinforce existing windows with storm-resistant film to protect against strong winds and flying debris. Reinforce entry doors with heavy-duty deadbolts and install door sweeps to prevent water from entering. You can also add hurricane inserts to your home for added protection. Door glass inserts are designed to protect your house from windblown debris blowing through your door during a tropical storm or hurricane and shouldn’t be vulnerable to breaking off from the door during such a situation.
Remove Hazardous Trees
Removing hazardous trees is crucial for several reasons and you should definitely contact your local tree removal service providers when you have time. Hazardous trees pose a significant risk to people and property, and a tree removal service can help. Dead or structurally compromised trees are more likely to fall during storms or strong winds, potentially causing injuries, property damage, or even fatalities, which is why tree removal is important. By removing these trees, you reduce the risk of accidents and create a safer environment.
Also, trees with weak or diseased branches can easily break and damage nearby structures such as houses, vehicles, fences, or power lines. Falling branches or entire trees can lead to costly repairs or even render a property uninhabitable. Removing these trees helps protect your property from such risks.
Clean Your Roof
Your roof is one of the most important parts of your home, so if you’ve been procrastinating cleaning it, now’s the perfect time to finally get it done. Grab a high-quality roof pressure washer and dedicate an entire afternoon to cleaning your roof properly. You can start by making sure your roof gutters are nice and clean. Sure, cleaning the gutters is a pain in the behind and the furthest thing from fun, but it’s crucial for keeping your roof in good shape and protecting your home’s foundation. Debris, twigs, and leaves can clog your gutters and lead to water overflows, which, in turn, can lead to water damage in your home.
Install a Pool
It’s summer and what better way to relax than right next to your beautiful pool? Don’t have one? Then contact your local pool contractor as soon as possible so you can install one as soon as possible! In addition to offering you awesome recreational and relaxation benefits, having a pool can also help you become healthier. Swimming is a really good low-impact exercise that is also a full-body workout. You can enhance your flexibility, improve your cardiovascular health, and build your muscle strength if you swim regularly. Plus, a pool can greatly enhance the value of your home, which means if you’re ever going to sell, you’ll get to ask for a higher selling price.
Add New Plants
If you like spending time in your garden or really enjoy landscaping, you’ll love getting the opportunity to add new plants to your backyard this summer. Plants, especially well-chosen ones, can bring greater visual appeal and beauty to your backyard. They’re great at adding color, texture, and varying heights to your garden, creating an attractive and inviting outdoor space. You can choose plants with different bloom times to enjoy a continuous display of flowers throughout the seasons or select foliage plants for year-round interest.
And here’s a bonus that few people think of when planning to add new plants to their backyards: Plants play a vital role in purifying the air by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen through the process of photosynthesis. By introducing more plants into your backyard, you can contribute to cleaner air and create a healthier environment for you and your family.
Add Hardscaping
You can benefit quite a lot from adding hardscaping elements to your backyard, so contact a landscape architect as soon as you can. Hardscaping offers functional elements that can enhance the usability of your outdoor space. For example, features like patios, decks, or outdoor kitchens can create designated areas for relaxation, dining, and entertainment. If you want, you can design these spaces to accommodate furniture, grills, fire pits, or other amenities, allowing you to fully enjoy your backyard for various activities.
If that’s not enough to encourage you, hardscaping features can extend the usability of your backyard beyond the warmer months. With a well-designed outdoor fireplace, patio heaters, or pergolas, you can create a cozy and comfortable outdoor living area that can be enjoyed during cooler evenings or transitional seasons. This allows you to maximize your outdoor living space throughout the year.
Install a New Garage Door
If you’re hoping to improve your home’s value as well as aesthetics, reaching out to a garage door service for new garage door installation could be just what you need to do. A new garage door in the right color and with the right design can significantly improve the exterior appearance of your home. It’s one of the largest visual elements of a house and can greatly impact its overall curb appeal. Also, older garage doors may lack proper insulation, leading to energy loss and increased heating or cooling costs. Installing a new, insulated garage door can help improve energy efficiency by reducing heat transfer between your garage and the surrounding environment.
Install New Flooring
What better way to give your home new life than with new floors? Seriously, if you want your house to look and feel basically brand-new, get in contact with local flooring installers and start planning the best floors for the look you want. Installing new flooring can increase the value of your home as well, so if you ever sell, you’ll have more of an edge for selling at a high price. Potential buyers often view updated flooring as a desirable feature when considering a property. It can make your home more attractive in the real estate market and potentially lead to a higher selling price if you decide to sell in the future.
Replace Missing Roofing Shingles
Your roof’s shingles serve as a protective barrier against water intrusion. When shingles are missing, damaged, or compromised, it creates openings in your roof, leaving it vulnerable to leaks. Water can seep into your home, leading to water damage, mold growth, and structural issues. Replacing missing shingles helps maintain the integrity of your roof and prevents water-related problems. Taking good care of your roofing shingles can also help preserve your roof and home’s structural integrity. Team up with local roofers to take care of this home maintenance.
Create Outdoor Living Spaces
With more outdoor space, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to entertain and enjoy the warm weather. The best part? It means less work for you! By creating outdoor living spaces, you can minimize the amount of grass you need to take care of. Plus, decks are a fantastic low-maintenance option to consider. So kick back, relax, and make the most of your outdoor oasis! You can create the most interesting and relaxing spaces with just a few chairs, cushions, and creative thinking.
Build a Strong Foundation
It’s super important because it keeps your house structurally sound and helps with long-term maintenance. Make sure to give your foundation some love by regularly inspecting it. Keep an eye out for any cracks, settlement, or signs of water sneaking in. Oh, and don’t forget to check for uneven floors, doors or windows that stick, and any gaps between walls and the foundation. Catching these issues early on can save you a lot of trouble down the road.
To keep water at bay, consider applying a waterproofing membrane or coating to the exterior foundation walls. It’s like giving your foundation a shield against water infiltration and preventing pesky issues like basement leaks or mold growth. If you’re not sure about the application process or what would work best for your foundation, it’s always a good idea to consult a professional. They’ll make sure it’s done right and super effective.
Maintain Your HVAC System
Your HVAC system is an essential component of your home that can significantly impact your comfort during the summer months. Checking it regularly should be a part of your summer home maintenance checklist. Start by changing the air filters to ensure that the system is running efficiently. A dirty filter can make your system work harder, causing your energy bills to skyrocket.
Next, inspect the ductwork for any leaks or tears. Damaged ducts can cause air to escape, making your system less efficient, and increasing your energy bills. You can seal any leaks by covering them with mastic or duct tape, but don’t make that a permanent solution.
Seal Windows and Doors
Sealing up those windows and doors is a total game-changer. Not only will it help you keep that precious cool air inside, but it’ll also save you some serious cash on those AC bills. Win-win! First, take a look at your windows and doors. Keep an eye out for any sneaky cracks or gaps that need some attention. Grab some trusty caulk and fill up those little gaps around the window frames and doors.
Now, if you come across some larger gaps, don’t fret! You’ll need weatherstripping for those babies. Head on over to your local hardware store and grab some. It’s super easy to install and will do wonders in keeping the cool air in and the warm air out.
Build a Shed
Want to add some extra value to your home and have a lovely spot to store your lawn equipment? Well, building a shed in your backyard is the way to go. Check out shed designs online and you’ll see they don’t have to be dingy-looking little buildings that detract from the area around them. In fact, they can be pretty good-looking and offer lots of neat storage space. Before you start building a new shed, though, it’s always a good idea to check with your local authorities. You know, those building codes and ordinances can be a bit different depending on where you live. You need to make sure everything’s in order before you start hammering away.
Once you’ve got the green light, it’s time to find the perfect spot in your yard for your shed. You want it to be easily accessible, so you can grab your tools without breaking a sweat. And don’t forget to prepare a solid foundation too. It’s like giving your shed a sturdy base to stand on so it can last for many years and always look as good as you want it to.
And that’s a wrap! Hopefully, this article has ignited your inspiration and got your creative gears turning for your summer home maintenance and landscaping projects. Remember, the key is to have fun while improving your living space and adding a touch of your personality to it. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box and try something new. With a little bit of elbow grease and a whole lot of enthusiasm, you’ll soon be enjoying the fruits of your labor. So go ahead, grab that shovel, paintbrush, or garden gloves, and let your imagination run wild.
