Kitchen & Bathroom Design Blog

Summer is here! While many of us will be spending our time outside in the company of others, it’s also a perfect time to get started on a home renovation project. The warmer, more comfortable weather makes it the perfect time to make changes to the interior and exterior of your home. Check out these renovation projects that are perfect for the summer season.

Add a Deck or Porch

An outdoor space is a perfect place to spend time with family while also being a spot to host parties and outdoor gatherings. A deck or porch can enhance the enjoyment of your home by adding an additional space for you to relax and take in the summer heat. It’s also a very customizable project, allowing you to find the perfect size, shape, and color that matches your design style. A deck or porch also adds instant value to your home. If you’re looking for a material to use, try vinyl decking. With this type of decking, there’s little to no maintenance, it’s impervious to pests, resistant to rotting, and doesn’t require frequent painting or staining. Installing a deck should be handled at the beginning of the summer. This’ll ensure the building process is done with enough time left during the summer months for you to enjoy.

Install a New Roof

Installing a new roof not only will keep your home protected from the outdoor weather, but it also will help keep your home cooler and more energy efficient. Roofing technology has come a long way, and new techniques in the creation of shingles and tiles help extend the life of your roof. When picking a material for your new roof, consider using a tile that helps reflect the heat. These tiles will help keep your home cooler and help save you money on your monthly energy bill. An old roof may be faded, dirty, and show signs of wear and tear that can hurt the curb appeal of your home. A fresh new roof will make your home stand out amongst the crowd, increasing the value in the process. If a new roof isn’t a financially viable option, you can always look into a reflective seal that gives you the benefit of a cooler home while not breaking the bank. You can also consider a home equity loan to help finance your project as you can deduct the interest when used for home improvements. This loan is ideal for many homeowners taking on a more costly renovation who have built up equity in their home over the years.

Install New Windows

Single pane windows not only have a hard time keeping the heat out, but they also struggle with keeping the cool air inside. Installing energy-efficient windows can help decrease your utility bill and also keep your home at a cool and consistent temperature during the hot summer months. Making this renovation during the summer is ideal as you won't have to worry about the frigid temperatures or snow when completing the project. If you’re looking to avoid the various loud outdoor summer noises, invest in some custom windows that have sound reduction capabilities. With these new windows in place, the outdoor noises won’t interrupt some much-needed downtime after a long day outside. Finally, new windows have improved impact resistance that can help protect your home from accidental damage such as a falling tree branch or a rogue baseball.

Replace the Siding

Another project that can help improve the look and energy efficiency of your home is replacing the siding. Old, worn-out siding can hurt the overall appearance of your home and decrease its value if you’re looking to sell. Similar to your roof, siding technology has drastically improved over the years and newer materials are stronger and better than ever. Some materials, like vinyl siding, offer UV resistance which can extend the life of the siding as the harsh UV rays will take longer to break down the material keeping your home looking brand new. When installing new siding, you can increase the overall insulation of your home. This’ll make sure all of the warm air stays out and the cool air stays in making your home more comfortable and energy-efficient. New siding also protects your home from major weather and wind damage. Some materials can even protect your home from over 180mph winds!

Add a Fresh Coat of Paint

One of the easiest and financially viable ways to renovate your home is to add a fresh coat of paint. Most of the time painting can be done without professional help and can be completed on a weekend. If you focus on one room at a time, you can have the whole house painted in a month. If you’re looking to keep your home cooler, invest in lighter colors. The lighter colors will reflect the heat back outside while warmer, darker colors tend to trap the heat inside. Lighter colors also help put you in a good mood and make the room feel larger due to an increase in light dispersal. A new coat of paint also gives you an added layer of protection against moisture. Moisture can lead to a build up of mold and mildew which can cause extensive damage to the interior of your home. A fresh coat can help seal in the moisture and prevent this type of damage from happening in the first place.

Install a Fire Pit

The best place to spend time with others is in front of a roaring fire with a s’more in your hand! A fire pit adds an additional space to spend time with family and guests. It also adds an aesthetic appeal to your backyard while also increasing its overall functionality. You can buy a pre-made fire pit or you can find an open space in your yard and do it all yourself! Make sure when you’re installing the new pit that there’s enough clearance between the pit and the house to guarantee there's no accidental damage to the exterior walls. There’s nothing better than sitting down with the family in front of the fire after a long summer's day. 

Summertime is the perfect time to start on those house projects you’ve been wanting to do. Create a plan and take your time so you can spend as much time as you can enjoying the warm weather. Take a seat, grab a s’more, and relax!