Summer is the best time to get outside and accomplish those home improvement chores. With ice, snow, and cold weather out of the picture, the season provides ideal circumstances for most renovations, whether inside or outside.
Home Improvement Project Ideas to Tackle This Year
Unsure of where to start? Here are some ideas to inspire and get you going!
Replace Siding
Over time, aged siding develops rot, mold, and mildew, making it challenging to paint. Also, missing or damaged boards diminish your home’s weather protection and lead to increased energy bills.
Replace Old Windows
You do not want to cope with a chilly, drafty dwelling and soaring heating costs when the winter season arrives. Replacing old windows in the summertime ensures you avoid such a situation. In addition, new windows improve your home’s curb appeal.
Reseal Your Asphalt Driveway
You can extend the lifespan of an asphalt driveway by resealing it.
Revive or Add Outdoor Decking
Summer is all about outdoor activities and living spaces, so adding a deck to your home is a fantastic idea. Plus, installing a hardwood deck will dramatically raise the value of your property.
If you already have one, touch it up. Porches and decks suffer significantly during the harsh winter months.
Build a Shed or Convert an Existing One into a Living Space
If you cannot fit your car in the garage, it might be time for a storage shed.
If you already have a shed, but it is not being used, you can convert it into a home office or a guesthouse.
Replace Gutters
Sagging or leaking gutters require replacement to effectively direct water away from your roof and home’s foundation.
As a bonus, you will be pleasantly surprised by how much new gutters improve the appearance of your home.
Replace Your Roof
Delaying a new roof increases the risk of water damage, which exacerbates leaks and mold.
Painting
Painting a house increases its value and curb appeal quickly. Nothing else can make a property presentable in such a short time.
When to Hire a Contractor
Start planning as soon as possible if you want to take on one of these projects this year. A project requires careful preparation, so contractors will not begin immediately.
Therefore, hire a contractor a month or two before you expect to start the project. You should anticipate waiting three months for all-out renovations and half that time for more minor projects.
Choosing a Professional Contractor
The Contractors Association of Minnesota (CAM) is a great place to start your home-improvement-project contractor search.
Choosing a CAM contractor gives you peace of mind knowing other contractors trust them, that they are local, have a longstanding presence in the area and have outstanding company ratings. In addition, using a reputable contractor protects you from liability risks.