Summer Home Improvement Projects For Fun in the Sun

Summertime is the perfect time to complete some home improvement projects around your house. Whether you're looking to update your décor or make some much-needed repairs, there are many great summer home improvements that improve your life and increase your property value. Use the warm weather and long days to get your home in tip-top shape for the summer months.

Create a Backyard Oasis

Of course, summer is a great time to go to the beach or lounge by the lake. But, if you're looking to beat the crowds, you can still enjoy the outdoors by creating a backyard oasis.

Outdoor living areas are a great addition to any home. Not only do they provide extra space for entertaining, but they can also add value to your home. Some estimates show that a well-designed patio can add 8-10% property value and can have a greater than 80% ROI. Whether it's a wooden deck or a stone patio, hardscaping is a must-have for every backyard event.

If you're looking for a summer project that will pay off in the long run, there are many delightful backyard home improvements that come at all price points.

If you're looking for the ultimate outdoor addition, you can install an above-ground swimming pool. A pool will not only make your backyard the envy of the neighbourhood, but it can also serve as a great workout space and entertainment area. Pools come in all shapes and sizes, so you can find one that fits your budget and your backyard space.

Adding a backyard kitchen is another excellent way to improve your outdoor space. Not only will a backyard kitchen make it easier to entertain outdoors, but it can also be a great place to cook on warm summer days.

There are many different types of backyard kitchens that you can choose from. If you're looking for a simple and affordable option, you can install a built-in grill. If you're looking for something more luxurious, you can opt for a full outdoor kitchen complete with a sink, refrigerator, and storage space. No matter what type of backyard kitchen you choose, be sure to include plenty of backyard furniture!

You don't have to break the bank to make your backyard the go-to spot for summer fun. Playing in the sprinklers, setting up a DIY slip-n-slide, and exploring the wildlife and nature in your backyard are all low-cost ways to enjoy summer at home.

Take Care of Pests

While days of summer can be fun and carefree, it's also a time for increased pest activity. Unwanted visits from deer and insects can cause unfortunate property damages. Luckily, there are a few pest remediation tips that can keep your yard and home pest-free.

Deer

Deer are beautiful to see. However, they're less welcome when they start chewing up your prized garden. Consider planting deer-repelling plants to keep them at a preferable distance. Junipers, lilacs, elderberry black lace, and barberry can act as deer repellent.

Mosquitos

Summer is the time for outdoor fun. But, it's also the season when pesky mosquitos come out to feast. To keep them at bay, avoid keeping any standing water in your yard. If you have a bird bath, think about swapping it for a model with a fountain. Be sure to empty any buckets and keep an eye out for irrigation issues that pool-up water.

For backyard barbecues, citronella candles and torches are a stylish, non-toxic way to keep the mosquitos away.

Wasps/Hornets

Few things will chase your backyard fun indoors faster than persistent wasps. If you're dealing with wasps or hornets in your yard, getting rid of them should be at the top of your summer to-do list. Make sure you get to the root of the problem by finding any hidden nests in hollow spaces under the deck, eaves, or on your roof. You can also use a faux-hive that will draw them in and trap them.

Consider Xeriscaping This Summer

Xeriscaping is a type of landscaping that focuses on using drought-resistant plants. This type of landscaping is an excellent way to reduce water usage without compromising curb appeal. Choosing hardier, drought-resistant plants can reduce your water usage by 50-75%. If uprooting your entire yard isn't feasible, try just xeriscaping your yard in small sections at first.

Pare Down Your HVAC Spending

Hot summer months make it easy to run up expensive air-conditioning bills. But, you can do a few things to ease the load on your HVAC system and save some money this summer.

First, take advantage of the cooler night temperatures by opening your windows. You can also use fans to circulate the air and keep your home cool. If you have a ceiling fan, make sure it's spinning counter-clockwise, so the blades push the air down. For inexpensive DIY A/C, fill a bucket with ice water and set it in front of a fan. You can also fill a sock with rice, tie it off, and put it in the freezer. After a few hours, you'll have a long-lasting ice pack.

The summer is also a great time to get caught up on HVAC maintenance. Be sure to change your air filter and have your system serviced by a professional. Regular maintenance will help your HVAC system run more efficiently and can prevent costly repairs down the road.

Take Advantage of the Warm Weather

Warm weather might overwork your HVAC, but you can also take advantage of it to reduce your reliance on other high-use appliances.

For example, save money in the kitchen by cooking most of your meals outside on the grill. Not only will this free up your oven, but it can also be a fun way to change up your meal routine.

You can also save money on laundry by hanging your clothes up to dry. Not only is this a more energy-efficient way to dry your clothes, but it can also help them last longer. The sun and fresh air can work wonders in removing wrinkles and freshening up your clothes. Just be sure to check the forecast before you hang anything out to dry. You don't want an unexpected rainstorm ruining your laundry!

There's Plenty of Summer Fun at Home

Summer is a great time to take on home improvement projects. Whether you want to create a backyard oasis, take care of pests, or consider xeriscaping, there are plenty of ways to make your home more comfortable and enjoyable this summer. And don't forget about your wallet – many of these projects can help you save money on your energy bills. So get outside and get started! Have you tackled any home improvement projects this summer?