The summer is the perfect time to dive into some home improvement projects. Not only are the days longer and the weather nicer, but many homeowners also enjoy more free time during this season to get to work around the house. So what should you do to boost the aesthetic and functionality of your home? Here are five tips for improving your home this summer.
Clean Out the Gutters
Along with the quintessential summer showers and thunderstorms come backed-up home gutters. Dirty gutters can lead to costly water damage. The most sure-fire way to avoid broken and damaged gutters is to clean them at the start of the summer.
Be sure to clear out both the gutters and the downspouts. You are going to need a sturdy and extendable ladder in order to reach the top of the gutters. Keep in mind that cleaning gutters is a dirty job, necessitating that you dress appropriately and wear rubber work gloves. After you have removed all of the debris from the gutters, you need to spray it down with a water hose. This will ensure that all leaves, grime, and bugs have been removed.
HVAC System Maintenance
This is also a good time to perform any necessary HVAC maintenance. Chances are, you will be using your air conditioning system a lot during these months. Savvy homeowners give this unit some attention at the beginning of the summer to make sure that it is ready to handle the rigors of the season. You also need to change out the filters so that the unit does not have to work as hard to cool your home.
While you are tuning up your air conditioning unit, be sure to give a little TLC to your furnace as well. It is always a good idea to change your furnace filters regularly so that this unit is ready to function at optimal levels when the weather cools down again.
Consider Your Windows
The right window treatments can go a long way in keeping your home cool during the dog days of summer. There are a number of additions that you can add to your windows to deliver this cooling effect. Additions to consider include blackout curtains or motorized rolling shades. These treatments will work to keep the home cooler, block out UV rays, and improve the styling of your home.
If you cannot afford to replace your treatments or if they are still working great, you should at least consider cleaning the windows. A professional window cleaning will make a world of difference in the overall aesthetic of your home. You may not even realize how dirty your windows are until they are clean and sparkling.
Purge and Organize
If you did not get around to spring cleaning this year, you can still harness the warmer weather to get this done. Start this process by tackling your bedroom closets. If there is an item that you have not worn in a year, now is the time to consider donating or tossing it.
When cleaning out your pantry and refrigerator, be sure to carefully check all of the expiration dates so that you can dispose of the old food. Other areas to purge and organize include junk drawers, bathroom cabinets, storage areas, and the garage.
Spruce Up the Yard
The summertime weather lends itself to spending a lot of time enjoying your yard. In order to fully enjoy your outdoor oasis, you need to spend some time sprucing up your surroundings. Start with checking off some basic lawn and yard maintenance tasks. Weeding, refreshing any mulch or bark, and adding some new flowers or plants are all good ways to get started on making this area more enjoyable.
If you have the budget to add a few elements to this space, consider a fire pit, new patio furniture, or some type of outdoor kitchen device. Good ideas include a smoker or a pizza oven. You will be more likely to spend time outdoors heading into the fall if you put a little time and effort into boosting the functionality of this space this summer.
You will feel much better about the state of your home heading into the fall if you perform these five tasks in the coming months.
