If you’ve been thinking of starting a home improvement project this summer, don’t delay! The cold weather will be back before you know it. There’s no better time than during the warmer summer months to work on outdoor projects (or indoor projects that require a well-ventilated workspace). Summer home improvements can range from small repairs to major remodelling projects. All of these projects require that you invest varying amounts of money to complete them but will ultimately enhance the overall value of your home. Here are just a few home improvement projects that we think are perfect for summer.

Replacing Windows

Old windows can be a significant cause of heat loss during winter. The longer you wait to replace them, the more you will be paying in heating costs. When you replace your windows, you can also find a new window style that uniquely suits your home and budget by choosing a more energy efficient option. Some more energy efficient styles include windows with multiple panes of glass for better insulation and low-E glass windows which have special coatings to reflect infrared light and keep the heat inside in the winter and outside in the summer.

Re-Siding Your Exterior

Old siding often develops rot, mould and mildew over time which make a new paint job insufficient for addressing the problem. Also, if your siding has loose or missing boards your home is likely less weather resistant and (like old windows) this can contribute to higher heating costs in the winter. The consistently warm weather that comes with summer makes it the best time to take on this outdoor project. When you decide to re-side your home, not only will it make your home look brand new but it will offer structural benefits as well.

Replacing Your Roof

With the heavy snowfalls we get in Alberta your roof has probably endured a lot over the winter. The average roof last 15-20 years before it needs to be replaced, if you’re in that window of time or over, we suggest you consider replacing your roof this summer. Some other indicators that your home needs a new roof are: if your shingles are curling, missing, cracked or covered with moss, if you notice your roof is sagging at all, or if you can see any sunlight from your attic.

Installing New Countertops

As an indoor project, a kitchen renovation like replacing your countertops might seem like something you could do any time of the year. However, because the old countertops need to be moved out and the new ones moved in this can be an extremely difficult task to complete during the winter when sidewalks are icy and the air is frigid. The best signs that it is time to replace your countertops are when your countertops no longer match the design of your kitchen, are too difficult to maintain and/or are damaged beyond repair. However, before you go shopping for new countertops, do some research and have a good idea of what countertop best suits your kitchen work habits, the care involved for the material and proper measurements so you can estimate material costs.

Paint Your House (Interior and/or Exterior)

Painting a house is one of the fastest ways to increase both its value and aesthetic appeal. This is probably the easiest way to update the look of your home in the least amount of time. Aside from picking the perfect colour, the next hardest decision is whether to hire a professional painter or do it yourself. If you do it yourself you will eliminate the labour costs but don’t underestimate the time commitment and amount of work involved.

Summer home improvement projects are all about updating the look of your home and preparing it structurally for the fall and winter months. If you put the time and money into any of these projects, they will likely add significant value to your home, and some will help you save on energy in the long run. Not all of these projects will apply to you, and you don’t need to worry about all of them! We hope our list of ideas has inspired you for your summer home improvement project and helped you become more aware of ways you can increase the value of your home this season.

Check out some of our home improvement projects in our gallery.

Have a home improvement project in mind for this summer? Contact us!