Are we excited for summer in Colorado? You bet! Get ready to explore the incredible outdoors, catch up with friends, and savor the breathtaking sights of our mountains. Let's make this season one to remember! If you are looking for some inspiration, take a look at these 8 home improvement ideas, guaranteed to make your house shine:
1. Pressure-Wash Outdoor Areas
Winter can leave all sorts of muck on your home's exterior and outdoor areas. When the warmer weather hits, consider it your cue to start pressure washing!
A pressure washer is the ticket to get it sparkling clean again - and you can rent one at your local hardware store or rental place, such as:
Make a note of what repairs are needed as you clean your siding. Arrange to have them fixed before they get worse or cause expensive damage.
Pro Tip: Remember to prioritize pressure settings - lower for delicate surfaces like wood decks or painted sidings and then direct the spray downward to avoid forcing water into cracks or seams.
2. Clean Your Gutters
Cleaning out your gutters is essential for proper roof drainage and preventing costly repairs. When clogged, gutters can cause serious issues, including roof leaks, water damage, and an increased risk of pest or mold infestations.
Safety Tip: If you must climb a ladder to get the job done, use an extension ladder rather than a stepladder for more stability. Ensure the ladder is locked into place before going up or down, and check the ladder's balance before placing your weight on it.
3. Give Your HVAC Unit a Quick Tune-Up
Check (or clean or replace) those filters!
To check, simply remove the filter and hold it up to the light. If light passes easily through and it's semi-transparent, you're in good shape. If light barely passes through and it looks dirty, then it's time to replace the filter.
Pro Tip: Use a filter with a MERV 10 or less rating and change your filter every month. Think “Filter on the 1st” or “Filter on the 15th” to get on a monthly schedule.
4. Build a (She) Shed
Optimize your home with a spot to store your bonus lawn equipment by building a shed in your yard. Whether it’s a simple roofed structure for storage, a workshop, or a full-blown she-shed, a shed on your property helps increase its value!
Check with your local authorities before putting in your shed, as building codes and ordinances may vary. If you need professional guidance, our team is only a call away!
Once you have the go-ahead, pick a convenient spot in your yard and prepare a solid foundation – then it's time to shop around for your shed kit or custom building plans!
What’s a “She Shed”? Like a man cave, a “she shed” is a place a woman can retreat to for alone time - usually, a small building placed in the backyard.
5. Refinish Your Deck
If you are looking for one summer home improvement project that will pay off, give your deck a fresh paint job or new stain ahead of summer entertaining!
Refinishing your deck will make it look cleaner and help reduce cracks and rough areas to make it more enjoyable for those who like to go barefoot. Start the project today to ensure your outdoor space is ready for all your summer visitors.
Proper prep is essential to a beautiful finish, so take the time to clean the surface before you begin.
6. Spruce Up Your Garden
Planting a garden is an excellent way to spruce up the exterior and make your house look spectacular. Gardening not only helps to create beautiful spaces for all to enjoy, but it's also a relaxing hobby!
You're not too late if you haven’t planted anything new this year. Determine which plants will thrive on your property by searching your Plant Hardiness Zones (5b for Denver area) and checking out your planting calendar!
Use this reference to help you get started: Zone 5 Planting Calendar.
7. Give Your Furniture a Facelift
There are plenty of ways to breathe new life into your decor. Here are a few to get your ideas flowing:
Clean it up! Give your furniture a good scrub, especially the ones outside.
Paint patio furniture to make it look new! If it has cushions, replace the slipcovers for the same effect.
Embellish dull surfaces or shelves with fabric or wallpaper.
Repurpose pieces - create a new table out of an old door, convert a set of drawers into shelves. The possibilities are endless!
Switch up the hardware to add new interest to old pieces.
8. Lighten Up The Place
Transform your yard into a dreamy oasis perfect for hosting with outdoor lighting! With the right outdoor lights, creating that unique atmosphere is a breeze. Get creative and highlight your favorite elements - you'll love the ambiance created with new outdoor lights.
There are many options for outdoor lighting fixtures, and each brings its own appeal - string lights, spotlights, step or railing lights, surface mount lights, garden lights, lanterns, etc.
Whatever your style, remember to consider the following elements when choosing your outdoor lighting:
Durability - Are fixtures wet or damp-rated?
Your power source - If possible, opt for hassle-free solar charging lights
LED vs. incandescent
Intended location
Light colors and intensity
Cost efficiency
Pro-Tip: As a standard rule, look for products with an IP rating of IP45 or higher when purchasing outdoor lights. IP65 provides the highest level of protection against outside elements.
And with that, we’ve reached the end of our 8 summer home projects ideas. But there are so many more just waiting to be thought up! This summer, make home the place of your dreams with a bit of elbow grease and creativity.
Make sure everything stays in tip-top shape all year round with our Seasonal Home Maintenance Checklist.
Want to take your summer refresh to the next level? Get in touch with our team today to discuss your improvement wishes. We’re ready to help you renew your space and renew your life!
