9 summer home renovations you can finish in a weekend
The word “renovation” can be a bit of a snitch, because many home improvement projects take weeks or even months to finish. However, there are many smaller-scale renovations that you can complete in a weekend or less.
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If you’re looking to get your home ready for the summer months ahead, but don’t want to spend a lot of time on a large-scale project, consider one of these renovations that can be done quickly.
Paint or stain fences
“Painting or staining your decks or fences is the best renovation you can do as a homeowner over the weekends,” said Tony Adams, home renovation expert and founder of DIYGeeks.com.
Now is the perfect time to tackle this project, Adams said, as dry weather is ideal for dry times, and longer daylight hours mean more time to get it done.
“A fresh coat of paint can dramatically change the look of a home, giving it a vibrant summer light,” he said. “Painting is a cost-effective renovation that provides a high return on investment, enhancing property value and reducing curb appeal. It’s a practical and effective way to renovate a home for the summer season.”
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Install window screens
With utility costs soaring, you may want to rely more on fresh air than air conditioning this summer.
“Installing window screens is a great DIY project to do once the weather starts to warm,” said Guy Sanders, owner of Castle Dream Construction. “Screens are a great way to let fresh air into your home while keeping bugs out. Windows screens won’t give you a huge return on investment, but they are worth the cost.”
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Install new exterior doors
This is another home renovation project that can help you save on utility costs.
“The greatest weekend renovation a homeowner can do to prepare for summer is installing new, high-quality exterior doors,” said Thomas Borcherding, owner of Homestar Design Remodel. “Think of your home’s exterior doors as an extension of an insulated wall. Installing energy efficient exterior doors can save you huge amounts in terms of energy bills. The average return on investment for replacing exterior doors is 65%. Be sure to take advantage of tax breaks Offered in your area as well.”
Re-cover your landscape
A little prep work now can have your garden looking great all summer long.
“Renovating and renovating your landscape mulch is an easy project that can be done in a day or less, depending on the size of your yard,” said Keith Saint, real estate professional and founder of Kind House Buyers. “Not only will it give your garden a fresh summer look, but it will also help maintain moisture in your garden beds and protect plants from the summer heat.”
Install outdoor lighting
“Installing outdoor lighting is a great way to create ambience and make evening entertaining easier during the warmer months,” said Sant. “You can install a few fixtures for a minimalist look or use hallway lights, accent lighting and more.”
Depending on the light you want to add, you may be able to do this renovation yourself, though some jobs may require a professional.
“Low-voltage fixtures are relatively easy to install, although an electrician may be needed if you need to run wires underground,” Sant said.
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Install the patio
Installing a custom patio will likely take longer than a weekend, but if you choose a pre-made patio, it can be done in a matter of days.
“You can find pre-made patios at home improvement stores and they are relatively easy to install with a few basic tools,” said Sant. “This project will take two to three days to complete depending on the size of the yard, and is a great investment that can add value to your home in the long run.”
Replace ceiling fans
Older ceiling fans may look outdated, and they may not be as effective as newer models.
“Consider upgrading your ceiling fans to more efficient, more modern models,” said Ray Brosnan, contracting expert with Brosnan Property Solutions. “Look for fans with adjustable speeds and built-in lighting fixtures for comfort and functionality.
He continued, “Ceiling fans can help circulate air, keeping you and your family cool while reducing reliance on air conditioning.” “Not only will this energy-efficient upgrade save you money on your electric bills, but it will also make your home more comfortable during the summer months.”
External pressure wash
“A universal pressure wash is a quick and reliable way to spruce up a home’s exterior,” says Kelly Sullinger, professional house flipper and owner of Georgia Fair Offer. “It effectively removes dirt, mold, mildew, and other debris, improving the overall appearance and preserving the life of the home.”
He said that this project is particularly suitable for the warmer months as favorable weather conditions allow homeowners to work comfortably outdoors.
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Install a programmable thermostat
“Installing a programmable thermostat may seem like a daunting project, but fortunately there are many options available today to make this an easy weekend upgrade,” said Derek Schairer, director of homebuilding partnerships at Opendoor. “A programmable thermostat allows you to easily set your home’s temperature so you can control the air conditioner in the summer (and the heat in the winter). Today, many programmable thermostats can be controlled from a phone or computer.”
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 9 Summer Home Renovations You Can Finish in a Weekend
