Summer Home Improvement Project Survival Guide

Home improvement projects are grueling tasks at any time of the year but summer home improvement projects present unique challenges. Between the uncertain weather, the pests and the neighbors kids anything can happen, and usually does. Taking just a few precautions can make sure that any summer home improvement project you plan goes as smoothly as possible.

If your summer home improvement project is going to be done outdoors there are several precautions you need to take to make assure your success.

Check the Weather

1) Make sure there is no rain in the forecast or that there isn't a stretch of triple digit weather in the next few days. Give yourself as many fair weather days in a row for your summer home improvement project as possible.

2) Plan for the weather report to be wrong. The weather man isn't always right so just in case have tarps ready if a random sun shower decides to crash your summer home improvement project. Having a small tent to cover supplies and expensive equipment is always a wise idea.

Take Your Time

1) Plan for enough time to complete your project - then double it. Nothing ever goes as planned. If you think your summer home improvement project will take three days plan for six.

2) Make sure that your helpers can allocate the needed time as well or plan for multiple shifts just in case the summer home improvement project runs into over time.

Prepare Yourself for the Weather

1) For outdoor summer home improvement projects make sure you are dressed in cool, loose fitting clothes. Wear sun glasses and cover yourself in sunscreen.

2) Have a small pop-up tent or beach umbrella to do your work under if your summer home improvement project will fit under it.

Stay Hydrated

1) Keep plenty of cool drinks on hand. Stay away from the sugary stuff and lean towards water, lemonade, or iced tea. Alcohol and power tools don't mix so keep the beer for the summer home improvement project completion party.

2) A small kiddy pool or lawn sprinkler you can jump in or flip on when needed for a fast cool down is a smart investment. Nothing refreshes you more than a quick dip to cool off!

Indoor Projects

1) Indoor summer home improvement projects have special needs as well. When dealing with things like paint where fumes will be an issue make sure there is proper ventilation. Open the doors or windows where appropriate for your summer home improvement project. Don't forget to turn off the air-conditioning before you do though!

2) When opening all the windows is not feasible make sure you have several fans directing the air to any windows or doors you are able to leave open. A few fans forcing fresh air into the space as well as out at the same time make the best air flow for summer home improvement projects that may produce toxic fumes.

Enlist Enough Help

1) Plan on having an appropriate number of helpers - then shoot for twice that amount. Ask everyone to bring a friend if possible.

2) Letting people know that even a few hours a day is helpful may get your more volunteers for your summer home improvement project. You can get ten people to volunteer for two hours at a time faster than you can get five people to volunteer for fours hours each. Take advantage of even the smallest offers of help and it will add up quickly!

Have the Proper Tools

1) Make a list of tools that people are willing to lend for your use or bring along to use themselves. If one drill is handy then four will be outstanding. Planning for more than you need is a great way to take advantage of the small delays that happen by allocating people with tools to do small side jobs while you wait.

2) Planning for enough vehicles is also wise. Having friends with trucks to help move supplies is a great plus! Ask them to bring their rig along when they volunteer and you have a bonus source to haul supplies if needed!

Play it Safe

1) Having children underfoot when you are trying to do a summer home improvement project is never a good idea. Plan for someone to watch your children, and those any volunteers have to bring with them, in a safe place on the property. They can even take them on a field trip to get them out of your hair. When the kids are enjoying a day at the zoo they can't run into you and accidentally knock a power tool out of your hand!

2) If pets running around may cause a problem arrange to have them boarded at the vets or send them to your friend's house for the duration. Doggy daycare is an excellent option as well.

Taking these few precautions will help you start out your summer home improvement project on the right foot. They will help you avoid many of the pitfalls that can keep you from completing your summer home improvement project on time and in a safe manor!