Top Summer Home Improvement Trends

While not at the beach or on vacation, summer can be a great time to get a little work done around the house. Whether you are improving property value or just making your house a home, there is a lot to be done. When it comes to the nicer weather, most common improvements happen to the exterior of the home. You can improve the interior at any time, but the exterior can only be done in the right weather. This is the main reason that as soon as the snow melts, most people start to fix up the outside. Not only does the spring weather make you want to be outside, but it also inspires many of us to start fixing the things that others see. Since exterior appearances are important to many of us and the fact that we value what others think about us, we put a lot into the exterior of our homes. Not only is it the first thing that you see when you get home, it also puts your personal stamp on the neighborhood. There are many reasons to fix up the exterior of your home. No matter what your reasons are, spring and summer are the times to get the outside of your home in top shape. In a recent trip to the Home Depot (mainly to get ideas on what to write about for this site), I started trying to find out what some of the top summer projects are by asking the employees and contractors in the area. Here is a list of the five most common summer fix ups they see on a regular basis.

Decks and Patios

One of the top all time summer projects is a new deck or patio. When it gets to be summer time, people think of barbeques and outdoor parties. Whether they are just family get-togethers or block parties with friends, neighbors, or coworkers, these bring about the desire to build a bigger and better deck. This is a fairly simple project that requires more time and effort than skill. It is also a great way to build experience in building. No matter what your motivation is to build a new deck, it is often stirred up around summer time. This project is best undertaken in the spring, but many of us do not think of it until the weather is better and we can spend those relaxing evenings on the back porch. If you start now, you can be the first on your block to unveil that beautiful, hand crafted masterpiece of summer enjoyment.

Swimming Pools

Nothing motivates a relaxing dip like warm weather. The impending heat of summer is a great reminder that swimming pools can increase your property value. The relaxation and enjoyment that you can get from a pool is another benefit of this project. While it may sound simple to install your own pool, they can be a little difficult and tricky. There is a lot of design and planning involved in them. One new trend that is coming about is sinking an above ground pool in the ground. You will not want it to be completely buried in the dirt, but putting one half way in the ground is a great idea that is much easier than a more permanent solution. If for any reason in the future you choose to remove the pool, it is much easier to take it out and fill in the hole than to get rid of a permanent one. Either way, this is a great idea for a summer home addition. This project is also one of the most rewarding to undertake. Just be sure you call the local utility company before you start digging. Nothing is more painful than breaking a sewer main on a hot summer day. Your neighbors will never let you forget that smell.

Barbeque Grills

Summer would not be complete without at least one grilling session. No matter what is on the menu, it always tastes better on the grill. From steaks, burgers, and sausages to tofu, corn on the cob, and fish, something about an open flame just says it is summer time. While a dollar store charcoal grill can do the trick, many home owners are turning to the permanent grills. These add a certain flare and ease to your backyard grilling sessions. If you cook out on a consistent basis, this may be the project for you. There are several different things you can do with a built in barbeque. It can also be easier and cheaper than some of the bigger, designer grills on the market.

Gutters, Roofing, and Shingles

The winter and spring weather can wreak havoc on your roof and gutters. This and the better weather in the summer combine to make roofing a priority for many people. Your roof is the most abused part of your home. It has to stand up to the rain, sleet, snow, and freezing temperatures that many winters bring. This all combines for some brutal damage to the shield of your investment. Taking care of your roof is one of the most important things you can do. This also includes getting the proper drainage. If your gutters are backed up, they can cause all sorts of problems for your home. This will let the water seep under your shingles and damage the wood below. It may be a hot and sweaty job that many of us dread, but it is a necessary evil.

Paint and Siding

Adding a fresh coat of paint or transitioning to vinyl siding is another popular summer project. The summer is the best time to freshen up the exterior. Since there is less rain in this season, it will allow your paint to dry evenly and properly. Vinyl siding can be a great alternative that adds beauty and value to your home. The ease of upkeep and ability to maintain its color speaks volumes for the benefit of vinyl. No matter which option you choose, the summer is the best time to touch up the exterior of your home.

There are several projects that anyone can undertake over the summer. This is the perfect time to take on a new project to improve your home. Not only can you improve the look of your home, but you can put a little of yourself and your family into it. Through these projects you can turn your house into a home. You'll at least have fun playing with power tools.