If the longer days and warmer weather have you feeling motivated to tackle some DIY projects around your house, you’ve come to the right place: we’ve pulled together a checklist of home improvement projects to tackle before summer.
From freshening up your home’s exterior to revamping your outdoor areas, our checklist covers all the little projects that will help make your home look better and feel more inviting and comfortable. So roll up your sleeves, grab your tools, and get ready to make your home the place you want to hang all summer long.
• Freshen Up Exterior Paint: Take a quick look at your home’s siding and trim. Is the paint flaking, cracking, or bubbling? Do you see scuff marks or water damage? If so, it’s time for a fresh coat of paint. You can stick with the same color scheme you currently have or breathe new life into your exterior with a fresh new color that complements your landscaping and architectural style. Not sure what to pick? Classic white will never go out of style, but if you want a palette that’s a little more on-trend, check out this round up of paint options from the National Association of Realtors.
• Recaulk and Weatherseal Doors and Windows: Caulking and weatherstripping around windows and doors keeps your home snug and efficient. But over time, these materials can deteriorate, leading to drafts, leaks, and energy loss. Before hot summer days are here, carefully inspect around windows and doors (don’t forget the garage door, too!) and replace any worn or damaged caulking and weatherstripping. It’s a simple job that will improve energy efficiency, cut your heating and cooling bills, and make your home more comfortable all year long.
• Clean Gutters: We can’t say it enough: gutters play a crucial role in directing rainwater away from your home's foundation and preventing water damage to your roof, siding, and landscaping. But if they become clogged with leaves, debris, and dirt they can't do their job, leading to potential issues all around your home. Before summer storms hit, make sure to clean out your gutters and downspouts—read this article for step-by-step directions on how to clean them. Once they’re clean, you may want to install gutter guards to stop them from getting clogged again.
• Spruce Up Outdoor Living Spaces: During the summer, your yard becomes an extension of your living space. Make it a place you enjoy gathering by giving decks, patios, and porches a quick revamp. Start by power washing surfaces and outdoor furniture to get rid of dirt, leaves, and muck that collected over the winter. Clean up the flower beds around your outdoor spaces so they’re neat and tidy and plant colorful annuals in pots and hanging baskets. You may also want to consider adding decorative elements like throw pillows and outdoor rugs to outdoor “rooms,” and create cozy gathering spots with a fire pit or seating area.
• Get Your AC Ready for Summer: Who wants to spend the summer in a sweltering hot house? Get your AC ready for hotter days ahead to make sure it’s ready for the job of keeping your home cool. For a whole house unit, schedule a tune up with a professional maintenance service: they’ll come in and clean or replace the air filter, check refrigerant levels, lubricate moving parts, and inspect the ductwork for leaks. (If they find any leaks, you can insulate them with duct wrap.) If there are any shrubs or vegetation around your unit, they may advise you to trim it back to ensure proper airflow. If you cool your home with window units, before installing them you’ll need to clean and replace the air filter on each unit (our washable and reusable filters make this task a breeze) and spray the coils with our Air Conditioner Foaming Cleaner to remove dust and debris. As you install each unit, make sure it’s mounted securely; you can add side panels or support brackets to ensure a more secure fit. As a final step, add weatherseal to stop warm air from entering through gaps around the unit.
• Install Window Screens: There’s nothing like balmy summer breezes to make your home smell fresh and welcoming—so make sure each window has a good, workable screen so you can throw them open and let the fresh air in and keep the insects out. Start by giving each screen a thorough cleaning to remove any dirt, dust, and debris that built up over the winter. Use warm, soapy water and a soft brush or sponge to gently scrub both sides of the screens. Rinse the screens with water, then let them thoroughly air dry before reinstalling them. While you’re cleaning, inspect the screens for any damage, such as tears or holes, and repair as needed using a patch kit or replacement screening material. Once cleaned and repaired, reinstall the screens securely in your windows. If you don’t have screens or if they’re damaged beyond repair, pop a B. Marvin Adjustable Window Screen into the window—they’re an affordable option that makes it easy to enjoy fresh air all summer long.
