There are a few home upgrades that you can do to your home to make your summer much more enjoyable. The good thing is that some are not that costly, and some are DIY. You can also opt to splurge and give your home a complete makeover. Discussed below are some ways that you can get your house ready for summer in Chicago.
Repaint the House
Whether you are repainting the same color or you feel like changing things up, a fresh coat of paint can transform your house. It is one of those simple things you can do that will significantly impact how your home looks. If you are painting the exterior of your home, avoid doing it when the weather is hot. Because the surface has already absorbed heat, it will make your job difficult. When painting the inside, if there are walls exposed to direct sunlight, they should also be painted when the weather is a bit cooler. The color you choose can have an impact on how one will feel when inside the house. If you want to keep it simple, painting the house white is a great choice. It also makes space appear bigger than it is.
Another color that most homeowners have been embracing is beige. It is a good choice, especially if you have furnished a room with natural wood accents. For people who do not enjoy subtlety, there is a ton of bold colors you can paint your home. However, it is best to consult an interior designer or research how you can make the color look less shouting. It can be through painting one wall or how you furnish the house. Painting is a simple DIY project that you can do by yourself with a bit of guidance. However, if you do not want to get your hands dirty, consider hiring house painters to do the job.
Repair or Replace the Roof
Another way to get your house ready for summer is by either repairing or replacing a roof. You can look up the average cost of new roof to do some baseline research. Most roofs have a lifespan of about 25-30 years, depending on your maintenance habits and the type of roof. Damages are common because of harsh weather conditions beyond one’s control. However, you also need to know when to repair and when to replace. Instead of calling a roofer, you can inspect yourself and see the extent of the damage. Some common roof repairs that you may notice include broken or missing shingles, water damage, and blistering. When you notice such damage with a roof over 30 years, it is time to consider replacing it with a new roof. A roofer will tell you that at this point, repairs will probably cost https://halifaxartfestival.com/tramadol you more in the long run than simply replacing. The average cost of a new roof is around $8000, but it can vary depending on the roof you are getting for your home. Maintaining your roof by doing timely repairs and cleaning it will make your roof last longer. Also, if you have the necessary skills, you can do the repairs yourself and save on that cost. However, ensure you practice safety.
Remodel Your Kitchen
Often you will hear people comparing the kitchen to the heart of a home. Many activities can be centered around the kitchen, like eating, hanging out with friends, or bonding with the family while cooking. If you feel that your current kitchen design is not doing you justice, you may need to do some upgrades to transform it. You can start by upgrading your old appliances. Modern kitchen appliances come with better features like energy efficiency and better functionality. Another upgrade that you should consider is expanding your kitchen. This can be done by removing the wall bordering the kitchen, dining room, or living room. It will open up space for more lighting and make it appear bigger than it is. Your kitchen cabinets are essential as well. If you are looking for a simple transformation, repainting them will do the trick. However, for something grander, you can replace your traditional cabinet with something more contemporary. When replacing the countertop, a common choice for a homeowner is quartz countertops. They come in a variety of colors and are easy to maintain.
Get Your HVAC System checked
The last thing you want during summer is a faulty AC. Therefore, when preparing your home for summer, you want to ensure that it is working. Before you start checking for anything that needs repairs, you should practice safety by first switching off the unit. The filters need cleaning and replacing if they are to be efficient. Dust and dirt tend to build up, blocking airflow. Replacing should be done at least once a month, especially if your home has multiple people and pets. Some people let plants grow near the unit outside to cover it up as they argue it tampers with their homes curb appeal. Note that the condenser unit needs to be free of anything that may block airflow. If there is a shrub around it, cut it to about three feet. Also, ensure that you clean off any dust, leaves, or debris gathered around it. Use your garden hose to remove the accumulated dirt. While cleaning your AC unit may be easy, it is better to contact an HVAC technician in case of technical repairs that you do not understand.
Get Rid of Pest
Summer can bring pests with it, causing discomfort both outside and inside your home. One major way to protect your home from pests is by maintaining cleanliness. Get rid of any clutter lying around your house as it could be a breeding ground for pests, especially mosquitoes. Make sure to remove old tires or anything that may attract them and cut any long grass in your compounds as I could be a hiding ground for some pests. When it comes to inside the house, empty the trash bin as often as possible and close the lid tightly. Do not leave food uncovered as it may start attracting roaches and flies. If you have pets in the house, clean them as well. Ticks and fleas will comfortably make a home on your pets’ fur and start breeding. There are several affordable pest control methods to use to get rid of the bugs. You can buy a pesticide that can kill multiple types of bugs rather than one or plant a few bug repellant plants in your gardens like Lavender and Marigold.
Remodel Your Bathroom
Another home improvement that you can do while preparing for summer is upgrading your bathroom. After a long hot day, it feels nice to retreat to your well-designed bathroom for a relaxing shower. As you remodel your bathroom, you need to factor in the layout and space. If you are looking to expand the bathroom, you can borrow space from the adjacent bedroom, closet or hallway. If expansion is not an option, you have to utilize the space you have to make it efficient. To create more space, start by adding recesses, including recessed lights and recessed medicine cabinets. Also, get rid of the bulky vanity and replace it with a shallow wall cabinet. Make your bathroom stand out, and consider using glass accessories as they make your bathroom appear more prominent. For instance, you can replace the shower curtain with a sliding bathroom door and use a glass soap dispenser at the sink. If you want to maintain some privacy and at the same time accessorize your bathroom with glass, get a frosted glass instead of a clear one. Another way to remodel your bathroom is by replacing a tiled wall with wood panels. The walls do not have to be tiled from floor to ceiling, and a wood panel will create a warmer ambiance in the bathroom.
Pressure Wash Your Home
Spring and Winter can do a number on your home’s exterior surfaces, reducing the appeal of your home. However, with the warm weather approaching, you may consider power washing your house for a clean and neat room. With the many activities planned for summer, like hosting friends, cooking outside, and chilling with the family, you want to ensure that everyone will enjoy themselves to the fullest. Spring rain and warm summer weather can be a perfect environment for mold and mildew to grow. Not only are they unsightly, but they can also be harmful to your health. Since they are also slippery, they can lead to accidents. Power washing your home will help get rid of them. It also is easy to see if any damages that need repair after washing your home. It is when you will notice a cracked driveway, a broken siding, or peeling paint. When repairs are done early, you can prevent further damage to your home.
Upgrade Your Windows
Start by replacing your old windows with energy-efficient ones. Most people do not realize that their windows contribute to their energy bills. A more convenient way to save energy is by using window treatments. However, note that they come in varying types, and you also have to factor in the season and climate as you look for one to reduce your energy bills. The common window treatments that most homeowners use are curtains and drapes. However, there is the option of using blinds and window quilts to block sunlight and darken the room. Solar shades have also become popular when trying to filter the amount of light getting in the house. In a generation where more people are conscious about preserving the environment, solar shades are suitable. This is because you can find solar shades made of biodegradable material with a lifespan of around 20 years.
Enhance Your Landscaping
There are many ways that you can enhance your landscape while prepping your house ready for summer. You may want to start by maintaining your lawn. Keep the grass short and in good shape by watering it and adding fertilizer. Your kids and pets will enjoy the summer more when they have a well-maintained lawn to play and relax. If you want to get the kids out of the house, consider building your patio. It is an outdoor space that all family members will enjoy even when the sun has set. For homeowners with gardens, you will need to attend to it. The summer heat can be rough to the plants, and some might even die, especially if they were yet to mature. Purchase bulk mulch and pour it into your garden. It will help maintain moisture in the soil and minimize the growth of weed. Also, to make watering the plants more effective, do it when the weather is cooler. You can also improve your landscaping using light. Get fixtures that complement the style of your home and provide sufficient lighting at the same time.
Check Your Plumbing System
Everyone knows the benefits of an efficient plumbing system at home and how a faulty one can be stressful. Whether it is accessing clean water or getting rid of wastewater, your plumbing system needs to be in great shape. There are daily maintenance habits that you can do which will help your system serve you for a long time. They include cleaning the drain and selecting items you allow to pass through it. This will prevent your sinks from blocking. Leaking taps and faucets are also common, and if left unattended, you can find yourself with a high water bill. However, by simply tightening them, you can solve this problem. Most houses located far from sewer pipes usually have a septic tank installed in their homes to manage wastewater better. If your home is one of those, you will need to contact your local water service often. They offer sewerage service, which includes the collection, treatment, and disposal of the sewer.
When getting your house ready for summer, start by making a list of improvements you want to make. After that, separate projects that you are confident you can DIY. This will save you some cash. Whatever is too technical, please leave it to the professionals to avoid any damages.
