Want to make the most of summer’s extra hours of daylight? Take advantage of sunny weather by tackling a few home improvement projects that you’ll enjoy all year long. Ahead, we’re rounding up a few tasks that can add value to your property and make your space more enjoyable.
1. Clean the Roof and Gutters
Although it’s not something you need to do often, taking the time to clean off your roof and gutters is an important part of extending your home’s longevity and keeping it tidy. Debris, leaves, dirt build up over the year and can clog up gutters—and that can lead to water damage and even leaks. Prevent potential issues by ensuring rainwater has the space needed to flow away from your home.
Typically, the end of summer or fall is a good time to do this to prepare for winter weather, and then again in the spring. If you have many trees near your house, you may need to ramp up the cleaning to every three months. This task isn’t for the faint of heart, however. Always take safety precautions and use a sturdy ladder.
2. Clean Your Front Door to Remove Any Mold/Mildew
Your front door serves as your home’s first impression for guests. And because your door faces a range of wet, humid weather (especially in the summer), mold and mildew can build up on the door's surface, making it look dingy and unattractive.
Instantly make your home more inviting and boost curb appeal by giving your front door a good scrub. A simple solution of water and mild soap is likely all you need to effectively clean the door. For stubborn stains, try a mixture of vinegar and water. IMPORTANT: Don’t forget to dry the door thoroughly with a clean towel to remove remaining moisture and prevent water damage.
3. ....Or Paint It A New Color
Is the stain and fading beyond the help of a good cleaning? A fresh coat of paint can do wonders for your front door.
Opt for a bold and vibrant color to make a statement or choose a more subtle hue for a timeless, inoffensive look. Don't forget to check your door’s material first to ensure you’ve prepared and finished the surface appropriately for a long-lasting finish.
4. Update Your Plain Mirrors
When the heat of the day builds up and you’re looking for a project that involves being in an air conditioned house, this is an easy one to knock out. If your bathroom still has builder-grade, unframed mirrors, or if you’ve noticed desilvering around the edges, it's time for an upgrade. Luckily, you don’t have to splurge to replace the entire mirror.
Use Add A Frame® to bring a boring or aged mirror back to life! Choose from 80+ frame styles to get a custom look that will instantly elevate your bathroom. Not only does this simple addition add a touch of sophistication, but it’s also a cost-effective solution to a bathroom makeover. Installation is easy! Peruse all frame styles now to find one that works with your bathroom decor.
RELATED READ: (Practical) Tips to Read Before Renovating Your Bathroom & Closets
5. Upgrade Your Outdoor Lighting
From your patio to your front porch, proper outdoor lighting can do everything from enhance the ambiance during late summer BBQs to improve the safety and security of your home.
Solar-powered lights illuminating your pathways and exterior are attractive, and they can also mitigate stumbles and trips as the day gets darker. Outdoor string lights and fairy lights can make evening entertaining even more magical. And, now’s a good time to check that your security lights still function—motion-sensored or manually operated.
6. Organize Your Garage
It feels like no matter who you are and how you operate your home, the garage becomes a universal dumping ground for clutter. In addition to looking disheveled, a disorganized garage makes it hard to actually find what you need or have space to accomplish any task.
Crank up a big fan, blast some music, and settle into organizing. Install shelves, hooks, and storage cabinets to keep things off the ground as much as possible, and you’ll be amazed how much space you can free up.
Ready to roll up your sleeves, get creative, and transform your home into a beautiful and functional space this summer? With all of these updates checked off your to-do list, your home will feel completely refreshed for the new school year.
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