It’s that time of year again, right between the sweltering dog days of summer and the frostbite-ridden cold spells of winter. While a good home is sturdy and durable, they’re not invincible.
Homes require regular maintenance to stay in top shape to provide comfort while you’re there and to get top-tier offers when you’re ready to sell. But which projects require attention now, and which ones can you leave for next year?
From replacing gutters and shingles to installing residential solar panels, it seems like there’s plenty to do this season. Keep reading to discover the top five home renovations and upgrades to make before summer comes around.
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Repainting
Whether it’s interior or exterior paint, various factors make it fade much quicker than anticipated. For example, temperature fluctuations and light from bulbs contribute to fading paint indoors. At the same time, sunlight and UV rays create faded spots on your home’s exterior.
Painting the exterior and front door is one home improvement job you can take on now without breaking the bank. It’s not only cost-friendly, but it also immensely boosts your home’s curb appeal and value.
While many homeowners take on the job themselves, it’s recommended to work with a professional. That way, you get an even paint job that doesn’t chip apart after two months. You can also follow this link synonyms for unique.
Replace the Windows
Windows typically take the back seat when it comes to projects for homes. However, they’re one of the hardest working installations. They take on sweltering heat and bugs in the summer while keeping out the piercing winds during winter.
To help your windows do their jobs more efficiently, check for any signs of damage. That can include a rotting frame, air leaks, cracked weather stripping and poor insulation.
One issue that often goes unnoticed until it’s too late is an air leak. A surefire method to test for an air leak is to use smoke. But when you do this, you must close all windows, doors and switch off any combustion appliances. Before lighting an incense stick, the last step on the list is to turn on any vents or fans that can create negative pressure and draw the air out from the room.
Finally, hold the lit incense stick and watch for the smoke to be pulled towards you to determine where an air leak is coming in from.
Upgrade Flooring
While most home upgrades often focus on the exterior or energy efficiency, one renovation that can transform the entire feel and look of your home is flooring installation.
Flooring can become outdated or damaged, especially after seasons of wear and tear. Not only is upgraded flooring aesthetically pleasing, but it also plays a pivotal role in enhancing the overall value of your home. With options ranging from elegant hardwood to durable ceramic tiles and versatile laminate, there’s a flooring solution to fit every homeowner’s taste and budget.
Before summer, consider collaborating with professional flooring contractors to revamp the floors, ensuring they are installed perfectly and last for years.
Fix the Roof
Your home’s roof goes through a lot during winter. One problem homeowners face when temperatures start to rise slowly is snow melting and leaking through cracks. That ultimately leads to wall damage and even flooding.
While it might not have presented an issue last year, repeated cycles can contribute additional cracks to your home’s foundation.
There’s really only one solution to this problem – sealing any cracks and ensuring good drainage. Angle the gutters to direct any melted snow away from your house. To be thorough, you can also use caulk and sealer to reinforce your foundation to prevent any potential floods.
Install Solar Panels
Before you reinforce your shingles, this might be a good time to shop solar kits. People mistakenly think that solar panels don’t work too well in cloudy conditions.
While that may have a grain of truth to it, the fact is that a solar cell can still convert indirect sunlight into electricity you can use. Even during harsh winters, solar panels work perfectly and actually end up being more efficient due to the cold.
However, because of the shorter days, there is a decreased amount of output. Luckily, if you install a grid-tie solar kit, you’ll likely have more than enough electricity to go around.
A grid-tied solar system involves the panels connecting directly to an inverter.
When there’s any excess, it turns back the electricity meter. However, most kits also come with backup batteries to store excess electricity to use as needed, in addition to turning back the meter.
Fix the Gutters
Gutters must be checked periodically, regardless of the season. Similar to the problem with melted snow, a drain that doesn’t work correctly damages your foundation, windows and siding.
A few key points to check for include any bent gutters, signs of rust or mold and cracks. If your gutters need replacing, you can choose from either a half-round or K-style.
In older homes or home, you’ll likely come across half-round gutters. K-styles have gained popularity in newer homes for their aesthetic look because they resemble trims.
Getting Started
If you have a long list of home projects to complete, getting it all done in the next few months may not be possible. This is especially true for larger projects like installing a solar panel and repainting your home’s exterior.
Best practice is to focus on the tasks that need immediate attention, like damaged gutters and calling in professionals to help out. While it may seem cost-friendly to do it alone, it’s much more beneficial to delegate some more complex tasks.
The last thing you want is to get it all done, only to have problems down the road because the gutter wasn’t installed correctly.
