Summertime is Home Improvement Time
As soon as the sun starts peeking out a little bit more and the winter seems long gone, Canadians across the country and ready to enjoy the new season! It’s a long winter season and now that the snow has finally melted, it’s the perfect time to start those home renovation projects you’ve had on the backburner. Whenever you renovate any part of your home – inside or outside – it can add value to your property. Here is a closer look at some of the best home improvements you can make to your home this summer that will not only make your property look better, but increase its value at the same time.
Summertime Home Renovations
The summer is short in Canada so most exterior renovations can only been done during a small window of time. The best way to make sure you get these projects completed on time is to plan ahead. During the winter, plan out exactly what you would like to do and start calling around to book whatever professionals you may need to help you out. Summertime is the perfect time to invest in your home and make your space exactly what you want it to be.
Summer isa short season in Canada but it is very popular for renovations. It can be tough to get a hold of supplies and to hire professionals during this very busy time so we highly recommend getting everything organized and planned out earlier on in the year.
Summertime Renovation Ideas
Not sure where to begin? We know – planning a major home renovation project can be challenging and overwhelming. Here are some of the best home renovation ideas we think should take priority during the summertime. You can always renovate the kitchen or the bathroom in the winter, but some things need to be fixed at the beginning of summer. Here’s what you should prioritize for your summer renovation project:
Redo or Build a Deck
If you picture yourself sitting in the perfect patio oasis this summer, a deck is a major must-have. If yours is rotting or damaged, the very beginning of the warmer season is the time to get going on it. A patio deck can add so much value to your home by creating a warm and inviting backyard space that’s perfect for entertaining. If your deck is in good shape but is looking a little ragged, you can always strip down the wood and re-stain or varnish it. This can breathe new life into your deck and make it look brand new. If you’re planning to sell your home, revarnishing your deck is an affordable way to add curb appeal to your home without breaking the bank.
Concrete Fixes
The concrete siding of your home can start to crack after several years. This is a common occurrence and unfortunately, the only thing you can do is have it repaired every so often. Concrete cracks can lead to dangers for children and pets. Cracks in the siding of the home can create just enough space for pesky rodents to sneak into your home. It’s good idea to make arrangements for your concrete siding and other concrete areas of your home to be fixed as soon as the snow melts.
Vinyl Siding
The vinyl siding of your home can also start to come loose or even come apart after a long winter. It’s a good idea to have it repaired before the next winter begins. The damage can get worse every year and the cost to fix it can grow exponentially. It’s always wise to make small fixes annually than it is to wait for major repairs. You can leave this for the end of the summer to ensure it is secure for winter but if you plan to entertain out back and find your broken vinyl siding to be an eye sore, best to fix it sooner. Vinyl siding can be repaired quickly and is generally affordable. This can help maintain the value of your home or even add to it. If prospective buyers find the vinyl to be ripping down, they may not want to purchase at all or may request a discount.
Painting the Walls
Painting the inside of your home can make it look fresh and clean. It’s a great way to start the warmer season. This can be done any time of year but the advantage of doing it in the summer is that you can get rid of all the scuff marks made during the winter and you can open the doors and windows to get the paint to dry quicker and keep the house from smelling like fresh paint! Freshly painted walls are a quick and affordable way to make your home look more desirable to prospective buyers s always give it a coat of fresh paint before you list it.
Clean the Gutters
You can’t imagine what has been collecting in your gutters after a long, harsh winter. You really have to see it to believe it. Getting your gutters cleaned every year is a great way to maintain your home, keep it looking clean, and ensure you don’t get stuck with any major, unexpected roofing repairs. The springtime is the best time to get this done. It’s much easier for you or a professional to get there to clean the gutters and they can actually stay clean from debris for a while.
Built-In Fire Pit
Fire pits are becoming more and more common these days and with good reason. They make for such a cozy space and make those summer nights of entertaining much more comfortable. A built-in brick fireplace can cost more than a mobile one, but it looks absolutely stunning and it adds value to your home. Investing in quick changes that add elegance to your home is always a good choice for increasing the value of your home.
What Does Your Patio Need This Summer?
If you’re looking to build a patio oasis for you and your family, there are a few things you will definitely need to get your hands on. Her are our top recommendations for your patio project this summer:
A Gazebo or Pergola
Adding a gazebo or a pergola to your home is a relatively affordable addition to your backyard and it can increase the value of your home if it’s in good shape and looks nice. Pro tip: consider getting an aluminum gazebo or pergola over a wood one as it can withstand the winter better and still look beautiful year after year.
Add a Pool
Building an in-ground pool can add tremendous value to your home. It’s certainly an expense but unlike many other expenses, it’s an investment. The value of your home will increase instantly after you add a pool. Plus, you and your family can make the most of the summer with it, too. You won’t regret adding a pool to your backyard projects this year.
Add Stone Pathways or Patios
Using stone to create space for your patio table or lawn chairs can really add value to your home. It offers a very refined look and can make your home look picture-perfect. Landscaping work in your back and front yard is part of the process oof keeping your home looking its best. Stone blocks are expensive and so is the labour to get them out in. Again, this is an investment in your home that you will get back when you eventually sell your property.
Summertime Home Renovation Tips
Renovating in the summer can seem like a great – and it can be. But only if it’s done right. There are some beginning home renovation mistakes you can make that will end up costing you money instead of adding value to your home. Luckily, we have all the tips you need to complete the perfect home renovation projects without falling victim to common mistakes.
When in Doubt, Hire a Professional
Yes, you can certainly save a lot of money by DIYing a lot of home renovation work. But if you don’t have the expertise, the experience, or the right tools to make it happen, its best to hire the professionals. Not only can you get seriously injured if you don’t know what you’re doing, but you can also lose out financially. Improper work can be hazardous and you will need to hire a professional eventually to help you fix what you botched.
Take Your Time
Make a list of all the amazing projects you’d like to realize around your home and then split them up over a few years. Good things take time and you can’t do it all in one shot. One summer is definitely not enough time to redo your backyard, fix the roof, renovate the kitchen, and replace all the blinds and shades. It’s also very overwhelming for your budget. Instead, be patient and take your time. You don’t want to be stressed out because that’s when you’ll make the wrong decisions or trip up and make costly mistakes.
Invest in the Right Tools
If the project you’re working on calls for a mitre saw, get a mitre saw! Using the wring equipment for a job in an effort to save money isn’t a good idea. You can get seriously hurt using the wrong tools for a project. Instead, purchase, borrow, or consider renting the correct tools. This will make the job easier and safer and allow you to complete the work properly. Every job calls for the right tools!
Don’t Patch It
If something is breaking down and needs to be repaired, don’t simply patch it to save money. This will lead to costlier fixes in the future and will actually decrease the value of your home. Proper maintenance of your home will keep its value as high as possible. Fix whatever needs to be fixed properly and if you are able to do it yourself, hire professionals to get the job done, right.
Consider Functionality Over Aesthetics
We all want a picture-perfect backyard to hang in, but before you invest in the look, be sure you invest in function. Is the roof in need of repair? That’s a major renovation that should be handled way before putting in a pool. You can get to aesthetics eventually. Be sure the home is safe and well-maintained above all else. This will add value to your home and save you on major repairs in the future. Never neglect serious issues that need your attention around the house.
Don’t Overdo It
Modernizing your home can add value but some things can be over the top and you will never see that money. Be sure to stick to things that make your affordable for the size that it is. Having the most expensive marble columns in a home that is very tiny will make it unaffordable for the size that it is. Renovate with a future buyer in mind. Who would benefit from the home improvements you want to make and what would they be able to afford? You want to improve it but within reason. Look for add-ons that are functional, stylish, and that appeal to shoppers in your area.
How to Budget for Home Renovations
If you are planning to renovate your home, you will need a healthy budget to complete your projects. The best way to avoid getting into debt is to plan ahead and budget for your work. Unexpected costs are a big problem and can lead to unexpected debts. Creating a budget will help you keep control over how much is spent and will limit the unexpected. Here are our best tips for budgeting for your home renovations accordingly:
Create a Spreadsheet
List all the fixes you want to make and then get an estimate for each project. Expenses should include everything: tools needed, professional services needed, etc. Once you have all the estimates, you can calculate what the cost of your project will be and you can easily see which areas to cut if the work is over your budget.
Add 20%
When you collect estimates, add an extra 20% to your totals. This can account for any surprises that pop up along the way – and they will! It’s better to overestimate what you’ll need than it is to underestimate. Underestimating your costs can lead to debts you didn’t expect.
Shop Around
Once you get an estimate for one thing, get a second and third price for other places. This will help you land the best deals so you don’t overspend and don’t get caught spending more than you need to. Shop around for professionals, tools, supplies, and anything else you may need to complete your home renovation projects.
How Can I Find the Funds to Invest in My Home?
You may not have $50,000 on hand to repair your home – who does these days? But home repairs and renovations are essential to protecting your investment and that money will one day make its way back to you – and then some – when you sell. A mortgage is considered good debt to have. It’s ok to have debt that isn’t consumer debt (like on your credit cards). If you are working on some home renovation projects this year, you can always remortgage your home to get access to the funds you need to finance your renovations.
If you are concerned about having bad credit, you can consider applying for a bad credit loan from direct lenders like Cashin24, Canoco Consulting, BHM Financial, and other lenders who do no base their decision to loan you money on your credit score. If you have collateral or equity in your home, you can easily qualify for a bed credit loan to realize all of your renovation projects and build your dream home. Turning your current home into your dream home is easier than you think! You won’t regret the decision to invest in your home.
Is It Worth It to Invest in My Home?
It’s nearly always worth investing in your home, but especially right now. The current housing market is very high, which makes moving into a new home unaffordable for many Canadians. Investing in your current home is cheaper than moving into a bigger home at the moment. Plus, investing in your home is an investment in your future. The money that goes into your home will come back to you when you eventually do sell and downsize in your retirement.
Investing in your home is important and also necessary. With the warm weather coming, it’s time to start planning your own summertime home renovations and improvements. You can repair the parts of your home damaged by the winter, build the perfect patio for those unforgettable summer evenings, and get your home into top shape for listing it on the market during the busiest season of the year. There’s no better time than summertime to turn your current home into the home of your dreams.