Summer isn’t just for barbecues, vacations, and backyard lounging — it’s also the perfect season to tackle exterior home improvement projects.
The warmer, drier weather makes it ideal for outdoor work, and improving your home’s exterior can boost curb appeal, energy efficiency, and even resale value.
Whether you’re looking to make your home more functional or just want to give it a fresh look, here are seven of the best exterior projects to consider this summer.
1. Replace or Recycle Your Siding
Your home’s siding wears out over time. Damaged, broken, or worn-out siding won’t only make your house look run down but also can lead to costly water and pest issues.
Summer is the ideal season to install new siding. When complete replacement is not required, power washing and painting can restore siding so it looks as good as new. You can contact a contractor specializing in exterior projects, like siding, to get some help.
New siding may provide additional insulation, lower your heating and cooling bills year-round, and ultimately save you money.
2. Upgrade Your Outdoor Lighting
Good lighting isn’t just about lighting your yard — it’s also about contributing to safety, security, and style. Summer evenings are ideal for nighttime entertaining outside, and good lighting can enhance the ambiance and functionality of the outdoor living space.
You can install options like solar-powered walkway lights, motion-sensitive security lights, string or fairy lights for ambiance, and LED deck and stair lights for safety.
Not only are these options energy-efficient, but they also can change the appearance of your home at night.
3. Get a New Front Door or Garage Door
Your front entry door is the focal point of your home’s exterior, and a new door can make a good first impression. Lighten things up with a new door, new hardware, added insulation, and a dash of color. If new doors are too expensive and won’t fit your budget, a coat of paint and new hardware can work wonders.
Ensure you assess your garage door as well. Getting a new one or painting the existing one can boost your home’s curb appeal.
4. Construct or Redo the Patio
A patio or deck is a summer must-have. If you have a patio or deck, inspect for nails, loose boards, or deterioration. Sealing or staining the deck will prevent the sun and water from destroying it and further deteriorating in condition.
If you have not yet constructed one, summer is the perfect season to do so. It can help create a more functional outdoor living space and boost your home’s valuation.
5. Landscape for Curb Appeal and Function
Landscaping will directly impact curb appeal, but that’s not all. It can also play a practical role by improving drainage, preventing erosion, and even offer more privacy.
Functional landscaping suggestions include things like the following:
- Plant water-conserving or native vegetation to reduce water usage
- Apply mulch around garden borders to prevent weeds from growing and to conserve water
- Make raised beds for vegetables or flowers
- Plant shrubs or trees to provide shade
Creative landscaping adds beauty and value to your property, so it’s a worthwhile project.
6. Replace or Fix Your Roof
Some of the signs that you need to replace your roof include missing or curled shingles, attic or ceiling leaks, granules in gutters, and sagging.
If replacement isn’t required, getting your roof serviced or cleaned regularly makes sense.
7. Paint or Touch Up Exterior Surfaces
Paint is most likely the least expensive way to give your home’s exterior a facelift. Your house, front porch, trim, and shutters will receive a fresh new look from a coat of paint.
Use exterior-grade paint and utilize it for priming surfaces as needed. A neutral is safe, but choosing a bold color can add some personality. If a full-house painting project isn’t feasible, go with minor touch-ups. A little can go a long way.
Summer is the perfect time for homeowners to tackle exterior projects. From curb appeal upgrades to functionality-improving projects, these seven projects can help you add value to your home’s exterior this summer.
